Todd Howard
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Starfield Director Says Fallout, The Elder Scrolls Were Also Divisive in Their Early Days
Bethesda director Todd Howard stated that Starfield, like early entries in The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, has been divisive among players. He explained that the studio aims to explore different creative directions, drawing parallels to the evolution of the Fallout franchise after Bethesda acquired it. Howard also discussed the narrative intent behind Starfield's 'Unity' ending and its connection to New Game+.
Open-world pirate survival game Windrose launches to 69,000 Steam players and 88% positive reviews: "Scratches that…
The open-world pirate survival game Windrose has launched into Steam Early Access with a peak of 69,544 concurrent players and an 88% positive review score. The game, developed by Windrose Crew and published in Japan by Pocketpair, blends elements of Assassin's Creed Black Flag, Sea of Thieves, and Valheim, and has been praised for its optimization and cohesive gameplay.
Todd Howard agrees Starfield is "creatively different" than Bethesda's usual RPGs – but says The Elder Scrolls and Fallout were also divisive early on
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard acknowledges that Starfield and Fallout 76 represent a creative departure from the company's typical RPG formula, similar to how The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series were perceived initially. Howard stated that these newer titles were intentionally designed to explore different directions after years of making similar games, and that they have found significant audiences.
"Elder Scrolls 6 is taking so long that we're just making our own," declare RPG devs taunting Todd Howard and wearing the skin of Morrowind like a jacket
Indie developer NerveLabs is developing two ambitious RPGs, The Lantern of the Laughless Saint and The Holy Fool, partly as a response to the long wait for The Elder Scrolls 6. The developers humorously taunt Todd Howard and Bethesda, stating they are making their own version of a long-awaited RPG. The Lantern of the Laughless Saint, inspired by Morrowind, is set to release this year and will feature co-op support.
Pete Hines admits he retired partly to avoid seeing Bethsoft ‘damaged and broken apart’
Pete Hines, former head of publishing at Bethesda Softworks, revealed in a recent interview that he retired partly due to concerns about the studio being "damaged and broken apart." He felt powerless to protect the company and its people, a stress exacerbated by Starfield's delays. Hines credits Todd Howard for helping him leave the company while retaining his sanity.
Morrowind helped Bethesda to "stay in business" but Skyrim was the "holy sh*t" moment, says former boss
Former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines stated that The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind was crucial for the company's survival, while The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim represented a major breakthrough that allowed for creative freedom. Skyrim's massive success introduced role-playing games to a wider audience and solidified Bethesda's position in the industry.
Todd Howard says Starfield's NG+ was misunderstood and defends Bethesda's new U-turn on how it works: 'You can tell us if we're done our job right'
Todd Howard and Tim Lamb of Bethesda discuss the misunderstood implementation of Starfield's New Game Plus mode and recent changes made in the Free Lanes update. The update allows players to retain some items when entering The Unity, a change made to encourage more players to experience the NG+ loop.
Starfield "doesn't even run properly" and is "unplayable" on PS5, report fans requesting refunds from Sony: "Classic Bethesda"
Players are reporting significant performance issues and crashes with Starfield on PlayStation 5, with some calling the game unplayable and requesting refunds from Sony. Reports mention frequent crashes, broken saving systems, and general instability, leading to comparisons with Bethesda's history of rocky game launches. The issues have also led to speculation that a potential Nintendo Switch 2 version may be canceled.
"I couldn't protect it" Pete Hines says he left Microsoft-owned Bethesda because he didn't want to watch it be "damaged and broken apart and frankly mistreated, abused"
Pete Hines, former head of publishing at Bethesda, has elaborated on his departure, stating he felt powerless to protect the company from being "damaged and broken apart" by its owners, implied to be Microsoft. He felt his mental health was suffering due to his inability to perform his job effectively and protect the team and the company's efficient operations.
Ex-Bethesda Exec Pete Hines Explains Why He Left, And He Didn't Mince Words
Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines explained his decision to retire after over 24 years, citing a realization that he could no longer effectively lead the studio or protect its culture. He expressed disappointment in how Bethesda was "damaged and broken apart" and "mistreated," particularly after Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media. Hines also mentioned that delays to Starfield, which he wanted to see released before departing, extended his tenure.
Starfield’s Unity Ending, New Game+ Was a “Weird, Deep Question” Todd Howard Wanted to Ask Players
Todd Howard and Tim Lamb of Bethesda discussed Starfield's New Game+ mode, explaining that the Unity ending was intended as a deep narrative question about life choices. Recent updates, including the Free Lanes update, have introduced changes to allow players to carry over more items into new universes, refining the game's 'elder loop' and long-term engagement.
Skyrim lead says Bethesda is "going to feel it" when Todd Howard leaves because he's always touched everything during the development process
Former Skyrim lead designer Bruce Nesmith stated that Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard is deeply involved in all aspects of game development and struggles to let go of creative control. Nesmith believes the studio will feel his absence significantly when he eventually departs, though they have historically managed to release games on time. Howard has hinted that The Elder Scrolls 6 may be his final project.
Todd Howard says that Starfield's New Game Plus was "us asking you this weird, deep question that I actually…
Bethesda has updated Starfield's New Game Plus system to address player attachment to their in-game items and progress. Game director Todd Howard explained that the changes, including the ability to carry over most inventory items via a Quantum Entanglement Device and upgrade Starborn powers with Quantum Essence, aim to make the 'elder loop' more rewarding and encourage players to engage with the system.
Pete Hines says he left Bethesda because he didn't want to watch it being 'damaged' and…
Former Bethesda Softworks executive Pete Hines discussed his departure from the company, stating he left because he didn't want to see it 'damaged.' He expressed high regard for Todd Howard, who supported him during his difficult exit after nearly 25 years with the company. Hines also touched upon his early career, including writing manuals for games like Morrowind.
Bethesda king Todd Howard isn't a master of game design or programming, says Pete Hines, "but there is nobody that is better" at combining them: "Look around the industry. Who else?"
Former Bethesda publishing head Pete Hines stated that while Todd Howard may not be the best programmer or designer, he is unmatched in his ability to combine these skills. Hines highlighted Howard's success with player-first, mass-appeal games like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4.
Former Bethesda exec thinks the studio should get more respect for the complex, open worlds it creates: 'Go try…
Former Bethesda executive Pete Hines believes the studio deserves more recognition for its complex, large-scale open worlds, citing the freedom players have to pursue multiple quests simultaneously. He contrasts this with other games, suggesting Bethesda's approach offers a unique level of player agency despite occasional jankiness.
"Go try that s*** in Red Dead Redemption 2": Nobody makes games like Bethesda, says studio veteran Pete Hines, so "put some respect" on Todd Howard and the Creation Engine team
Former Bethesda veteran Pete Hines argues that the studio's flexible sandbox design and proprietary Creation Engine offer a level of freedom unmatched by other developers. He contrasts Bethesda's approach with games like Red Dead Redemption 2, highlighting how Bethesda embraces complexity and potential jank to deliver unique player experiences. Hines emphasizes the Creation Engine and Creation Kit as crucial tools that enable this freedom and foster a strong modding community.
Former Bethesda artist says 'every single developer' has already brought up 95% of the complaints that made it to launch, but as Todd Howard told him, 'we can't do everything'
A former Bethesda artist revealed that developers are aware of most player complaints before game launches, with Todd Howard acknowledging limitations in addressing all issues. While games like Fallout 76 have seen significant improvements post-launch, the artist expressed skepticism about a similar revival for Starfield, especially given Howard's comments on its future development.
Starfield in 2026: Finally Fixed or Still Falling Short?
Bethesda's latest update for Starfield, dubbed Free Lanes, significantly expands upon the game's existing systems and mechanics, aiming to fulfill the original space-faring fantasy. Key additions include Cruise Mode for seamless travel between planets, new points of interest, and expanded ship customization, addressing criticisms of emptiness and loading screens. While not a complete overhaul, these numerous improvements provide more depth and reasons for players to explore the vast universe.
Bethesda was so indie when the Elder Scrolls launched that the devs packaged and shipped the RPG themselves: "We were in the loading dock and we learned how to assemble boxes, inserts and use the heat gun"
Bethesda Softworks, now a major studio, began as a small team that personally packaged and shipped its first game, The Elder Scrolls: Arena. Initially fearing failure with only 3,000 units expected, the game became a cult hit, eventually selling around 120,000 copies. This early experience highlights the studio's humble beginnings before its later success with titles like Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim under Todd Howard's leadership.
