Summary
Bethesda’s Pete Hines recently addressed why the studio’s games have a reputation for being buggy, whether it’s inThe Elder Scrolls,Fallout, orStarfield. While few would argue thatBethesda Game Studios' library of game releases are some of the most successful games in the industry, there’s also undeniably a negative reputation surrounding them. Some Bethesda fans won’t even play its games at launch, waiting for fixes to arrive in patches. Bethesda knows its reputation, and Hines explains there’s a good reason for it.
Bugs in Bethesda games are certainly not a new phenomenon, though the reputation has certainly grown more toxic in recent years.The Elder Scrollsgrew from a niche RPG in the 1990s to a massive undertaking by the release ofMorrowindin 2002. But it was when Bethesda began its console focus with the release ofOblivionin 2006 when polish took on a new focus. Perhaps it was the slow update pace or less comfort with bugs among console players. Frustrations with the2018 release ofFallout 76, a game largely developed by a separate studio named Bethesda Game Studios Austin, have amplified the negativity surrounding the company.
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But Pete Hines, head of global publishing at Bethesda, says that the studio’s developers “embrace the chaos.” The reputation is obviously unintended, but the bug-rich experience is seen as a product ofBethesda Game Studios' dedication to its creative experimentation. “What we try to lean into is player freedom,” says Hines, implying that pushing the boundaries of player freedom in video games often goes hand in hand with unintended consequences.
That’s not to say that Bethesda wants those playing its games to have a bad experience, of course. Hines makes clear that bugs that take away fromBethesda’s gamesstill aren’t acceptable. It’s the bugs that don’t take away from the experience that Bethesda isn’t going to let hold the team back.
Prior toStarfield’s launch in early access, there were considerable worries that it too would be burdened by extreme bugginess. Since reviews have been shared, reports are positive thatStarfieldis more polished than expected. It still has its bugs, but considering Hines' comments that isn’t a big surprise. Hines even mentions a bug where a shark somehow gets into an elevator and rushes out when the doors open. He asked for the bug to be kept in the game, though he assumes it was probably removed.
While Hines certainly has a point, because some Bethesda Game Studios bugs do get embraced by the community and make games more enjoyable, it’s a fine line to walk. Sometimes risk doesn’t work out. At the very least,Starfieldplayers can take solace in knowingBethesda is said to have left its crunch culture behind. That should mean games likeStarfieldare being given the time they need to be made toBethesda’s vision, bugs and all.
