Pros and Cons of Bethesda Transitioning to Unreal Engine 5

Bethesda Game Studios often finds itself at the center of criticism, yet it’s undeniable that they’ve crafted some of the most pivotal role-playing games ever. Take, for instance, The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, released back in 2011. This action fantasy marvel quickly became a benchmark in the RPG genre, inspiring a slew of other titles both grand and modest. Then there’s Fallout 4 from 2015—a post-apocalyptic shooter that, despite mixed feelings from die-hard fans of the series, has maintained a strong player community for nearly a decade. Both titles have broken sales records globally, cementing their status in the annals of RPG history.

Despite their commercial success, Bethesda’s titles haven’t exactly shone brilliantly in the technical realm. Games like Skyrim, Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and even their newest release, Starfield, have garnered critiques for lacking the high-end visuals seen in other AAA creations. Running on Bethesda’s proprietary Creation Engine, these games often lag behind their peers in realism. Frequent loading screens, pervasive bugs, and other technical quirks have led some to label them as archaic. Many point fingers at the Creation Engine as the culprit and suggest Bethesda should embrace Unreal Engine 5 for future projects. While this shift could bring improvements, it also poses potential drawbacks.

Switching to Unreal Engine 5 offers tantalizing prospects. Renowned for producing stunning graphics, UE5 introduces innovations like Lumen and Nanite that, when correctly harnessed, give games a breathtaking aesthetic. If Bethesda were to utilize UE5, it’s plausible their games could achieve visual splendor akin to titles such as Black Myth: Wukong. The thought of a Fallout or Elder Scrolls game with such immersive visuals would be a dream come true for many enthusiasts.

Moreover, opting for Unreal Engine 5 could streamline Bethesda’s development process, potentially accelerating release cycles. Proprietary tools like the Creation Engine demand substantial training and expertise, which isn’t as much of a hurdle with UE5. Given its popularity, many game developers are already familiar with UE5, facilitating a smoother, quicker development cycle. As Nate Purkeypile, a former artist at Bethesda, noted, it simplifies hiring and onboarding talent.

Yet, there’s no one-size-fits-all fix here. Despite potential improvements in graphics and development speed, transitioning to UE5 wouldn’t automatically solve every issue linked to the Creation Engine. A growing chorus of developers and gamers voice concerns about the homogenization trend where more studios are favoring Unreal Engine, potentially diluting the unique technical qualities of their games. Proprietary engines often tailor to specific game requirements, offering unique features that a universal engine like UE5 might lack.

A major edge the Creation Engine holds is its mod-friendliness. Known for its unparalleled flexibility, it outshines Unreal Engine 5 in modding capabilities. Mods are lifeblood for the devoted Bethesda fan base, offering endless personalization and expansion possibilities. Maintaining this rich modding culture is crucial for Bethesda, and a shift to UE5 might impinge on that aspect.

Bethesda, based in Maryland, has a storied legacy, especially under the leadership of CEO Todd Howard. Acquired by Microsoft as part of the ZeniMax Media purchase in 2021, the studio now operates under the Xbox Game Studios umbrella. They’re celebrated for franchises like Elder Scrolls and Fallout, continuing to influence and evolve with the gaming landscape they’re deeply woven into.