Bethesda games have always captivated players with their immense scope and quality. From the awe-inspiring world of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion to the upcoming Starfield, Bethesda’s games have left a lasting impression. While the studio’s technical prowess may not have been its strongest suit in the past, Starfield is set to change that.
Over the years, Bethesda has sought to improve its graphics engine, recognizing the need for technical growth. The Creation Engine, born out of Gamebryo’s mods used in Fallout 3 and New Vegas, marked a significant step forward with titles like Skyrim and Fallout 4.
However, Bethesda has pushed the boundaries even further with Starfield, a game that has been in development for eight years, harnessing the power of Creation Engine 2.
Creation Engine 2: The Evolution Continues
In an interview with Kinda Funny Gamescast, Todd Howard, the visionary behind Bethesda’s games, shed light on the engine behind Starfield. Over the past 12 months, the engine has undergone substantial improvements, evident when comparing the 2022 showcase to this year’s presentations.
To optimize Creation Engine 2, Bethesda collaborated with Microsoft’s Advanced Technology Group (ATG), particularly focusing on tuning Starfield to the capabilities of the Xbox Series S hardware. Howard expressed immense pride in the results achieved by Creation Engine 2, especially considering the significant time invested in its development.
One of the standout features of Starfield is its exceptional lighting model, which Howard refers to as “amazing.” The game employs real-time global illumination (GI), allowing for dynamic and realistic lighting effects. This becomes especially crucial given the vast diversity of planets, worlds, and biomes players will encounter. The lighting effects respond to various factors, creating immersive and visually stunning environments.
The Influence of Volumetric Fog and Physics
In the interview, Howard also touched upon the use of volumetric fog in Starfield, a technique that adds depth and atmosphere to the game world. He expressed a desire to showcase this feature in the future, highlighting how it interacts with the game’s lighting system. Moreover, the introduction of physics and the manipulation of gravity promises to introduce further layers of complexity and excitement.
Addressing the decision to lock Starfield at 30 frames per second (FPS) on Xbox Series X|S, Howard emphasized the importance of consistency in delivering a great gameplay experience. While other games offer performance modes, Bethesda aims to ensure a consistently smooth and enjoyable gameplay flow. Howard mentioned that developers can employ techniques such as motion blur or refresh rates to enhance the game’s look and feel.
Starfield’s Reach and Release
While Starfield has been confirmed as an Xbox and Windows exclusive, it will also be available on Steam, enabling players to experience the game on various platforms. This includes the highly anticipated Steam Deck and ROG Ally, offering the flexibility of portable gameplay.
Starfield is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated games of the year, poised to become a defining title of this generation. Set to release on September 6, the game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Steam, and through Game Pass.
Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the vastness of space in Starfield, where Bethesda’s technical advancements and immersive world-building await.
