A sequel to Bethesda's sci-fi RPG Starfield is unlikely to materialize because the original game "wasn't anywhere near successful enough," according to former Bethesda systems designer Kurt Kuhlmann. Kuhlmann, who departed the studio after Starfield's release, shared his doubts in an interview with FRVR, as reported by VGC.
While specific sales figures for Starfield have not been publicly disclosed by Bethesda, industry estimates place its revenue at approximately $300 million as of April. This figure suggests profitability given the game's reported $200 million budget, but it falls short of the commercial success achieved by titles like Skyrim, which has sold over 65 million units. With Xbox reportedly prioritizing its major franchises, Bethesda's focus is expected to remain on The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
Kuhlmann suggested that this decision represents a missed opportunity, stating that "with the lessons learned on Starfield, a Starfield 2 could have been much closer to the game that Todd had [in mind]." He specifically cited the outpost building mechanic as an area that could have been better integrated. Kuhlmann noted that this system, while functional as a standalone feature, was not sufficiently woven into the core gameplay or narrative, a problem he also observed in Fallout 4's settlement system. He questioned the necessity of the mechanic in Starfield given its limited integration.
Despite the concerns about a potential sequel, Bethesda has continued to support Starfield with free updates and downloadable content. The studio also stated in July that the game remains "an important part of our future," indicating ongoing commitment to the title itself.