Bethesda is Allegedly Working with Unreal Engine 5 Technology for Starfield Update
Insider source Jez Corden recently revealed that Bethesda Game Studios is developing a significant update for the Creation Engine in terms of technology and philosophy, using Unreal Engine 5 as a reference. The space RPG Starfield is expected to be the first in line to benefit from these experiments.
In-improvements and Cooperation
On the Xbox Two podcast, Corden, who is also an editor for Windows Central, mentioned that Bethesda is actually enlisting the help of other Microsoft teams in these improvements. He specifically pointed out Coalition, who are behind the Gears of War series and what he described as the best-studied team when it comes to Unreal Engine, besides Microsoft's Advanced Technology Group.
The plan is to modernize, rejuvenate Bethesda's long-standing engine. The patch is set to deliver the first public trial of this new technology, likely slated for release in 2026, along with a major update intended for Starfield. The update mentions some quality improvements such as:
- Reducing load times
- Increasing gameplay mechanics variety
Evidence for the Rumor
This report does seem to substantiate previous findings. There was earlier mention of a test branch for Starfield being found on Steam called "Lumen," which directly refers to global illumination and reflection systems that are significant components of Unreal Engine 5.
Moreover, this wouldn't be the first time Bethesda has hybridized its engines. It is said that the recently premiered The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - Remastered was built on a mix of Gamebryo and Unreal Engine 5.
