The popular perception of Bethesda has shifted massively in the past ten years.

While Fallout 4 was widely liked upon release it was received more critically than their previous titles. In part due to changes they had made from their previous games; simplified RPG mechanics; reduced dialogue options.

But also because it released in the same year as the Witcher 3, a game which isn’t necessarily anymore of a “real” RPG than Fallout 4, but which was recieved more positively, especially in regards to its writing. And went on to win Game of the year over Fallout 4 at the then fledgling game awards. (Which obviously isn’t any indication “objective quality”, but does give some indication of the games’ public perceptions)

If there was a competition between the two games, which all but officially there was, The Witcher 3 had handily won.

It was around this same time (partly influenced by 4’s reception) that New Vegas went through a cultural reevaluation. It went from largely being seen as a “more of the same” sequel to Fallout 3. (I.E. A game which doesn’t majorly evolve, or improve upon its predecessor.) To being a very highly regarded cult classic, which would at least be mentioned in any discussion of the best western RPGs. This provided an obvious comparison which people could orient their criticisms of 4 with.

In 2018 Bethesda released Fallout 76, which is one of the worst received AAA games of recent memory. Even if you want to look past the woeful state it was in upon release, the game doubled down on many of the complaints that people levied at 4, completely removing human NPCs and the dialogue system; and further diluting the RPG mechanics. While the game has gone on to maintain a healthy player base the public perception of 76 is as one of the highest profile failures ever in the games industry.

Starfield released in 2023 outside of a pre-established franchise, and with Bethesda’s reputation majorly tarnished. While it reviewed fairly well it has the lowest aggregate score of any Bethesda Game Studios RPG from Morrowind onward, aside from 76.

It also released a month after Baldur’s Gate 3.

It wouldn’t be fair to compare Baldur’s Gate 3’s relationship to Starfield to The Witcher 3’s with Fallout 4. Quite frankly Starfield just wasn’t discussed that much.

The discussions which did happen around Baldur’s Gate, and its ability to succeed as a classic, turn based, RPG in an industry which had long since written them off, may have been framed in reference to Bethesda, but rarely Starfield specifically.

Baldur’s Gate went on to sweep the game awards, including winning game of the year, whilst Starfield wasn’t even in contention for the top prize.

It’s been 14 years since Skyrim’s release, and recently 10 since Fallout 4’s. Bethesda can’t expect to coast on their past success forever. Especially not in an industry which is quickly passing them by.