Bethesda Apparently Forming New Studio For Remakes
What do The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and DOOM all have in common? As well as all being classed as some of the biggest and most influential gaming franchises of all time, all fall under the Bethesda umbrella. If that wasn't enough, let's also remember Wolfenstein, Dishonoured, Prey, Rage, and more.
While Bethesda is looking toward a bright future of PlayStation's delayed Deathloop and the long-awaited Starfield for Xbox, there are those of us who want a healthy dose of gaming nostalgia.
Following in the footsteps of Bluepoint Games remastering FromSoftware's Demon's Souls from 2009, Bethesda is apparently forming a new studio that will only work on remakes.
Is Bethesda forming a studio just for remakes?
A Bethesda-based YouTuber called Skullzi has started the rumour mill that Bethesda is creating a studio just for remakes. Added to this, a company called Artifact is apparently working on a 10-year anniversary documentary for The Elder Scrolls: Skyrim.
Although Skullzi repeatedly reminds us that this a rumour that he hasn't been able to verify, he's apparently heard it from numerous sources. Then again, looking at the Bethesda back catalogue, we're surprised no one has thought of this before. How many of us would love to play a remastered version of 2003's The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind or 2008's Fallout 3?
Even though we should take all of the above with a pinch of salt, the comments show the potential of a Bethesda remakes studio. One supporter wrote, "It’s free money. I sure hope that’s what they are planning. A remake of Fallout NV or Fallout 3 would be perfect".
Another added, "They better remaster those old elder scrolls games that are near impossible to get working if this is a thing. I would never leave my house if I could actually play daggerfall or arena".
What happens if Bethesda forms a studio just for remakes?
Notably, there was a lot of chatter about Microsoft's partnership with Bethesda and what it could mean for their ongoing relationship. As one Twitter user wrote, "Microsoft in general could use a remake/reboot/remaster studio, especially if it gave them a place for training and mentoring new developers, and allowing experienced developers ready to become leads a place to steer a first project".
Although Skullzi has since gone on a rant about people taking his word as gospel, he guesses we could find out more at QuakeCon 2021. With the event scheduled for August 19, it means there's just a matter of days until a Bethesda remake studio could be formally announced. If not, we might have to wait a lot longer until E3 2022.
It's clear the main branch of Bethesda is focussed on Starfield, while Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently confirmed we're a long way off The Elder Scrolls 6. Putting it bluntly, Bethesda simply doesn't have the time to focus on remakes. Looking at all the hype there is about GTA remasters, a Bethesda studio devoted solely to remaking older games would give Microsoft a licence to print money. For now though, it's just a dream of us nostalgia-loving gamers.