'Genius Ideas Can Lead to Failures': Ex-Bethesda Artist Draws Parallels Between Todd Howard and George Lucas
Gaming Industry/News

'Genius Ideas Can Lead to Failures': Ex-Bethesda Artist Draws Parallels Between Todd Howard and George Lucas

Insights from a former Bethesda artist on Todd Howard's creative struggles, relating them to George Lucas's experiences.

I think we can all agree, with some hindsight, that Starfield didn’t achieve the great heights that Bethesda envisioned. While I—and many gamers—found enjoyment in it, it didn’t match the studio’s previous blockbusters. The support post-launch wasn’t stellar, and the first DLC, as seen in our Shattered Space review, has fallen short of reviving interest.

Many former developers point to Todd Howard, noting that his success may have influenced these challenges. Dennis Mejillones, who was associated with Bethesda for over twelve years, shared insights during an interview with Kiwi Talkz.

Though the comparison made might seem harsh at first, Mejillones regards Howard positively, remarking: “I love Todd, I do. He’s been a mentor and a guide… A lot of what I am is shaped by him.”

However, he candidly admits, “Is he perfect? No. Lots of people were hesitant to disagree with Todd, which affected the outcome.”

Mejillones draws a fascinating parallel with George Lucas, stating: “Geniuses can produce bad ideas too; without someone to filter those ideas and provide honest feedback, it leads to problems.”

Historically, George Lucas underwent a similar struggle where his growing direct control over the Star Wars saga led to mixed results in quality across various films. Mejillones’ observations suggest a narrative of a designer caught between nurturing creativity and managing a rapidly expanding studio structure.

In summary, while past successes have bestowed Todd Howard with influence, the reflections of Mejillones and his peers illuminate a crucial need for balanced creative input in gaming today.

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