Typically, procedurally generated content is left to sandbox games that make use of expansive environments. Some notable examples include Minecraft, Valheim, and Terraria. However, Starfield's use of procedural generation signifies that Bethesda is looking at new ways of introducing content into its open-world RPG franchises.
Starfield's use of procedural generation is seemingly an experiment, as few open-world RPG games have ever put it to use. Its purpose is likely to diversify the types of resources and structures players can find on the planets they explore. However, its use in Starfield may have implications for the endgame of Bethesda's future games, such as The Elder Scrolls 6.
Procedural Generation's Role in Bethesda's Endgame Content
Starfield's procedurally generated planets are actually not the first time Bethesda has made use of procedural generation. The Elder Scrolls 2: Daggerfall is the largest Elder Scrolls game by far, but that's thanks to procedural generation. As a result, the game lacks any notable or interesting locations due to being devoid of handcrafted content. Starfield seems to be going the opposite route by including handcrafted content while having procedurally generated planets as supplemental to the gameplay experience. This allows Bethesda to create a wide breadth of areas without having to sacrifice the depth of the game overall.
While it is not known what there is to be found on Starfield's planets, it is known that there will be space bandits to shoot and resources to collect. Resources will likely become a large part of the endgame, allowing the player to complete research and build specific structures to enhance their experience and provide a form of progression. In that sense, procedural generation has already taken up a role in endgame content in Bethesda's games. For example, Starfield's deadliest planets could have major loot not found on any of the more tame planets. This easily sets up its use in Bethesda's later games, such as The Elder Scrolls 6.
One of the most notable ways Bethesda could do this is through one of the Elder Scrolls franchise's strongest features: dungeons. If Bethesda can procedurally generate thousands of planets in Starfield, then it can create dungeons too. And to clarify, these dungeons shouldn't replace the handcrafted ones Bethesda has provided in the past. The last time that happened in Daggerfall, players were left with dungeons that were incredibly lacking in details and individuality. Procedurally generated dungeons should be separate from that, being a location for players to get better gear rather than a location to immerse themselves in. This random generation could even be explained through the lore by citing the chaotic realms of Oblivion as a setting.
This outcome may be even more likely than one might think. Bethesda experimented with procedurally generated quests in The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, something that was extended to many of the factions found in the game. They were not too dissimilar in concept to Starfield's procedurally generated planets. However, procedurally generated content also comes with a risk, as much of it can begin to feel the same over time. Planets or dungeons may all begin to feel the same once players have gone through a few of them. That's why it is important for both The Elder Scrolls 6 and Starfield, though a ways off, to greatly consider the amount of depth put into the details of procedurally generated content.
Starfield's introduction with procedurally generated content could prove to be a way of testing the waters with player reception to it. Though little is known of Starfield's upcoming features, how well procedurally generated content is received may very well decide the future endgame content of its future games.
Starfield is scheduled to release on September 6, 2023, on PC and Xbox Series X/S.