Key Moments
Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield | Lex Fridman Podcast #342
Lex FridmanKey Moments
Todd Howard discusses Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Starfield, Fallout, game design, AI, and the future of gaming.
Key Insights
Bethesda prioritizes player agency and emergent gameplay, often leaving 'accidental' openings in game worlds.
NPCs are designed to be reactive to the player to enhance immersion and character believability.
The development of Starfield involves creating vast, procedurally generated planets with a focus on realistic landscape tiles.
Fallout games blend post-apocalyptic drama with dark humor, reflecting on a failed American dream.
The creation of compelling open worlds requires careful attention to detail, tone, and player guidance, with a balance between handcrafted and procedural content.
Modding is a vital part of the Bethesda ecosystem, with a focus on enabling creators to expand game worlds.
The acquisition by Microsoft has been a positive experience, offering new resources and focus.
Meaningful game experiences can foster pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment for players.
THE PHILOSOPHY OF OPEN WORLDS AND REACTIVE NPCS
Todd Howard emphasizes Bethesda's commitment to creating open-ended game worlds where player agency is paramount. This philosophy extends to the design of NPCs, which are crafted to be reactive to the player's actions and presence, making them feel more alive and engaging. The goal is to say 'yes' to the player as much as possible, which can lead to emergent gameplay and unexpected interactions, often by leveraging 'accidental' doorways or exploits players discover, rather than strictly designed ones. This approach ensures that players can engage with the world in myriad ways, fostering a sense of discovery and freedom.
THE EVOLUTION OF ELDER SCROLLS AND THE BIRTH OF STARFIELD
Howard reflects on the legacy of The Elder Scrolls series, from Arena and Daggerfall's vastness to Skyrim's immersive world. Daggerfall, in particular, served as a touchstone for the scale and procedural generation seen in Starfield. The development of Starfield, a new sci-fi IP, was inspired by a long-held desire to explore space. It features a massive scale, with hundreds of star systems and thousands of planets, generated using a system of realistic landscape tiles that wrap around celestial bodies. This procedural generation aims to create a sense of beautiful desolation and discovery, allowing players to explore and build outposts on various planets.
THE DISTINCT TONES OF FALLOUT AND THE ART OF CRAFTING
The Fallout series is characterized by its unique blend of post-apocalyptic drama and dark, ironic humor, often satirizing a failed American dream of the 1950s. Howard highlights Fallout 4's crafting system as a way to break down the game world into usable components, making even mundane items relevant. He contrasts this with The Elder Scrolls' fantasy setting, noting that while both series offer rich worlds, their tones and gameplay loops are distinct. Fallout's emphasis on character background and specific player roles differs from Elder Scrolls' more blank-slate approach.
THE CHALLENGES AND REWARDS OF GAME DEVELOPMENT
Creating large-scale games is an iterative and complex process, involving everything from initial concepting and music composition to prototyping and full production. Howard stresses the importance of 'game flow'—how the player experiences the game's pacing and activities—which often takes shape in the final year of development. He acknowledges the inevitable challenges, such as bugs, delays (like Starfield's), and the pressure of meeting player expectations, especially for long-lived franchises like Elder Scrolls. The development team's resilience and passion are key to overcoming these obstacles and delivering meaningful experiences.
THE IMPACT OF TECHNOLOGY AND FUTURE INNOVATIONS
Howard discusses the continuous technological advancements that have shaped game development, from early 3D engines and CD-ROMs to modern-day graphical fidelity and AI. He sees potential in integrating advanced AI and natural language processing for more dynamic NPC interactions and dialogue. The integration of Xbox and Microsoft's resources has been beneficial, allowing for a sharper focus on developing for specific hardware like the Series X. Exclusivity for titles like Starfield is a deliberate choice that enables this focused development and platform integration.
THE POWER OF GAME WORLDS AND THEIR TRANSFORMATION
The conversation touches on the profound impact of video games, not just as entertainment but as cultural forces that can inspire players and even influence real-world aspirations. Todd Howard views games as powerful tools for fostering pride, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment, especially for younger generations. His work extends beyond games to adaptations like the Fallout TV series and the upcoming Indiana Jones game, demonstrating a commitment to expanding these beloved digital worlds into other media, while always striving to maintain the core essence and tone that players cherish.
Mentioned in This Episode
●Products
●Software & Apps
●Companies
●Organizations
●People Referenced
Common Questions
Unlike many open-world games that 'shut down' other activities when a player starts a quest, Bethesda's games, like Skyrim and Starfield, continuously simulate the entire world. NPCs, quests, and background events run concurrently, even if far from the player, leading to emergent behaviors and a more believable, living world.
Topics
Mentioned in this video
A pen-and-paper role-playing game that Todd Howard played as a child, where he felt deeply invested in his character and the world, influencing his approach to video game immersion.
SpaceX's spacecraft, which Todd Howard had the opportunity to see before public viewing, contributing to his awe of space engineering.
A storage medium that became a 'jumping off point for the whole industry' by offering 'unlimited data' compared to floppy disks, enabling larger and more complex games.
A gaming console described by Todd Howard as an 'insane machine' that has achieved great success, even though Starfield is an Xbox exclusive.
A digital distribution platform where players can download the Creation Kit for Bethesda's games to create mods.
The gaming console platform and team that Bethesda Softworks joined after Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media. Todd Howard discusses a positive cultural fit and the benefits for Starfield's development.
A robot companion in the game Starfield with a name and personality, distinct from the more generic utility robots in the game.
An early microcomputer brought into Todd Howard's fifth-grade classroom, where he was introduced to a Star Trek game and rudimentary programming, sparking his interest in game development.
A home computer on which Todd Howard wrote his own Star Trek clone and enjoyed programming, finding its level of complexity ideal for learning.
A 3D adventure game series that influenced the design and gameplay of Bethesda's Redguard, particularly its focus on 3D environments and movement.
A critically acclaimed game in the Fallout series, considered by Lex Fridman and Todd Howard as one of the greatest games ever. Todd recounts the skepticism it faced and the emotional impact of its character generation and vault exit.
Todd Howard's favorite Zelda game, praised for its truly open-world design that doesn't constrain players with arbitrary barriers, allowing them to explore based on earned abilities.
A TV series created by Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy, whose creators are involved in the Fallout TV show adaptation.
A mobile game in the Diablo series, which Todd Howard was 'very impressed with' and had a 'lot of fun on,' despite Lex Fridman's reservation about its monetization.
Todd Howard's favorite sports game of all time, which he considers a 'great role-playing game' due to its character development, dynamic player turnover, and the pageantry of college football.
An Elder Scrolls adventure game unique for its time, inspired by Prince of Persia and Tomb Raider, with a handcrafted world. It was a commercial flop due to missing a technology window and not aligning with fan expectations, leading to Bethesda's near-bankruptcy.
A TV series based on a video game, whose showrunner is praised for their passion and attention to detail in adapting the source material.
A game in the Fallout series that Todd Howard recommends, noting its unique tone compared to Fallout 3 and its innovative crafting system that makes every item in the world an 'alchemical ingredient.'
A multiplayer game in the Fallout series that had a 'really bad launch' but was later redeemed, highlighting Bethesda's resilience in addressing challenges.
A Western-themed open-world game series, with Red Dead Redemption 1 being Todd Howard's favorite story in gaming.
One of the first 3D games Todd Howard extensively worked on, developed simultaneously with Daggerfall. It featured a large open-world, post-apocalyptic landscape with instanced objects, an early precursor to Bethesda's later open-world mechanics.
A classic Nintendo arcade game, mentioned as an example of Nintendo's excellence in game creation.
A puzzle-platform video game briefly mentioned as another 'weird creation' and compelling game.
A series of open-world fantasy role-playing games, including Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and the upcoming Elder Scrolls VI. Todd Howard has led much of its development.
Mentioned as an early game Todd Howard made during his self-taught programming phase, though referred to by its character 'the Wanderer'.
One of the first games Todd Howard worked on at Bethesda, an external project that he helped get 'out the door' early in his career.
A Grand Theft Auto game that Todd Howard considers his favorite in the series, praised for its strong tone, satire, and great gameplay.
A sports game Todd Howard received for Christmas, which he noticed was developed in Rockville, Maryland, prompting him to visit Bethesda Softworks' office.
A football (soccer) video game series acknowledged by Todd Howard as 'incredible' for those who enjoy European football, despite his personal preference for college football.
Part of The Elder Scrolls series known for its more fantastical elements but intentionally grounded beginnings. Todd Howard aimed to make it the 'biggest best RPG we can make' after Redguard's commercial failure.
A video game series known for its high difficulty and the challenge it presents to players, prompting them to return 'stronger,' contrasting with games that players put down due to frustration.
A racing game series that Todd Howard loves, noting the difficulty of recreating real-world cars and experiences in games for a demanding audience.
A post-apocalyptic role-playing video game series, with development led by Todd Howard. The discussion covers its unique tone blending drama, darkness, and 'B-movie humor.'
A game in The Elder Scrolls series mentioned in the context of its release relative to Fallout 3's development, and for beginning to introduce 'guard rails' on player abilities compared to earlier titles.
Todd Howard's favorite movie of all time, praised for its engaging character, story, and memorable opening scene, which he initially believed to be real.
An upcoming open-world role-playing game set in space, featuring 100 star systems and 1,000 planets, with a design philosophy drawing inspiration from Daggerfall's procedural generation and focusing on creating a 'lonely experience' of exploration.
A pen-and-paper RPG and one of the first games Todd Howard made for the Apple II, serving as an origin for his interest in space exploration role-playing games.
An MMORPG set in The Elder Scrolls universe, noted for its incredible community and storytelling quests, developed by a separate team within the company.
A video game series developed by MachineGames, which Todd Howard cites as evidence of the studio's perfect fit for his upcoming Indiana Jones game, particularly their storytelling and recording methods.
A pioneering series of role-playing games, particularly Ultima VII, cited by Todd Howard as a major inspiration for open-world design, player agency (e.g., baking bread, picking up objects), and diverse game experiences.
Todd Howard's pick for the best game of all time, due to its elegant, pure gameplay that works solely as a video game, offering challenge and enjoyment to anyone.
A critically acclaimed open-world fantasy RPG, considered by Lex Fridman to be 'quite possibly the greatest game ever.' Noted for its beautiful outdoor scenery, dynamic NPCs, and extensive modding community.
Credited by Todd Howard as a landmark game that ushered in the modern open-world genre with its 3D mobster storytelling on PlayStation 2.
A famous protagonist who is the focus of an upcoming game being developed by MachineGames. Todd Howard had pitched the concept years ago and considers 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' his favorite movie.
The second game in The Elder Scrolls series, released in 1996, celebrated for its gigantic open world, immense possibility, and deep character development system. Served as a touchstone for Starfield's planet generation.
The upcoming installment in The Elder Scrolls series, expected to be playable for decades and designed from the ground up to be highly moddable.
A series of early computer role-playing games that Todd Howard loved for their ability to bring the immersive feeling of Dungeons & Dragons to a digital format.
An early game Todd Howard made for the Apple II while exploring new graphical methods.
A popular American football video game series that Todd Howard still plays and buys every year, despite the demanding annual development cycle.
A film co-written by Jonathan Nolan, cited by Todd Howard as an example of Nolan's impressive work.
The planet discussed as a likely destination for human footsteps in the next couple of decades, representing a step towards multi-planetary species.
A Nintendo game series, whose creators are praised by Todd Howard as among the best game makers in the world for their clear vision and execution.
The company that acquired Bethesda Softworks, and whose Xbox team Todd Howard praises for its culture, investment in players, and support for game development.
An aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company, mentioned as an inspiration for the sense of awe and engineering scale in Starfield. Lex describes seeing a SpaceX launch from afar.
The company producing the Fallout TV show, with which Todd Howard is involved, highlighting the transition of game worlds into visual media.
The company Todd Howard pitched an Indiana Jones game concept to in 2009, indicating his long-standing desire to work on the franchise.
The studio developing the Indiana Jones game, praised by Todd Howard as a 'perfect fit' due to their work on the Wolfenstein series and their storytelling capabilities.
The parent company that reformed Bethesda after Redguard's commercial failure, eventually acquired by Microsoft/Xbox. Robert Altman was involved in its reformation.
The TV network where Jonathan Nolan worked and was involved in discussions for the Fallout TV series before it moved to Amazon.
The parent company of Lucasfilm, mentioned in the context of increased licensing and willingness to work with external developers on properties like Indiana Jones.
The video game development company Todd Howard joined in 1994, initially working on sports titles and the Terminator series, before becoming renowned for its open-world RPGs.
Mentioned as a company that popularized video games and is still considered by Todd Howard to be among the 'best game makers in the world' due to their clear vision and execution.
A retail company where Todd Howard almost took a corporate finance job after college but was turned down, leading him to fully commit to video game development.
The US space agency, evoked as part of the 'Avengers meet NASA' feeling at SpaceX, and noted for its historical engineering marvels in space programs.
The first game in The Elder Scrolls series, released in 1994, notable for its open world and classic XP-based role-playing system.
A museum in Washington D.C. that Todd Howard frequently visits, drawing inspiration from the scale of human ingenuity in aerospace.
The college where Todd Howard studied, pursuing a business degree before committing to video game development.
A mobile game in the Fallout series, distinct from the main RPG titles, that Todd Howard recommends. Players often engage with it for hours daily, defying typical mobile game session lengths.
A specific mod for Skyrim mentioned by Todd Howard as an example of the community's awesome creations, highlighting quest-lines that take significant effort.
A pioneering open-world game series, with GTA 3 and Vice City particularly highlighted by Todd Howard for their landmark contributions to open-world design, mobster storytelling, and strong tone.
Bethesda's official modding tool, available on Steam, which allows players to create modifications for their games, from changing weather colors to building new quest lines.
An arcade game that Todd Howard credits with popularizing video games in an unprecedented way during his childhood, featuring a song and cartoon.
Lex Fridman mentions 'language models' and 'chat bots' as examples of neural network natural language processing systems that could have future applications in generating open-ended dialogue for NPCs in games.
A film co-written by Jonathan Nolan, cited by Todd Howard as an example of Nolan's impressive work.
Todd Howard's favorite mobile card game of the year, from the creators of Hearthstone.
A digital collectible card game, mentioned as being developed by the same creators as Marvel Snap, which Todd Howard loves.
Writer, director, and executive producer of Westworld, Interstellar, and The Dark Knight movies, who is serving as an executive producer and director for the Fallout TV show. Todd Howard praises his work and dedication.
Founder of SpaceX, whose work inspires awe in Todd Howard, particularly the engineering challenges of orbital mechanics and the scale of human ingenuity in space exploration.
Founder and CEO of ZeniMax Media, who reformed Bethesda after a period of financial difficulty.
Apollo 11 astronaut, whose quote 'beautiful desolation' from the moon landing is referenced to describe the feeling of loneliness and awe on a distant planet in Starfield.
Video game designer who has led the development of the Fallout and Elder Scrolls series, including Arena, Daggerfall, Morrowind, Oblivion, Skyrim, and Starfield. He discusses his philosophy on game design and development.
Co-creator and executive producer of Westworld, who is involved with Jonathan Nolan in the Fallout TV show adaptation.
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