Rumor: Bethesda is using Starfield as a testing ground for Unreal Engine 5 technologies

The technical state of Bethesda games has long been the subject of jokes, with many fans even considering Starfield outdated. It appears the studio has decided to respond to the criticism with action rather than words, and is preparing radical experiments with its own engine.

Windows Central editor Jez Corden revealed on the Xbox Two podcast that Bethesda is reportedly working on a major modernization of the Creation Engine, focusing on Unreal Engine 5. The company is being assisted in this process by specialists from Microsoft's Advanced Technology Group and The Coalition, a team well-versed in Epic Games technology thanks to the Gears of War series.

According to the insider, Starfield will be a testing ground for new developments. A major update for the space RPG may arrive in 2026, which will speed up loading times and introduce changes to gameplay. These rumors are supported by the fact that a test branch for the game was previously spotted on Steam with the name "Lumen," which matches the Unreal Engine 5 lighting system.

Additionally, the recent release of TES IV: Oblivion Remastered, built on a hybrid of Gamebryo and Unreal Engine 5, demonstrates Bethesda's willingness to integrate third-party technologies more closely.