An increasing number of games are being developed using Unreal Engine 5, such as CD Projekt Red’s upcoming The Witcher 4. In contrast, Bethesda, the creator of the Creation Engine, has not yet adopted UE5 for its projects. Dan Nanni, a former quest designer for Fallout 76, discussed the challenges of transitioning to a new engine in an interview.

Daniel Nanni, a former member of the team behind the Creation Engine, explained that switching engines is a complex process. One major issue is the extensive overhaul required when adopting a new technology, which essentially means restarting development from the beginning. This transition can disrupt established workflows and familiarity among developers.

Switching engines would also impact modders who are accustomed to Bethesda’s tools. While modders could adapt over time, the learning curve could be steep. Another key challenge is the need to train Bethesda’s long-term employees, some of whom have been with the company for decades, to work with Unreal Engine. This training would require significant time and resources, potentially delaying other projects.

Nanni emphasized that while Bethesda might eventually need to switch to a newer engine, doing so now would be time-consuming and costly. For instance, the Creation Engine’s limitations, such as the loading screens in Starfield, highlight the need for modernization.

Despite these challenges, Nanni acknowledged that Bethesda may eventually need to transition to a new engine, but it’s a decision that requires careful consideration of the long-term benefits and the resources needed for the transition.