From Bethesda to Independence: An Artist's Journey in Game Development

The landscape of game development is ever-evolving, and experiences within large studios can vary greatly. One veteran artist, who previously dedicated 14 years to Bethesda, shares his perspective on the drastic changes in the company and his decision to pursue a different path in gaming. Nate Purkeypile, a senior artist known for his work on Skyrim, reflects on how the company has transformed into something he no longer finds appealing. He has expressed that he has never thought about returning to Bethesda, emphasizing how the large-scale production processes can become ungratifying. He feels that such a situation reduces individuals to mere components in a vast system.

During his tenure as lead artist on Starfield, a colossal project featuring countless planets and an extensive credits list, Purkeypile found the demands overwhelming. His schedule required him to participate in numerous meetings weekly, which significantly contrasted with his earlier experiences at Bethesda. When he joined the team working on Skyrim, the project's developers numbered under 100. This tight-knit group was instrumental in creating notable titles like Fallout 3 and Oblivion. 

By comparison, he recalls that the development of Starfield involved around 500 people, which diluted the sense of collaboration and trust that he valued in smaller teams. Streaking away from the pressures of large-scale productions, Purkeypile made the decision to leave Bethesda in 2021. He has since embraced independence as a solo developer, establishing Just Purkey Games. His recent release, a heavy metal horror title known as The Axis Unseen, illustrates his shift to a more personal and manageable project. 

Looking ahead, there is speculation that Starfield 2 will benefit from its predecessors’ successes, with promises of a remarkable gaming experience shaped by the lessons learned from games like Oblivion.