Episode
#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
2:49:58
Published: Tue Nov 29 2022
Description
Todd Howard is a legendary video game designer at Bethesda Game Studios. He led the development of the Elder Scrolls series and the Fallout series, and an upcoming game Starfield. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Shopify: https://shopify.com/lex to get free trial - Eight Sleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/lex to get special savings - InsideTracker: https://insidetracker.com/lex to get 20% off - LMNT: https://drinkLMNT.com/lex to get free sample pack EPISODE LINKS: Bethesda: https://bethesda.net Bethesda Game Studios: https://bethesdagamestudios.com Creation Club: https://creationclub.bethesda.net PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (05:53) - Simulation (07:49) - NPCs (16:40) - Daggerfall and Arena (24:53) - Bethesda (33:18) - Video game graphics (39:37) - The essence of a video game (44:25) - Redguard (49:25) - Creating open worlds (57:04) - Superintelligent NPCs (1:01:58) - Starfield (1:21:40) - The Elder Scrolls 6 (1:41:01) - Fallout (1:48:09) - Character creation (1:53:11) - Quests & items (2:06:57) - Xbox (2:12:22) - Greatest game of all time (2:22:38) - Day in the life (2:30:32) - Advice for young people (2:34:00) - Fallout TV show (2:38:32) - Indiana Jones game (2:44:44) - Meaning of life
Chapters
The speaker talks about their interest in merchandising and the benefits of a short nap.
00:00 - 03:21 (03:21)
Summary
The speaker talks about their interest in merchandising and the benefits of a short nap. This podcast contains an advertisement for Shopify.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The possibility of living in a video game created by the future humans is explored and potential ways of escaping the video game are discussed.
03:21 - 08:18 (04:56)
Summary
The possibility of living in a video game created by the future humans is explored and potential ways of escaping the video game are discussed.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
This podcast episode discusses the importance of considering player behaviors in virtual simulations and how it affects the characters in the game.
08:18 - 14:45 (06:26)
Summary
This podcast episode discusses the importance of considering player behaviors in virtual simulations and how it affects the characters in the game. The hosts aim to create a unique experience by having the characters in the game respond to unexpected player behaviors, such as stealing or jumping on tables.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Todd Howard, director at Bethesda Game Studios, describes the gameplay of Starfield as more like Daggerfall and how it generates things outside the city, giving players a different type of game flow.
14:45 - 23:27 (08:42)
Summary
Todd Howard, director at Bethesda Game Studios, describes the gameplay of Starfield as more like Daggerfall and how it generates things outside the city, giving players a different type of game flow. He also shared his love for programming on the Apple II during his youth and how it allowed him to experiment with different graphic formats.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reminisces about the early days of video games, specifically sports games, and how they have evolved since then.
23:27 - 28:18 (04:51)
Summary
The speaker reminisces about the early days of video games, specifically sports games, and how they have evolved since then. They also mention their experience of reaching the final level of a corporate finance job at Circuit City.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The video game Daggerfall offers a rich character development and immersive world experience, making it less about entertainment and more about escaping into another world like your favorite book.
28:18 - 32:10 (03:51)
Summary
The video game Daggerfall offers a rich character development and immersive world experience, making it less about entertainment and more about escaping into another world like your favorite book.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The experience of video gaming can be as wondrous as hiking in remote natural locations.
32:10 - 39:15 (07:05)
Summary
The experience of video gaming can be as wondrous as hiking in remote natural locations. Video game graphics have improved over the years, making virtual worlds feel more tangible and convincing.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The tone of a TV show or film sets the mood and atmosphere for the audience, with creating a realistic experience being an important aspect to make it feel grounded and relatable for viewers.
39:15 - 44:31 (05:15)
Summary
The tone of a TV show or film sets the mood and atmosphere for the audience, with creating a realistic experience being an important aspect to make it feel grounded and relatable for viewers.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker compares Elder Scrolls to Prince of Persia, noting the dynamic and adventurous nature of both games, highlighting the ability to jump between buildings in Elder Scrolls.
44:31 - 47:31 (02:59)
Summary
The speaker compares Elder Scrolls to Prince of Persia, noting the dynamic and adventurous nature of both games, highlighting the ability to jump between buildings in Elder Scrolls.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss the complexities of developing a popular video game, including the importance of understanding game physics, winning awards, and selling well.
47:31 - 56:54 (09:23)
Summary
The hosts discuss the complexities of developing a popular video game, including the importance of understanding game physics, winning awards, and selling well.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The complexity of romantic relationships in video games has improved over the years, and players often find those moments very impactful and special, creating a sense of deep connection with the characters.
56:54 - 1:02:08 (05:14)
Summary
The complexity of romantic relationships in video games has improved over the years, and players often find those moments very impactful and special, creating a sense of deep connection with the characters.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Scientists have figured out a way to build tiles of landscape to simulate the creation of planets, replacing the use of fractals that do not give off realistic visuals.
1:02:08 - 1:09:57 (07:48)
Summary
Scientists have figured out a way to build tiles of landscape to simulate the creation of planets, replacing the use of fractals that do not give off realistic visuals. These tiles provide an infinite space to build planets on.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Elon Musk impresses Joe Rogan with his deep understanding of the challenges faced by space travel due to limitations of our current understanding of physics.
1:09:57 - 1:15:17 (05:20)
Summary
Elon Musk impresses Joe Rogan with his deep understanding of the challenges faced by space travel due to limitations of our current understanding of physics.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast host wonders if space exploration video games could inspire young people to become engineers and scientists, developing an interest into space exploration.
1:15:17 - 1:21:39 (06:21)
Summary
The podcast host wonders if space exploration video games could inspire young people to become engineers and scientists, developing an interest into space exploration. He notes that such interests could support the intellectual progress of humanity as we watch hopeful observations of far-off planets and star systems.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The upcoming Elder Scrolls game will be designed to be playable for up to two decades, and this has influenced the way it has been architected.
1:21:39 - 1:28:19 (06:40)
Summary
The upcoming Elder Scrolls game will be designed to be playable for up to two decades, and this has influenced the way it has been architected. The game will incorporate elements that consider the long-term playability of the game.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The hosts discuss how conversations about the next game usually occur midway through the development of the current game and how they brainstorm ideas for the beginning of the game using a chart to avoid boredom and frustration.
1:28:19 - 1:33:02 (04:42)
Summary
The hosts discuss how conversations about the next game usually occur midway through the development of the current game and how they brainstorm ideas for the beginning of the game using a chart to avoid boredom and frustration.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The features in a game should interact with the storyline to make the experience seamless for the player.
1:33:02 - 1:43:16 (10:14)
Summary
The features in a game should interact with the storyline to make the experience seamless for the player. Games should be proven out through a first playable to ensure immersion and differentiation from other games.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The game designers of Fallout 76 talk about the emotions the game is intended to provoke in the player and the differences from the previous Fallout games.
1:43:17 - 1:47:53 (04:35)
Summary
The game designers of Fallout 76 talk about the emotions the game is intended to provoke in the player and the differences from the previous Fallout games.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Character creation in role-playing games is a visual and important part of the overall experience as it helps players load in the world they are about to enter and allows them to change their skills as they discover what they like throughout the game.
1:47:53 - 1:54:51 (06:58)
Summary
Character creation in role-playing games is a visual and important part of the overall experience as it helps players load in the world they are about to enter and allows them to change their skills as they discover what they like throughout the game.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Having too many important items in a room can create confusion and frustration for players, as they feel compelled to collect all the items and may need to check a map.
1:54:52 - 1:59:47 (04:54)
Summary
Having too many important items in a room can create confusion and frustration for players, as they feel compelled to collect all the items and may need to check a map. It can also make players feel like failures if they leave something behind.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The challenge of designing a successful mobile game is accommodating both the platform and the user’s needs, such as allowing for shorter play sessions, enabling on-the-go play, and optimizing the interface for touch screen controls.
1:59:47 - 2:04:07 (04:19)
Summary
The challenge of designing a successful mobile game is accommodating both the platform and the user’s needs, such as allowing for shorter play sessions, enabling on-the-go play, and optimizing the interface for touch screen controls.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Todd Howard, game director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, speaks on the risks involved with delaying a game release, specifically the highly anticipated Starfield, in order to ensure a quality product and satisfy fans.
2:04:07 - 2:08:32 (04:25)
Summary
Todd Howard, game director and executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, speaks on the risks involved with delaying a game release, specifically the highly anticipated Starfield, in order to ensure a quality product and satisfy fans.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The upcoming game 'Starfield' from Microsoft is to be a platform seller for its new systems, according to Xbox Games Studios head Matt Booty.
2:08:32 - 2:11:57 (03:24)
Summary
The upcoming game 'Starfield' from Microsoft is to be a platform seller for its new systems, according to Xbox Games Studios head Matt Booty. The company plans to showcase the potential of its hardware with the game.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker talks about how their mood and physical state affects the way they play video games.
2:11:57 - 2:13:11 (01:13)
Summary
The speaker talks about how their mood and physical state affects the way they play video games.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Richard Garriott, a video-game developer and entrepreneur, discusses interesting games from a long time ago that inspired and changed the video-gaming world.
2:13:11 - 2:15:53 (02:41)
Summary
Richard Garriott, a video-game developer and entrepreneur, discusses interesting games from a long time ago that inspired and changed the video-gaming world. He also talks about his involvement in Ultima Online and the impact of sequels in the gaming industry.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The simplicity of Tetris can appeal to anyone, making it a timeless classic in the world of video games, while digital ownership provides added value to players.
2:15:53 - 2:20:41 (04:47)
Summary
The simplicity of Tetris can appeal to anyone, making it a timeless classic in the world of video games, while digital ownership provides added value to players.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The development process of sports video games is much more challenging than people realize, as the teams work hard to recreate real-world gameplay.
2:20:41 - 2:23:00 (02:18)
Summary
The development process of sports video games is much more challenging than people realize, as the teams work hard to recreate real-world gameplay. Re-creating a realistic representation of real-world sports, such as cars or college football, poses its unique set of complexities.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Video games provide a sense of pride and accomplishment that other forms of media cannot replicate, as they allow players to experience a feeling of real accomplishment that is internal to the game.
2:23:00 - 2:33:54 (10:54)
Summary
Video games provide a sense of pride and accomplishment that other forms of media cannot replicate, as they allow players to experience a feeling of real accomplishment that is internal to the game. The process of game development involves programming, art, design, quest and system design, and level design.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The creators of Fallout are developing a unique storytelling experience in the world of Fallout that doesn't retell the stories of the existing games but instead creates its own unique narrative while staying true to the established rules.
2:33:54 - 2:39:12 (05:18)
Summary
The creators of Fallout are developing a unique storytelling experience in the world of Fallout that doesn't retell the stories of the existing games but instead creates its own unique narrative while staying true to the established rules.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Bethesda is developing an Indiana Jones game in collaboration with Machine Games.
2:39:12 - 2:43:10 (03:57)
Summary
Bethesda is developing an Indiana Jones game in collaboration with Machine Games. Todd Howard talks about how Machine Games is the perfect fit for this game with storytelling and how they record it.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The process of video game design, specifically the struggles of creating a game like Starfield, can teach us valuable lessons about finding the meaning of life through curiosity and iteration.
2:43:10 - 2:47:42 (04:32)
Summary
The process of video game design, specifically the struggles of creating a game like Starfield, can teach us valuable lessons about finding the meaning of life through curiosity and iteration.
Episode#342 – Todd Howard: Skyrim, Elder Scrolls 6, Fallout, and Starfield
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The enjoyment of playing video games with loved ones or discussing them at the water cooler has a significant impact on children.
2:47:42 - 2:50:06 (02:24)
Summary
The enjoyment of playing video games with loved ones or discussing them at the water cooler has a significant impact on children. It's important to recognize the positive effects that video games can have on families and social interactions.