RPG giants Bethesda were on hand to display their latest wares at the event, and even discuss some of the studio’s guiding mantras - a “ready-when-it’s-ready,” “quality over quantity” style approach that will be familiar to fans of the similarly non-committal Valve Corporation.

Speaking to various members of the gaming press, Bethesda’s Vice President of Public Relations & Marketing Peter Hines, reiterated his company’s commitment to fewer but better-polished titles (courtesy of Joystiq):

This isn’t the first time Hines has addressed Bethesda’s irregular release schedule. Last week, the often-quoted spokesman told Polygon that the company would seek to back any-and-all quality projects, even if it meant extending a game’s development cycle beyond its original allowance:

This isn’t to say that the studio is willing to accept a long-term drain on resources: the company’s self-imposed size limitations ensure that every product must first pass muster. Whereas many larger publishers can afford to fund multiple passion projects - given the success of just one or two mega-titles per year - every one of Bethesda’s investments could be considered a financial tent pole. As a result, choosing when and where to call time on a failing project is suitably tough - as Hines told IGN back in June:

Just where this cut-off will occur is tough to predict. Human Head, the original developer behind long-gestating space shooter Prey 2, believed their tenure on the title would continue up to the game’s eventual release. Instead, Bethesda owner Zenimax Media effectively fired the team, forcing the promising FPS into a state of developmental limbo.

In discussing the studio’s future projects, Hines also ruled out any short-term plans for Wii U development:

Neither The Elder Scrolls Online or The Evil Within will be appearing on Nintendo’s floundering console, with freshly delayed reboot shooter Wolfenstein: The New Order also set to miss out. In explaining the apparent me-too move (EA, 2K & Ubisoft have all declared their dissatisfaction with Nintendo’s console sales), Hines implied that titles were simply too demanding for the under-powered machine to handle.

So, has Bethesda’s strategy led to the studio playing it safe with their properties? Is the Wii U really too weak to run an expansive next-gen title? Have your say in the comments below.

You can follow Sam on Twitter @GamingGoo.

Source: Joystiq, Polygon, IGN