Starfield: The Galactic Game-Changer That Will Outshine Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights

Starfield, the highly anticipated game from Bethesda, has the potential to restore the company's reputation after recent controversies like Fallout 76 and Redfall.

Baldur's Gate 3's success, despite minimal marketing, may have negative implications for Starfield if it fails to surpass it in terms of critical acclaim and player population.

As Starfield strives to create an open-world adventure that sets new standards in the genre and follows in the footsteps of acclaimed RPG franchises such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, it finds itself under intense pressure and examination.

RPG enthusiasts are anxiously anticipating the arrival of Starfield, while many have turned their attention to Larian Studios' recently launched Baldur's Gate 3, which has been receiving rave reviews since its debut on August 3rd. Although Baldur's Gate 3 differs significantly from Starfield in terms of tone, setting, and gameplay mechanics, both are western RPGs set for release in 2023, leading to inevitable comparisons between the two titles in the months to come. Considering the immense popularity of Baldur's Gate 3, it raises the question of how Starfield will measure up when it hits the market next month.

Starfield, the highly anticipated next game and new intellectual property from renowned developer Bethesda, has already sparked high expectations. Following the controversy surrounding releases like Fallout 76, Bethesda undoubtedly hopes that Starfield will serve as a fresh start and restore some of the company's previously tarnished reputation. In essence, Starfield is more than just another Bethesda game – it possesses the potential to either alter or perpetuate the notion that Bethesda has lost its touch in creating blockbuster RPGs. Thus, comparisons to Baldur's Gate 3 may influence the narrative surrounding Starfield's debut.

Baldur's Gate 3's Popularity Could Reflect Poorly On Starfield

Baldur's Gate 3 has received widespread critical acclaim and surprising popularity from audiences. It reached a peak concurrent player count of nearly 815,000 on Steam shortly after its launch. However, it did not generate the same level of marketing excitement as Starfield, a highly anticipated game supported by Microsoft and Bethesda. Starfield has significantly more hype surrounding it, potentially creating challenges for Baldur's Gate 3, which could be considered an underdog in comparison.

Despite its more modest marketing efforts, Baldur's Gate 3's success among general gaming audiences is noteworthy. In contrast, Starfield's prominent position in the industry spotlight and its status as an eagerly awaited release from a renowned RPG studio makes it susceptible to criticism. Many gamers have high expectations for Starfield, anticipating a groundbreaking next-generation open-world experience befitting a studio with a strong reputation and a substantial budget. Additionally, Starfield must live up to the legacy of iconic RPG franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, which are considered cornerstones of the genre.

Starfield is under significant pressure to surpass Baldur's Gate 3 in critical acclaim and player numbers, as gamers have high expectations for the game. Additionally, its lack of availability on PlayStation puts Starfield at a disadvantage, whereas Baldur's Gate 3 caters to a broader audience by being accessible on PC, PlayStation, and soon, Xbox. With a smaller player base, Starfield must excel in order to succeed in this niche market. It's worth noting that both games offer extensive gameplay with numerous hours of side content and replay value. Despite releasing a month apart, both titles will compete for the attention of RPG enthusiasts, further adding to the pressure on Starfield. Microsoft and Bethesda have faced challenges in 2023, and Starfield must differentiate itself from previous disappointments like Redfall. To withstand scrutiny and comparisons to the less-publicized Baldur's Gate 3, Starfield must meet or exceed the sky-high expectations set for it.

Starfield is set to release on September 6, 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.