Highlights
Starfield is a new open-world sci-fi RPG by Bethesda that executives are hyping up, comparing it to Oblivion and hinting at a decade-plus lifespan.
Starfield is drawing comparisons to Skyrim and is anticipated to appeal to a similar devoted player community. Given the long-standing popularity of Skyrim, there is optimism that Starfield will enjoy comparable longevity.
Starfield potentially has a lifespan comparable to that of Skyrim, lasting over a decade. Instead of taking the safe route with a new Fallout or Elder Scrolls game, Bethesda has chosen to take a risk by developing Starfield, an open world sci-fi RPG that allows players to explore the vastness of space. The verdict is still out on whether or not Starfield will meet the high expectations, but executives have been actively building anticipation for the game.
During Gamescom, various executives from Bethesda and Microsoft have been seizing the opportunity to create excitement around Starfield and give fans a glimpse of what they can anticipate from this massive new game. Among them is Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, who recently drew a comparison between Starfield and Oblivion, suggesting that the forthcoming RPG shares more similarities with The Elder Scrolls 4 than with Skyrim.
That hasn't deterred many from asserting that Starfield is essentially Skyrim in outer space. In fact, it appears to effectively adopt Bethesda's well-established formula and transport it to a new celestial setting. The parallels between Starfield and Skyrim were once again raised in a recent interview with IGN featuring Phil Spencer, who was queried about the possibility of Starfield enjoying a decade or more of support and gameplay, much like Skyrim. Without hesitation, Spencer affirmed, "Absolutely." Furthermore, he expressed his aspiration for Starfield to endure for a decade or more, just like its predecessor.
Since its launch in 2011, Skyrim has maintained its popularity consistently. It remains uncertain if Starfield will be able to achieve the same level of success. Nonetheless, there are aspects of Starfield that have the potential to establish a long-lasting player base. One significant advantage is that Starfield is included in the day one lineup of Xbox Game Pass and will be available on the subscription service permanently. This accessibility ensures that almost anyone with a PC or Xbox console can easily join in and play the game.
Another factor that will likely captivate fans is the official DLC for Starfield. While the full extent of Bethesda's plans for post-launch DLC remains undisclosed, the Shattered Space expansion has been confirmed. Further details regarding the Shattered Space expansion will be revealed at a later date. It can be anticipated that this expansion will introduce fresh storylines and possibly new destinations for players to explore - if it follows in the footsteps of previous Bethesda DLC packs.
Additionally, it is important to consider the potential modding scene for Starfield by Starfield. The continued popularity of Skyrim can largely be attributed to the wide range of mods developed for the game. If Starfield manages to have even a fraction of the modding support that Skyrim has, it has the potential to remain a widely played game for many years after its initial release. Starfield is set to launch on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X.
Source: IGN