Bethesda's recent update about the physical versions of Starfield has revealed a significant detail: the game will not include physical discs in any of its versions. Set to release in a matter of months, this highly-anticipated title from Bethesda, known for their successful Elder Scrolls and Fallout franchises, has captured the attention of gaming enthusiasts. During June's Xbox Showcase, Microsoft showcased Starfield and provided a comprehensive 45-minute exploration of its gameplay. However, fans who were hoping to own a physical copy of the game may have received disappointing news.
Despite the recent focus on Starfield as part of Microsoft's upcoming lineup, this space exploration game has been in development at Bethesda for quite some time. The developer initially announced Starfield almost five years ago during its 2018 E3 press conference. However, the game encountered various challenges during its development, leading to several delays before finally settling on a release date of September 6. A recent update from Bethesda's support team has now confirmed a major drawback regarding the physical versions of the game.
A recent response from Bethesda's official customer support Twitter account appears to have confirmed an important detail regarding the physical releases for Starfield. In the response to a fan's inquiry about the physical Standard Edition release on Xbox Series X, Bethesda disclosed that all physical editions of the game will come with a download code for Starfield. This means that none of Starfield's physical releases will have an actual game disc, but instead, they will include download codes alongside bonus rewards. Although the tweet response has been deleted, it is believed to have been done by Bethesda.
The absence of a game disc in the physical versions of Starfield would surely disappoint fans who prefer to have a tangible copy. Bethesda is planning to offer various editions of the game, each with different rewards. Notably, the physical Premium Edition does not even include the base game. Many recent releases have faced criticism for their physical versions, such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which necessitated substantial downloads despite the presence of a physical game disc.
While the potential exclusion of a physical game disc in Starfield may disappoint some fans, Bethesda has provided ample reasons for excitement surrounding their latest franchise. During the recent Direct broadcast for the game, numerous intriguing details were showcased, such as an immersive exploration of starship combat and the promise of over 1000 procedurally generated worlds to discover. The game also offers players a remarkable level of freedom, allowing them to personalize their ships and choose how they want to navigate the vast universe. With its impending release later this year, Starfield is poised to become a monumental triumph for Bethesda. Mark your calendars for September 6, when the game will be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
