Unveiling the Mystery: Starfield's Turbulent Development and Bethesda's Future

Bethesda's upcoming RPG, Starfield, is highly anticipated and set to launch in just a few months. This space-themed experience is the first brand-new IP from the creators of Skyrim and Fallout 4 in over 25 years, and has likely been in the works for much of that time. Despite an initial delay, the game's solid 2023 release schedule is a promising sign of Bethesda's commitment to making Starfield a major franchise. This journey has taken longer than any previous game developed by the studio. Starfield's rich world-building and trademarked name from 2013 show that it was planned out well in advance, with interest in exploring a space-themed game dating back to the early days of Bethesda in the 2000s.

Starfield Went Off Course from Its Original Release Trajectory

Bethesda's long-awaited Starfield teaser trailer was unveiled at E3 2018 after years of silence, but it didn't reveal much about the game. However, the mere announcement of a new IP from the legendary studio was enough to fuel hype among fans. It wasn't until 2021's E3 that more information was shared with fans in the form of an in-game footage trailer that showcased the game's stunning sci-fi technology and graphics. Unfortunately, the November 2022 release date that accompanied the trailer was later delayed to the first half of 2023 to ensure the best possible version of the game could be produced. Despite the setback, the 2022 Xbox and Bethesda Showcase gave fans a glimpse of the game's massive universe and gameplay, generating even more excitement for its eventual release. Ultimately, the delay may prove to be a wise decision as it will allow developers to address potential concerns and deliver a polished final product.

Starfield’s Imminent Launch Means Everything for Bethesda

The ambitious promise of featuring 1,000 explorable planets in Starfield is undoubtedly a challenging feat for a AAA studio, and it's understandable that the game's production timeline needed to be recalibrated as it became more solidified. Despite being announced for release in the first half of 2023, the launch date has been pushed back to September due to the game's complexity.

Following in the footsteps of Bethesda's previous sci-fi game, Starfield's development period has now exceeded seven years, making it the longest time the studio has ever spent on a game. However, it's plausible that the game had been in the conceptualization phase for years prior. The additional time spent on polishing and tweaking the game could potentially lead to a more stable release, unlike the buggy releases of Bethesda's past massive RPGs. If the extra 10 months of production time result in a successful and well-received game, then Bethesda's decision to take its time with Starfield may prove to be a necessary step towards achieving the massive success of its legendary history.

Starfield launches September 6 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.