Bethesda's space exploration RPG Starfield has been floating in a communications void for months, leaving its community increasingly frustrated. After persistent fan requests for information, the developer has finally broken its silence with a vague promise of exciting things coming later this year, though specific details remain elusive.
The Long-Awaited Communication
After months of silence that had fans questioning the future of the game, Bethesda has finally responded to community concerns via the official Starfield X account. We know you're eager for an update, and we truly appreciate your passion for Starfield, the statement reads. The team has been hard at work, and while we're not ready to share specific details just yet, we have a lot of exciting things planned for the game this year that we can't wait to talk about when the time is right.
This communication comes after a period where Starfield's reception has cooled considerably since its 2023 launch. The game currently sits at a mixed 58% user review score on Steam, a stark contrast to its initial positive reception. The statement, while confirming ongoing development, has done little to quell community frustration due to its lack of specifics.
2024's Updates and Reception
Last year saw Starfield receive several updates, including the addition of the much-requested Rev-8 land vehicle and the release of the Shattered Space expansion. However, the premium DLC wasn't particularly well-received, earning just a 6/10 in Wccftech's review. Critic Francesco De Meo noted that while the expansion introduced a more focused and engaging story compared to the base game, it suffered from average map and quest design and a lack of new features that made the experience a bit of a slog.
What's Potentially Coming
Speculation abounds regarding what these exciting things might entail. Todd Howard previously mentioned plans for annual story expansions, though these plans may have shifted as Bethesda balances resources with development of The Elder Scrolls VI. One potential clue lies in the Starborn trademark that Bethesda registered in summer 2024, which some fans believe could be the title of the next expansion.
Another possibility that has gained traction is a PlayStation 5 release of Starfield, which has been rumored to be in development. This would mark a significant shift for what was originally promoted as an Xbox console exclusive.
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| A digital art representation of potential characters that could embody the new narratives and expansions in Starfield |
The Communication Dilemma
Bethesda finds itself in a difficult position regarding Starfield communication. Saying too much risks creating unrealistic expectations among players, while saying nothing risks the community losing interest entirely or assuming the game has been abandoned. The current middle-ground approach of acknowledging existence without providing details has left many fans unsatisfied.
Looking Ahead
More concrete information about Starfield's future will likely come during June's Xbox Games Showcase. Until then, the community remains in a holding pattern, with some expressing frustration at the vagueness of Bethesda's communication while others understand the developer's cautious approach.
What's clear is that Starfield's journey is far from over, though whether Bethesda can recapture the excitement that once had it positioned as 2023's most anticipated game remains to be seen. The coming months will be crucial for determining whether Starfield can evolve into the space epic fans had hoped for or if it will remain in the shadow of other RPG successes like Baldur's Gate 3.