Starfield: A Stellar Start with Subsequent Stumbles
Bethesda’s latest venture, Starfield, initially rocketed to success at its launch on both PC and Xbox. However, despite breaking several major milestones and captivating the gaming community, its support and popularity have experienced a noticeable decline. Surprisingly, Skyrim, an older title from the same studio, now boasts more players on Steam than Starfield.
Community’s Mixed Reception to Starfield’s Features
Starfield’s innovative features, like the ship builder, received widespread acclaim. Nevertheless, some aspects of the game, particularly the procedural generation and space exploration elements, didn’t resonate as well with players. Many found the planetary exploration monotonous, contributing to the game’s waning popularity post-release.
Todd Howard’s Insights on Bethesda’s Priorities
In a revealing session with Wired, Todd Howard, a longstanding figure in video game development, discussed his career and provided insights into Bethesda’s current focus. Howard disclosed that a significant portion of Bethesda’s workforce, approximately 250 out of 450 developers, is dedicated to Starfield’s post-launch support. This commitment suggests that Starfield will receive ample attention before the studio fully pivots to The Elder Scrolls 6.
Anticipation for Starfield’s Shattered Space DLC
Speculation about the upcoming Shattered Space DLC for Starfield is rife, with players hoping it will explore the mysterious House Va’ruun. Despite being a pivotal force in the game’s Settled Systems, House Va’ruun maintained an enigmatic presence throughout Starfield’s narrative. Fans eagerly await the chance to delve into new realms like Dazra and Va’ruun space.
The Elder Scrolls 6: A Longer Wait Ahead?
With a substantial portion of Bethesda’s team focused on Starfield, it seems that The Elder Scrolls 6 might have a protracted development timeline. Current estimates suggest that around 150 developers are working on this much-anticipated title. As the wait for the next grand adventure in Tamriel continues, fans remain engaged with Skyrim and expansions in The Elder Scrolls Online, alongside thriving modding projects like Skywind.
Bethesda’s strategy reveals a balancing act between nurturing Starfield and progressing with The Elder Scrolls 6. While Starfield continues to evolve with new DLC and updates, fans of The Elder Scrolls series may need to brace for a longer wait. But with Bethesda’s track record, the eventual journey back to Tamriel promises to be an epic one, worth every bit of the anticipation.
