Los Angeles, California – Bethesda’s development chief Todd Howard has addressed the mixed reactions to the space game Starfield, suggesting that some criticism may stem from its departure from the familiar territories of Fallout and Skyrim. Released in September 2023, Starfield garnered significant attention due to its integration into Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service, attracting more players at launch than any previous Bethesda game and boasted improved performance compared to other titles from the studio.
Despite its strong start, Starfield received a mixed reception from both critics and players. While IGN’s review scored it at 7/10, highlighting issues such as disjointed space travel, lack of maps, inventory management challenges, and slow progression of essential abilities, user reviews on Steam labeled it as ‘mixed,’ citing concerns such as lengthy loading times during space travel, barren landscapes on planets, and a lack of engaging encounters.
During an interview with Kinda Funny Games, Howard acknowledged the varied responses to Starfield, emphasizing the game’s unique qualities as a new intellectual property. Recognizing the diverse opinions on the game, Howard noted the importance of each franchise standing on its own, catering to different preferences among players. Despite some dissatisfaction, Howard highlighted positive reviews in the 90s and expressed gratitude for the critical reception amid a competitive year in gaming.
Howard defended the decision to prioritize the exploration of numerous planets in Starfield, a vital aspect of the game’s concept. While Bethesda promised 1,000 explorable planets pre-launch, players voiced disappointment over the content and depth found within these worlds. Howard explained that the studio aimed to deliver an unparalleled sci-fi experience, necessitating trade-offs and adjustments from their traditional RPG offerings like Fallout and Elder Scrolls.
As Bethesda prepares to release a substantial update for Starfield, introducing features like 60fps gameplay on Xbox Series X, speculation arises on how this refresh will impact the game’s reception. With the upcoming Shattered Space expansion slated for release in the fall, fans await to see if these enhancements will reignite interest in Starfield and address some of the criticisms previously raised. Howard’s remarks shed light on the studio’s commitment to evolving their franchises and responding to player feedback, aiming to deliver a unique gaming experience in the sci-fi genre.