Bethesda Softworks is trending online in the lead-up to the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct. But, it’s not because of the said events. Rather, the result is the leaks concerning the studio’s highly anticipated game, Starfield, that have begun to circulate online.
These leaks, primarily involving the game’s special editions and pricing, come from notable leaker billbil-kun, whose history of accurate leaks lends some credibility to the rumors.
Starfield, developed by Bethesda Game Studios, represents the first new intellectual property launched by the studio in over twenty-five years. The game, set in a meticulously designed universe, is eagerly awaited by the gaming community and has been billed as one of the biggest games of its generation. Starfield was initially slated for a November 2022 release, but delays pushed the launch to September 6.
The recent leaks suggest that Microsoft will sell Starfield in three versions – Standard, Premium, and Constellation.
The Standard Edition is expected to cost €69.99 on PC and €79.99 on Xbox Series X|S, or about $70 in the US for the Xbox version. The Premium Edition, which is predicted to include DLC expansions based on Bethesda’s track record with similar game packages, is estimated to retail for €104.99 on PC and €114.99 on Xbox Series X|S, equivalent to $112.80 and $123.55 USD respectively. It’s worth noting that Bethesda Game Studios has always released at least two sizable expansions for previous games, enhancing the gameplay experience and providing more bang for the buck for gamers.
The most intriguing and highly-priced of the three is the Constellation Edition. This edition will retail for a hefty €299.99, or approximately $320 USD, for both PC and Xbox Series X|S. The Constellation Edition is expected to be available exclusively as a physical release, likely containing physical goodies like a map, a statuette, or other collectibles akin to Bethesda’s previous collector’s editions.
Interestingly, the gaming giant is also expected to unveil a special edition Xbox controller and a wireless headset, both of which will feature Starfield branding. The controller and headset are priced at $79.99 and $124.99 respectively, and they are predicted to be available for immediate purchase post-announcement.
Despite the premium pricing, the game will be added to the Game Pass library on day one. However, the DLCs will need to be purchased separately by players choosing to play the base game on Game Pass.
With the leaks stirring up the already excited gaming community, the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct are poised to make headlines. The double-feature broadcast is set to air on June 11 at 10 AM Pacific Time and last for two hours, with the Starfield Direct expected to air during the final half-hour. Bethesda fans can expect to get a deep dive into Starfield during the showcase, as well as confirmation or denials of these recent leaks.
For now, gamers around the globe will be watching closely for official updates, waiting eagerly to venture into the vastness of space in Bethesda’s latest masterpiece, Starfield.
