No Man's Sky is benefiting from the release of Starfield

Make no mistake, this isn't to stir up discussions about which game is better. No Man's Sky and Starfield offer distinctly different experiences.

For starters, No Man's Sky's appeal lies in its extensive sandbox nature, combined with years of post-launch evolution. It has several of the features - from intricate base-building mechanisms to expansive fleets - that came from many years of mistakes and updates, aging like fine wine. Although Starfield boasts of finely crafted RPG elements that NMS may lack, the latter's sheer exploration possibilities are arguably unparalleled.

It makes little sense to compare both games, as one will inevitably come out superior depending on who you ask.

Interestingly, No Man's Sky's rise is also attributed to its latest update, Echoes, launched just last month, coinciding with its seventh anniversary. Echoes introduced intriguing elements, such as a new robotic faction and advanced space combat capabilities, enhancing the player's space exploration experience.

The overarching sentiment suggests that while Starfield is undeniably a titan in its own right, the cosmic arena is large enough to accommodate multiple star players. Either that, or we're talking about a "rising tide lifts all boats" kind of a situation. Starfield's introduction might have even indirectly catalyzed a resurgence in interest for space-themed games. If the latter is the case, then everybody benefits.

At the end of the day, what kind of game you play all depends on what you want. If you prefer an expansive, sandbox-type exploration experience, akin to a space version of Minecraft, No Man's Sky is your best option. On the other hand, Starfield leans more towards space and ground combats, enriched with compelling narratives.

Of course, No Man's Sky and Starfield aren't the only big players in this genre. Elite Dangerous is an excellent game for those looking for a more immersive piloting experience.

Between these three and a handful of others, you'll have plenty of options for exploring the cosmos.

Speaking of Starfield, the critical opinion on the game has gotten worse. It remains to be seen if the slide will continue before the year ends or if Bethesda can do something to put a stop to it.