Starfield shows what happens when the hype fades away

Despite these criticisms, Starfield's numbers aren't bad. In fact, Bethesda has reported over 6 million total players across all platforms. This makes Starfield the best-performing Bethesda launch ever. However, the game still falls short of Baldur's Gate 3's record of 875,343 concurrent players on Steam.

Comparatively, Skyrim and Fallout 4, as previously mentioned, continue to maintain strong player bases. This enduring popularity of Bethesda's older titles contrast the declining player engagement. However, Steam numbers don't give a complete picture. The first-party Xbox title will likely have more players on Game Pass, which Steam doesn't account for.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that Starfield has left plenty feeling dissatisfied and disillusioned. The New Game Plus mechanic and the lack of incentives for exploration further compound its failure to captivate their interest for extended gameplay. This sentiment is shared by players who, despite enjoying the initial playthrough, found the allure of Starfield diminishing quickly.

Financially, Starfield has been a significant success for Bethesda and Microsoft, bolstering their position in the gaming market. This financial success, however, doesn't necessarily align with the long-term player engagement and a critical acclaim that titles such as Skyrim have achieved. It raises questions about the evolving tastes and expectations of the fan base, especially in an era where players are looking for more than just expansive worlds but also depth, narrative strength, and replayability - three areas that Starfield where, as per the consensus, is severely lacking.

Bethesda's approach to addressing the concerns and improving the game's appeal will be important. Quality of Life updates, bug fixes, and enhanced content could draw players back. In addition, fans eagerly await the integration of official mod support, which could significantly enrich the experience albeit modders don't feel as enthused anymore after their most recent revelation.

While Starfield has demonstrated impressive initial success and remains popular, its future will depend heavily on how Bethesda navigates player feedback and evolves the game. Balancing the technical aspects with engaging content and maintaining player interest will ensure Starfield's lasting impact in the competitive gaming landscape.