Counter-Strike: Global Offensive almost always tops the best-seller list on Steam, except in the last few months. After a brief stint at the top, Remnant 2 paved the way for Baldur’s Gate 3, which stayed there for a while before Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon came and assumed pole position for a couple of days. Now, it’s Starfield’s turn.
Bethesda’s long-anticipated space RPG has triumphed over other heavweights, but what’s fueling Starfield’s pre-launch acclaim?
A quick look at Steam’s ranking parameters gives us a hint. While CS:GO’s positioning at the top might raise eyebrows due to its free-to-play status, it’s essential to note that these charts are revenue-driven. This offers a unique perspective on Starfield’s success. Priced at a hefty $70 for its base edition, it mirrors a broader industry trend where certain triple-A titles have seen a price escalation. Further sweetening the deal for ardent fans is a $100 Digital Premium Edition. This lavish package bestows early access, a much-anticipated story expansion, Shattered Space, in-game skins, and coveted digital iterations of both the soundtrack and artbook.
Starfield has just taken the #1 Spot in Steam Top Sellers beating out Baldur’s Gate 3
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Recent events, such as the Starfield Direct following the Xbox Games Showcase, have undeniably propelled its demand. This exclusive Starfield-centric presentation seemed to strike the right chords with gamers. A nod of approval from the recent industry events like Gamescom 2023 and a stream of fresh information over recent weeks has only intensified the excitement.
After all, all that everyone can talk about now is Starfield, including its explorable planets, how friendly it is to modders, its length, the New Game Plus mode, and that Netflix documentary that Pete Hines wants you to watch.
Between these recent revelations and the fact that it’s made by Bethesda Game Studios, who’s behind The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, a game that enjoys unwavering popularity on Steam a decade after its launch, and Starfield is poised to enjoy one of the best-selling runs in recent years in the same year that saw Diablo 4, Final Fantasy 16, and Hogwarts Legacy, all set records.
However, Bethesda’s ambitions for Starfield seem even grander. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, compares it more to The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion than Skyrim. Early glimpses of gameplay mechanics, like the intriguing trait system, have already captivated many. From choosing quirky traits like alien DNA to nostalgic elements such as the comeback of the Adoring Fan, Starfield is shaping up as an RPG lover’s dream.
Naturally, some caution has to be exercised. The ghosts of the past haunt Bethesda, with previous titles criticized for its plethora of bugs. While Microsoft assures that Starfield, given its delays and bolstered QA post Bethesda’s acquisition, will be the most polished game the studio has rolled out, some adopt a “seeing is believing” approach.
A pertinent reminder of the pitfalls of over-hyping is Cyberpunk 2077. Its initial reception was marred by controversies. Players had sky-high expectations, envisioning a revolutionary RPG experience, but were met with numerous glitches. CD Projekt’s reputation took a hit, forcing them into a two-year-long damage control exercise. Bethesda will be keen to avoid any parallels.
But Starfield’s ascent to the top, even before its release, is undeniably a testament to its magnetic appeal. Yet, the RPG surge isn’t isolated to Starfield alone. Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, having received glowing reviews, have broadened the RPG player base. This positive reception potentially uplifts titles like Starfield, with newer players exploring the genre further. One could argue that the RPG awakening prompted by games like Elden Ring has significantly benefited other titles in the genre, like Armoured Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
Ultimately, the gaming community is in for a treat. With titles like Starfield and Baldur’s Gate 3 releasing in within a few weeks of each other, the only real quandary is managing the time to dive deep into both. With Starfield’s sales already soaring across various platforms, the game has ostensibly sold millions of copies, raising expectations to stratospheric levels.
In the end, Starfield’s early triumph sets the stage for a potentially record-setting launch. While the future is starry, the hope is that the game will truly be out of this world.
