We don’t often find ourselves amid the hype, speculation, and expectations of a game launch that can reshape gaming as we know it. And yet, here we are, on the cusp of Bethesda’s latest epic: Starfield.
We’ve been aboard the Starfield train for quite some time now. First teased at E3 2018, the game had this mesmerizing allure. The promise of exploring over a thousand planets, engaging in an “astonishing” number of side quests, and to make decisions that affect branching paths and factions, has tantalized gamers for years. But now, the stars have finally aligned; Starfield has gone gold.
For the uninitiated, “going gold” is a sacred term in the gaming world. Historically, it meant the game’s final version was immortalized onto a special gold-colored master CD. This master was then duplicated to flood stores with fresh copies of the game. While the golden discs of yore may be a relic, the sentiment remains: the game is ready to soar.
Prepare for launch.#Starfield has gone gold! Preloads begin tomorrow for @Xbox X|S and Windows PC and August 30 for Steam. pic.twitter.com/LC8xJnI8WN
— Bethesda Game Studios (@BethesdaStudios) August 16, 2023
Why is this moment so significant for Bethesda? Starfield is their first single-player RPG since the iconic Fallout 4, which graced us nearly eight years ago. More importantly, it’s the studio’s first unique property in what feels like forever.
While The Elder Scrolls franchise ensured Bethesda’s place in the pantheon of gaming greats, Starfield represents a leap into the unknown, a challenge the studio hasn’t faced in years. With Starfield, Bethesda hopes to not just match, but surpass their previous successes.
Beyond the game itself, Starfield’s development marks notable milestones. It’s one of the first games under Microsoft’s aegis after the tech giant’s acquisition of Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media. This combined Bethesda with a handful of other studios under one umbrella, which will only grow larger with Activision Blizzard soon to be welcomed into the fold. Additionally, Starfield proudly carries the banner of being only the second game at Microsoft developed using union labor, which is a nod to the changing dynamics of the gaming industry.
The anticipation for Starfield is high. Xbox Series S/X users and Windows PC players are prepping for the preload, now scheduled for August 17 and August 30 respectively. For those out of the loop, preloading lets you download the game in advance. So, when the clock ticks over to release day, you’re ready for liftoff without delays. A notable gesture when considering Starfield’s hefty size of 125GB.
For those who’ve already reserved their boarding pass with the Premium Edition, the cosmos will open up a little earlier on September 1. Five days of early exploration before the rest of the world joins in. But come September 6, the universe is open to all – with Starfield gracing Xbox Series S/X, PC, and day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.
In this vast expanse, Bethesda promises an intricate main campaign, one that can be navigated in a reasonable 30 to 40 hours. But for the completionists among us, the allure of uncharted planets and side quests may stretch that playtime considerably.
Starfield, with its seemingly never-ending universe, has the potential to be an iconic tale. Bethesda has the craft, the legacy, and now, the stage set for what might be a defining game of this generation.
To Bethesda and all who’ve toiled under distant stars: congratulations. To the gamers: ready your ships, chart your courses, and may your adventures in Starfield be legendary.
