Initially met with mixed reviews and a rapidly declining player base following its September 2023 launch, Starfield has recently shown signs of resurgence, thanks to consistent updates and the promise of exciting new content.
Starfield’s troubled, hype-filled launch last year was partly self-fueled. For five years, Bethesda Game Studios sold gamers on an open-world space epic, unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. Although it delivered to some extent, many felt like it didn’t do enough.
As is often the case in the gaming industry, sky-high expectations often end in the disappointment of fans. While many praised Starfield’s dialogue, story, and what’s undoubtedly an expansive universe, others criticized its dated technical features, underwhelming combat mechanics, and an abundance of loading screens. Despite these initial setbacks, Bethesda has remained committed to improving the Starfield experience. Now, here we are.
One of the most significant additions resulting in renewed interest in Starfield came in the form of the new REV-8 vehicle, a land-based buggy that makes exploring the countless if rather empty planets all that much more enjoyable. This long-awaited feature has injected new life into the game, making traversal across the vast alien landscapes more engaging and enjoyable. The introduction of the REV-8 demonstrates the impact that even a single well-implemented feature can have on the overall gaming experience.
Starfield’s player count reflects this notable increase. On Steam, the game’s active player base jumped from an average of 5,000-7,000 to around 15,000 following the latest update. While this is a far cry from its launch peak of over 330,000 players, it represents a significant improvement and suggests that Bethesda’s efforts are paying off.
It’s worth noting that these figures only represent Steam users, and the game likely enjoys a larger player base on Xbox platforms, where it’s available through Game Pass. In fact, Starfield has climbed back into the “Top 25 Most-Played Games on Xbox” list, outperforming titles like Madden NFL 25, Baldur’s Gate 3, and Warframe.
Looking ahead, Bethesda has more in store for Starfield fans. The Shattered Space DLC promises to delve deeper into the game’s lore and introduce a sinister aspect to the relatively tame Starfield universe on September 30.
The game’s first of many expansions will explore the mysteries of House Va’ruun and its worship of an ominous deity known as the Great Serpent, drawing inspiration from sci-fi horror classics like Alien and Dead Space.
Bethesda’s commitment to Starfield extends beyond this upcoming DLC, with more in the works. While details about this future content remain scarce, they demonstrate the developer’s long-term vision for the game.
As Starfield continues to evolve, modders are finally beginning to make their mark after most gave up on Starfield last year. The growing availability of mods will play a key role in the game’s longevity and appeal, offering players new ways to customize and expand their experience.
With the developer addressomg player feedback and introducing new content to Starfield, it may yet fulfill its potential as a flagship title for Bethesda and a showcase for the capabilities of the Creation Engine 2.
However, it remains unclear if Starfield will be part of the not-so-exclusives Xbox titles that will make its way on PlayStation 5. Microsoft’s lack of clarity regarding its direction amidst its subtle rebranding doesn’t help either.
Nevertheless, with the ongoing support and a dedicated player base, Starfield could still achieve the long-term success that many had initially envisioned for it—even if it will take the game much longer than initially thought.
