- Bethesda's latest RPG, Starfield, has taken the internet by storm, resulting in a significant boost in Xbox Series X sales.
- The game's impact on Xbox Series X sales emphasizes the importance of exclusive titles in drawing gamers to specific consoles.
- The success of Starfield sets an optimistic stage for future titles and indicates a potential shift in the "console wars," with Xbox showing promising prospects.
The internet, for better or for worse, can't seem to stop talking about Bethesda's new RPG, Starfield, ever since it hit the scene.
On the plus side, this has been great for the Xbox Series X sales, as it has brought forth a wave of positive effects on the flagship console, leading to a staggering increase in the console's sales.
It's a well-known fact in the gaming industry: big name games send console sales through the roof. For the first time in what feels like forever, this is finally happening to the Xbox Series X - and it's all thanks to Starfield.
After almost eight years in development, Starfield finally made its debut. After a nearly week-long Early Access period and enjoying six million players within 48 hours of launching, the launch of the latest Bethesda title has resulted in what can only be described as a massive jump of sales in Amazon alone. This is a testament to the kind of magnetism top-tier games can possess. People, it seems, are more than willing to purchase an entire console just for the chance to play a particular game.
This staggering sales figure isn't just good news for Bethesda, but also a significant boost for Microsoft's gaming sector, which it has expanded in recent years with the acquisition of ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard.
Having Starfield under its belt has naturally increased anticipation among Xbox users. Microsoft, recognizing the game's potential, has projected record-breaking revenue for Q1 FY24 following Starfield's launch. The company's optimism isn't unfounded, given the trend they've observed with Xbox Series X sales on Amazon and the enthusiastic reception from gamers.
Moreover, Microsoft has been strategic in positioning itself in the gaming landscape. Starfield isn't the only ace up their sleeve. They've teased a compelling first-party lineup, signaling that Starfield is just the opening act. With titles such as Forza Motorsport coming in October and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II set for early next year as well as Avowed and also Fable, Xbox players have a lot to look forward to. Microsoft's commitment to delivering quality single-player offerings is clear. In light of this, Phil Spencer has even hinted at the possibility of multiple showcases each year to introduce their robust lineup.
Interestingly, while past Bethesda Game Studios releases have had their share of bugs, early reviews of Starfield suggest a departure from this trend. Initial impressions reveal an impressively polished game, albeit one that can feel empty and dull at times. This isn't to say the game has been without controversy. Bethesda's Todd Howard humorously addressed optimization complaints, advising players to upgrade their PCs.
The real measure of Starfield's success lies in its influence beyond the typical gaming communities. For the first time, people outside the hardcore gamer circle have expressed a desire to own an Xbox just to experience a game. While the continual release of titles like Starfield could give Microsoft an edge against competitors like Sony and Nintendo, the impact Starfield has already had on the Xbox Series X sales is undeniable.
This influence reiterates the importance of exclusive titles. By offering games that aren't available on other platforms, a company can guide gamers to their consoles. Starfield has demonstrated this advantage for Microsoft by exclusively releasing on the Xbox Series X. The dramatic surge in console sales following the game's release underlines the potential strategy for Microsoft to bank on exclusivity in the upcoming years.
The general consensus is that if a single game like Starfield can invigorate the Xbox Series X sales to such an extent, the gaming community can only imagine what a title like Elder Scrolls 6 might do in the future. Starfield's sales boost is an encouraging sign for Microsoft, especially considering the Xbox has often lagged in the infamous "console wars." With more exclusive titles in the pipeline and the recent success, it's evident that Xbox is set on a promising trajectory.
Ultimately, Starfield's release has not only been a triumph for Bethesda but also a game-changer for Microsoft's Xbox Series X. The rise in console sales and the immense anticipation among gamers underline the potent combination of exclusive high-quality titles and strategic marketing.
This is down to needing too beefy of a computer. I think it would have sold better on PC if not for that.
I am shocked it sells better on PS5 considering Xbox has it on Gamepass.
they did decent marketing, otherwise i don't think it would be doing so well on it
Those journalists are a big time joke. The game lost at least 10 millions of sales due to the fact it's not available on ps5. The company also lost money due to the fact it's available for free on gamepass. Yet those journalists say it's a success. Yes it's a success to loose more than 10 millions of sales, that's the definition of success
And forcing player to buy your console to play a game cuz you decides to make a multiplatform company exclusive is disgusting. How dare some journalists can say it's a good thing