Are you planning to buy Starfield?
The release of Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios’ new space-exploration RPG, is just around the corner. After a captivating Starfield Direct presentation in June, the hype for this highly anticipated game is reaching fever pitch. This marks the first new game from the studio, led by veteran game director Todd Howard, in eight years since Fallout 4. Its presence at the top of Steam’s wishlist charts for the past two months is a testament to the excitement surrounding its release. Bethesda has described it as their most ambitious game yet, and from the early access I was fortunate enough to experience, their claims seem more than justified.
As Xbox’s exclusive game lineup continues to evolve, Starfield stands out as a pivotal launch for the platform. It’s worth delving into why this game holds such immense significance and why it’s arguably the most important launch for Xbox since Halo 5.
Xbox Series X|S
Since the launch of the Xbox Series X|S, Starfield’s release arguably surpasses any other game launch on the platform. While Halo Infinite in 2021 might spring to mind as a contender, it had a troubled launch. Despite its excellent single-player campaign, it was burdened by the weight of its troubled development cycle and the lukewarm reception of its multiplayer. This led to a less impactful launch than it could have been.
Another noteworthy launch was Forza Horizon 5, which was a cross-gen title. It received critical acclaim, including a perfect 10/10 score from iGV and even won their Game of the Year award. However, despite its popularity and accolades, Forza’s focus on racing limits its potential impact compared to a larger, more expansive game like Starfield.
Xbox One
The Xbox One generation was also characterized by a lack of large-scale exclusive titles. Notable releases include Gears 5 in 2019 and Gears of War 4 in 2016. Despite personal fondness for The Coalition’s Gears entries, it’s undeniable that the franchise’s impact diminished after the original trilogy, even with Epic’s own Gears of War: Judgment.
The Last Big Launch: Halo 5: Guardians
To find a game launch that matches the scale and excitement surrounding Starfield, we have to go back to 2015 and Halo 5: Guardians. While Halo 5 was a mixed bag, with a lackluster Locke-centric campaign and an exceptional multiplayer, its launch was undeniable. The hype surrounding its release was fueled by a clever marketing campaign, promising players a hunt for a renegade Master Chief, which was further amplified by the popular Hunt the Truth podcast. The campaign ultimately failed to live up to this marketing promise, but the excitement was palpable.
Halo 5’s release was a significant event. It was the first mainline Halo for the Xbox One, and its unique marketing strategy, coupled with the two-year wait since the console’s launch, created a high demand for the game.
Starfield: A New Era
Similar to Halo 5, the gaming community is eagerly awaiting the launch of Starfield. Bethesda Game Studios holds a special place in the hearts of many Xbox players, having delivered some of the most beloved and critically acclaimed titles on the platform. The eight-year gap since their last release has only amplified the anticipation, and Starfield represents their first foray into an original IP, promising a vast and immersive experience. With the release of Starfield’s early access version just around the corner, the time for excitement is now. It’s almost time to party like it’s 2015.
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