Starfield, the highly anticipated space game from Bethesda, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the most successful game launch in the history of the company. With over six million players joining the game since its full release on September 6th, Starfield has surpassed the success of Bethesda’s previous renowned titles like Skyrim and Fallout. This achievement was announced by Bethesda on their official Twitter account, proclaiming Starfield as their “biggest game launch of all time.”
Unveiling the Numbers
Although the exact distribution of Starfield players between PC and Xbox remains undisclosed, it is noteworthy that the game is available on both platforms. Additionally, Bethesda has not clarified the distinction between game purchases and players who accessed the title through their Game Pass subscription. However, the Xbox chief, Phil Spencer, confirmed on Twitter that Starfield had already crossed the one million concurrent players milestone across all platforms, which includes PC and Xbox Series X/S.
On Starfield’s release day, September 6th, the game attracted considerable attention on Steam, with over 269,000 players simultaneously engaging with the space RPG. These numbers have remained relatively steady since then, hovering around 258,000 peak players within a 24-hour period. This reception demonstrates the immense popularity of Starfield among gaming enthusiasts.
Bethesda’s Evolution
Starfield marks an exciting turning point for Bethesda as it introduces a new intellectual property (IP) after more than two decades. Traditionally known for their acclaimed titles in the Elder Scrolls series and the Fallout franchise, Bethesda has taken a bold step by venturing into uncharted territory with a space-themed RPG. This departure from their established game catalog, coupled with their recent acquisition by Microsoft in 2021, highlights a promising future for Bethesda and its collaboration with new and innovative ideas.
Despite the overwhelmingly positive response from players and the impressive sales figures, Starfield has not evaded criticism entirely. In our review of the game, our writer, Alice, acknowledged the game’s outstanding space RPG elements while noting a departure from the familiar Bethesda charm that players have come to expect. Starfield’s immersive galactic setting may have diluted some of the unique characteristics that defined Bethesda’s previous titles. Nevertheless, the allure of exploring a vast, unknown universe has proven irresistible for millions of players.
Starfield’s achievement as Bethesda’s most successful game launch is a testament to the studio’s ability to captivate players with its innovative ideas and captivating gameplay. The game’s record-breaking numbers, although lacking a detailed breakdown, demonstrate the widespread appeal of the space-themed RPG across multiple platforms. As Bethesda continues to evolve and explore new frontiers, the reception of Starfield signifies a pivotal moment in the company’s trajectory. Despite minor criticisms, Starfield has undoubtedly secured its place as a prominent and influential addition to the gaming industry.
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