Since Bethesda Softworks first teased us with the announcement of their next big open-world RPG, Starfield, the gaming community has been rife with speculation, excitement, and lots of questions.
One of the most prominent questions revolves around console availability. So, where will you be able to embark on this interstellar journey?
This article will clarify the consoles Starfield will be releasing on, allowing you to get an idea of whether you need to pick a new one up or if you’re good for launch.
Table of Contents
Starfield Platforms Explained
Starfield will be landing exclusively on Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC. This exclusivity is a significant shift in Bethesda’s typical wide release strategy, which historically included PlayStation platforms.
However, Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, in September 2020 has undoubtedly influenced this decision.
The Xbox Series X, being Microsoft’s flagship next-generation console, offers impressive specs that promise to handle Starfield’s high-fidelity gameplay and vast exploration beautifully. Simultaneously, its smaller counterpart, the Xbox Series S, is also set to support the game but at a lower resolution.
Although the Series S has less powerful hardware, it still provides next-generation features, ensuring a smooth Starfield experience for its players.
For the PC gaming community, Starfield will also be available on this platform, keeping with Bethesda’s long-standing tradition of catering to the PC player base.
Will There Ever Be A Starfield PS5 Release?
Historically, Bethesda’s major titles, such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series, have enjoyed a broad release across multiple platforms, including Sony’s PlayStation consoles. However, with Starfield, this trend will not continue. The game will not be available on PlayStation consoles.
This move aligns with Microsoft’s strategy following the ZeniMax acquisition to strengthen its library of exclusive titles, a domain where Sony’s PlayStation has traditionally excelled.
While this news might disappoint PlayStation owners looking forward to Starfield, it marks a new era of high-profile exclusives for Xbox and PC players.
The exclusivity of Starfield to Xbox Series X|S and PC is indicative of a larger shift in the gaming industry landscape.
Microsoft’s acquisition of ZeniMax Media has enabled it to secure exclusive rights to upcoming titles from powerhouse developers like Bethesda.
This strategy mirrors the trend of platform-exclusive titles and may shape the way developers and publishers decide on game releases in the future.
In conclusion, Starfield will boldly go where no Bethesda game has gone before, launching exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
This move marks a significant change in Bethesda’s release strategy but promises to provide an exceptional gaming experience on these platforms.
It’s a brave new world for Bethesda and Microsoft, and we can’t wait to see what this partnership brings to the gaming universe.
