How Many People Downloaded Starfield? A Deep Dive into the Numbers
The question of how many people have downloaded Starfield is complex, going beyond simple purchase numbers. It involves understanding various platforms, subscription services, and modding communities. While an exact number of downloads can be difficult to pinpoint due to the nature of game distribution, we can piece together a comprehensive picture from available data. Let’s delve into the details:
Based on available information, Starfield has surpassed 10 million players, according to Bethesda. This encompasses players across all platforms, including Xbox Game Pass and direct purchases on PC via Steam and other storefronts. However, “players” is not equivalent to downloads. This includes those who played it through the Xbox Game Pass service, which is a crucial factor when assessing the game’s reach. A significant portion of these players accessed the game through their Game Pass subscriptions, meaning they didn’t download it in the traditional sense of a direct purchase.
It’s also important to note that Starfield has over 11 million downloads on Nexus Mods, indicating the vibrant modding community that has formed around the game. This figure represents separate, community-driven downloads of modifications rather than the base game download, so this figure isn’t added into the “player count”.
It’s important to avoid confusion. While 10 million players have explored space, not all of them have directly purchased and downloaded the game. Many players are utilizing services like Game Pass. The 11 million downloads from Nexus Mods also showcase a different kind of download activity: community-created content.
Understanding the Numbers: Downloads vs. Players
The difference between “players” and “downloads” is important. When assessing the download numbers for Starfield, we have to consider these crucial aspects:
- Xbox Game Pass: A significant number of players have accessed Starfield through their Game Pass subscription. This method provides access to the game without a traditional download purchase.
- Direct Sales on PC (Steam): The game has performed strongly on Steam. Direct purchases translate to actual downloads, and these numbers, combined with other sales platforms, contribute to the overall figures.
- Direct Sales on Xbox: Copies purchased through the Microsoft Store will also be attributed to the download figures.
- Nexus Mods: The 11 million downloads from Nexus Mods pertain to modifications, not to the base game. Therefore, they are not included in the total download count.
How the Data Is Derived
The data is based on a combination of several sources including:
- Bethesda’s official statements on player counts.
- Sales data from retail partners and digital platforms like Steam.
- NPD/Circana Data which provides information on best-selling titles.
- SteamDB information about player counts.
- Nexus Mods statistics.
Why the Numbers are Significant
- Successful Launch: The game achieved the “biggest launch” in Bethesda history, indicating widespread interest and a substantial player base.
- Financial Performance: The high number of players and strong sales position Starfield as a commercial success for Bethesda, exceeding revenue expectations.
- Community Engagement: The high volume of Nexus Mods downloads highlights an active modding community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Starfield, providing additional valuable information about its performance, content, and development:
1. How many players did Starfield have at launch?
Starfield had 6 million players out of the gate, marking the biggest launch in Bethesda history.
2. Has Starfield sold well despite the Xbox Game Pass “giveaway?”
Yes, Starfield has performed strongly on Steam and Xbox and is the best-selling title of the month across both platforms. The success demonstrates that despite many players using the Game Pass, the game has also sold very well in standard downloads.
3. How many active players are currently on Starfield?
As of the writing of this article, Starfield has a varying count of concurrent players, currently sitting at 18,504 online and in-game. However, this is significantly lower than its peak of 330,723 players achieved on September 10, 2023. This fluctuation in concurrent players is normal for games over time.
4. What is the PC player count of Starfield?
According to SteamDB, Starfield’s PC player count has recently peaked at 269,177 players.
5. Is Starfield considered a success?
Yes, Starfield is a resounding success for Bethesda, with a high player count and predominantly positive reception, despite some controversy over aspects like the menu system.
6. How much money has Starfield made?
Based on over 10 million players, and a hypothetical figure that half purchased the $70 base version of the game, Starfield is estimated to have grossed at least $350,000,000, although the actual figure is likely much higher.
7. Does Starfield have 1,000 planets?
Yes, Starfield has over 1,000 planets across more than 100 star systems. However, only about 10% of these planets have life on them.
8. How big is Starfield compared to Skyrim?
Starfield is significantly larger than Skyrim. While Skyrim’s map is approximately 15 square miles, each planet in Starfield has a few square miles of explorable area, making the total size enormous.
9. Did Xbox sales increase after Starfield?
Yes, Xbox console sales in the United Kingdom saw a 76% increase following the launch of Starfield. This made it the Xbox brand’s best week of 2023 to date.
10. Is it possible to visit Earth in Starfield?
Yes, players can visit Earth in the Sol system after delivering the first artifact to Constellation.
11. How does Starfield compare to No Man’s Sky in size?
No Man’s Sky has a vastly larger universe with 18 quintillion planets, far surpassing Starfield in terms of scale. Starfield does incorporate procedural generation, but its map size is not as expansive.
12. Has anyone fully explored Starfield?
While it may not be truly “fully explored”, some players have surveyed all the planets possible in Starfield, but they encountered bugs that prevented them from fully surveying some planets.
13. Are the galaxies in Starfield based on real life?
Some of the stars and galaxies in Starfield are based on real-life, but much of the game world is fictional. Some stars are renamed.
14. How many cities does Starfield have?
Starfield has four major cities: New Atlantis, Akila, Neon, and The Key. The Key is a space station serving as the Crimson Fleet’s headquarters.
15. How long did it take to develop Starfield?
Starfield has over 7 years of development time, starting production after Fallout 4. This compares to the 4-5 years it typically takes to develop Bethesda titles.
Conclusion
While the precise number of downloads for Starfield remains an estimate due to the varied access methods, it is clear the game has had a massive reach. With over 10 million players, millions of sales, and a very strong performance across multiple platforms, Starfield is undoubtedly a significant success for Bethesda. The active modding community and the continued interest in the game demonstrate its enduring appeal, indicating that its legacy in the gaming world is just beginning.