Is Starfield Still Popular? Examining the Space RPG’s Longevity

The short answer is: yes, Starfield remains popular, although its initial meteoric rise has naturally tempered somewhat. While it’s not experiencing the same peak player numbers it saw immediately after launch, Starfield continues to hold a significant presence in the gaming landscape. It’s successfully carved a niche for itself, retaining a dedicated player base and sparking ongoing discussions about its strengths and weaknesses. This article will delve into the data, analyze its performance, and provide a comprehensive view of Starfield’s current popularity.

Initial Success and Current Standing

Starfield made waves upon its release, becoming Bethesda’s “biggest launch of all time.” Within a day of its official release, it amassed over 6 million players across all platforms. This explosive start solidified its place as a major release and generated considerable buzz within the gaming community.

However, like most single-player titles, Starfield has seen a natural decline from its peak concurrent player numbers. The article you provided states that Starfield’s concurrent player base online and in-game currently sits at approximately 30,482, a significant drop from its all-time peak of 330,723 on September 10, 2023. This represents a 91% decrease from its initial high point. These figures illustrate that while the game may not be attracting the same level of frenzied activity, it still boasts a committed player community.

Xbox Performance and Game Pass Impact

Starfield’s performance on Xbox is noteworthy. Despite being a single-player experience, it remained among the top 5 most played games on Xbox a month after release. This speaks to its inherent replayability and the depth of the game. The game’s availability on Xbox Game Pass likely contributed to its high initial player count and continued accessibility for subscribers. This also means that while some users may have had no purchase price attached, many have gone to continue playing it on the platform.

The release of Starfield also had a positive impact on hardware sales. The ninth-generation Xbox consoles experienced a 76% sales spike in the United Kingdom following the game’s launch. Combined with sales of the Xbox Series S 1TB model, this represents Xbox’s best week of 2023 to date. This shows the power a flagship exclusive title can wield.

Steam Performance

Even on Steam, where users have to purchase the game outright, Starfield is performing well, routinely pulling in 100,000 concurrent players nightly. This indicates that a significant number of players were willing to pay for the experience, reinforcing the game’s sustained appeal. The game also sold well despite its Game Pass availability, demonstrating that the purchase of a title for the dedicated gaming fan is not quite as dead as has been suggested in the past.

Comparison to Other Games

Starfield’s current standing in comparison to other games is also important. It’s reportedly ahead of games like Destiny 2, GTA Online, and even the resurgent Cyberpunk 2077 on Xbox. While these games have different formats and player expectations, this speaks to the dedicated user base that Starfield has managed to build and maintain.

Why the Sustained Interest?

Several factors contribute to Starfield’s continuing popularity:

• Extensive Content: With a “short” playthrough estimated at 50 hours and a long one at 150 hours, Starfield offers a massive amount of content. Players invested in its universe can easily spend hundreds of hours exploring, crafting, and completing side quests.
• New Game Plus System: The inclusion of a New Game Plus system provides incentive for players to return to the game and experience it from a new perspective. This system adds layers to the overall narrative, effectively making for endless playtime for dedicated gamers.
• Open World Exploration: With over 1,000 planets available for exploration, Starfield encourages players to delve into its universe at their own pace. Although the planets are not all unique or have the same volume of content, the very concept provides a sense of adventure and discovery.
• Roleplaying Opportunities: As a role-playing game, Starfield allows players to create unique characters and make choices that impact their gaming journey. This level of player agency appeals to those looking for deeper immersion in the game’s world.
• Bethesda Legacy: As the first new IP from Bethesda in over 25 years, Starfield carries the legacy of beloved titles like Skyrim and Fallout. The studio’s reputation for creating detailed, explorable worlds attracts a dedicated audience, creating a level of expectations that are, for many, mostly met by the game.

The Narrative and Player Experience

The game’s narrative experience is a point of discussion. Some find the narrative, which relies heavily on elements that are described as “space magic,” to be engaging, while others find it underwhelming. Despite this, many find that the issues it explores are highly relevant, resonating with players even when the overall plot may be lacking. At its core, the overall experience has been described by many as similar to sci-fi staples like Firefly, but that the narrative falls short of the overall comparison.

Regardless of the exact opinion on the narrative, the gameplay has been praised, the sense of exploration being compared to similar titles in the genre, and the extensive content being well-made and engaging. This ultimately helps keep players coming back to the game and exploring its various facets.

Conclusion: A Successful Launch with Staying Power

In conclusion, while Starfield’s initial hype may have settled, its popularity remains robust. It’s a successful title with considerable staying power, continuing to draw a dedicated player base who are fully engaged in its content. While its initial peak numbers may have decreased, the sheer volume of players engaging with the game on Xbox and Steam speaks to its continued relevance in the gaming space. The large world, detailed design, and promise of endless content through New Game Plus means that Starfield has undoubtedly made its mark on the video game landscape and is likely to maintain a steady base of users for the foreseeable future.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many planets are there in Starfield?

Starfield features over 1,000 planets across more than 100 star systems. While not all are equally dense with content, this vast scale is one of the game’s defining features.

2. Can you visit Earth in Starfield?

Yes, you can visit Earth in Starfield. Players need to make their way to the SOL star system. The opportunity to visit Earth comes after the players deliver the first Artifact during the opening stages of the game.

3. What are the major cities in Starfield?

Starfield has four major cities: New Atlantis, Akila, Neon, and The Key. The Key is a space station, serving as the headquarters for the Crimson Fleet.

4. How long does it take to complete the main story in Starfield?

The main story of Starfield is estimated to take around 30 to 40 hours to complete. However, it can take as little as 23 hours for a rushed playthrough, and as long as 60+ hours for those who take their time and explore.

5. Is Starfield bigger than Skyrim?

Yes, Starfield is much larger than Skyrim. Skyrim’s map is approximately 15 square miles, while each planet in Starfield has a few square miles of explorable area and there are over 1000 to explore.

6. Is Starfield considered an open-world game?

While it’s often referred to as an open world game, Starfield’s world structure differs from traditional open-world games like Skyrim. Instead, it allows players to fast travel between locations within a specific planet and to different planetary systems, giving a sense of exploration that is closer to a theme park experience rather than a vast, interconnected world.

7. How many times can you finish Starfield?

There is no limit to how many times you can finish Starfield. The inclusion of New Game Plus mode allows you to play the game multiple times, with each playthrough providing a slightly different gameplay experience.

8. Does Starfield have romance options?

Yes, Starfield features romance options. You can form relationships with companions as you travel, unlocking new quests, gifts, and XP bonuses as a result.

9. Is there a level cap in Starfield?

No, there is no level cap in Starfield. You can continue to level up and improve your skills and abilities as long as you are playing.

10. How long is one day in Starfield?

A day in Starfield lasts 24 hours, but the length of the day will vary from planet to planet.

11. Does Starfield have multiple endings?

While the game itself does not have multiple endings, the decisions you make throughout your journey will impact the game’s final act.

12. How long has Starfield been in development?

Starfield has been in development for a long time, with Bethesda exploring space-themed game design since as far back as 1994. It is the studio’s first new IP in 25 years.

13. Is Starfield more like Skyrim or Fallout?

Starfield is often compared to Skyrim, but the fast travel system and more specific landing spots may make it feel more like a theme park than a traditional open world experience.

14. Will Starfield be bigger than No Man’s Sky?

While Starfield has a massive map size, No Man’s Sky has a far larger universe that comprises around 18 quintillion planets.

15. What is a popular build for Starfield?

The “Silent Assassin” build is popular, maximizing stealth skills. This build will allow players to specialize in sneak attacks.