You in all probability should not guess on a Starfield sequel if information popping out of Xbox’s reset is something to go by.
Based on a brand new report from Bloomberg, Microsoft’s restructuring of Xbox will see Bethesda specializing in a handful of franchises going ahead: Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Wolfenstein, Doom, and Quake. These 5 franchises are anticipated to be a precedence, with at the very least three of them already having video games in growth. There have been rumblings that one other staff like Obsidian may very well be set to work on a Fallout recreation, as Bethesda has its arms tied up with The Elder Scrolls 6, however nothing has been confirmed.
Nonetheless, many had been fast to level out that Starfield is seemingly absent from Bethesda’s precedence record. The sci-fi recreation debuted again in 2023 after an prolonged growth and was a ardour mission for Bethesda boss Todd Howard. Sadly, Starfield largely failed to fulfill fan expectations, and subsequent updates and expansions have not actually moved the needle on that sentiment. Nonetheless, a few of the recreation’s extra hardcore followers had hoped that Starfield would go on to at the very least get extra expansions, and perhaps even a sequel, establishing itself as Bethesda’s third franchise. These hopes could have been dashed.
Starfield followers are actually mourning the indisputable fact that the franchise would not seem to have a lot of a future going ahead. Some are even actively protesting Xbox over Starfield’s potential demise.
“For those who finish Starfield, I’m leaving,” stated one Xbox player. “I grew to become a part of the Xbox household for this recreation, a recreation that was lastly one thing distinctive as a substitute of the identical franchises regurgitated, and I gained’t keep on a platform the place it’s not doable. My pockets will keep closed.”
“If this implies no extra new Starfield growth, I completely hate this,” stated another player. One other fan pleaded to Microsoft/Bethesda: “Please do not quit on Starfield.”
Others had been a bit extra understanding of the potential actuality that Starfield could not proceed. The sport had a protracted growth and did not hit the mark for followers, making it a simple choice for Microsoft to at the very least put it on the again burner.
“The period of time it took to develop after which the finish product simply not hitting the mark, it’s comprehensible. I feel we do must get out of the 10+ yr look ahead to the subsequent Fallout or Elder Scrolls,” stated one fan. One other echoed these thoughts: “Starfield left a foul style in individuals’s mouths, and given the time/price range they might require for a sequel, I perceive why Microsoft is extra desirous to spend money on different IP.”
“Primarily based by itself deserves, that needs to be a one and completed. For each good design alternative there’s a unhealthy one,” stated another unimpressed player.
Starfield was launched on PS5 earlier this yr however analysts imagine the recreation bought poorly on Sony’s console, one thing that will not have occurred had the recreation had a day and date launch on PlayStation again in 2023. Whether or not or not Starfield returns many years from now stays to be seen, nevertheless it appears unlikely.
Cade Onder is a freelancer for IGN’s information staff. He covers all issues leisure, together with gaming, movie, and extra. Yow will discover him on Twitter @Cade_Onder.