Exclusive: Bethesda Fires Back at Steam Critics in Explosive Starfield Clapback
Nov 28, 2023 3:20 PMBethesda has responded to negative user reviews on Steam for their space RPG, Starfield. Despite a current 20% discount on the platform, the game has received a divided reception, with 69% of over 80,000 reviews being positive. In response to criticism regarding a "generic" story and "boring" gameplay, Bethesda highlighted Starfield's vast array of activities: flying, shooting, mining, looting, and encountering numerous missions that vary based on player choices and character skills. They suggest replaying the game with a different character for a fresh experience.
Concerning feedback on the emptiness of Starfield's planets, Bethesda's stance is that the exploration aspect aims to instill a sense of vastness and awe. They encourage players to continue exploring for materials and hidden bases. The studio also defended the game's load screens. Engaging with the Steam community directly is a notable move, reflecting Bethesda's history of unique player interactions, such as when Fallout 76 players were asked to write essays after being banned.
Starfield is now available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass. Descriptions of the game as 'Skyrim in space' both acknowledge its expansive and detailed universe while suggesting a familiarity with Bethesda's style. Despite some flaws, the game's strengths purportedly overshadow its weaknesses, making it a typical Bethesda offering, but set amidst the cosmos. Starfield's engagement strategy signifies the company's ongoing effort to maintain dialogue with its player base and address their concerns.
Samira Khan
Samira Khan is a narrative enthusiast with a keen eye for storytelling in games. Her literary approach to game criticism examines themes, character development, and plot structure, earning her a following among gamers who appreciate the art of narrating.
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Mr. Bison commented on: 2023-11-28 15:58:06
Bethesda's willingness to engage directly with the feedback on Starfield demonstrates a commendable commitment to their community, even if the Skyrim in space tag adds a sense of déjà vu to the experience. True to form, Bethesda is banking on the game's replayability and sense of discovery to win over the skeptics, ensuring their cosmos is one that grows on players over time.
Sephiroth commented on: 2023-11-28 15:38:09
Bethesda's hands-on engagement with the Steam community over Starfield critiques shows a commitment to dialogue that's pretty refreshing, even if the Skyrim in space tag feels like a double-edged sword—drawing in fans of their signature style while setting expectations sky-high. It's a classic Bethesda move, marrying expansive gameplay with a personal touch, whether in-game or in the forums, as they try to navigate through the nebula of mixed player feedback.
