Starfield, the highly anticipated video game from Bethesda Game Studios, is set to be a game-changer in the realm of interactive entertainment. With its release on the horizon, one question has been circulating in the gaming community: Will Startfield be on PS5? In this article, we delve into this topic in detail, discussing the possibility and implications of Starfield’s presence on Sony’s PlayStation 5.
Introduction to Starfield
Starfield is the first entirely new franchise in 25 years from the acclaimed developers of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series. Promising an epic foray into the science fiction genre, it has been described as a ‘space epic’ that allows players to travel amongst the stars. The hype surrounding Starfield is significant, primarily due to Bethesda’s reputation for delivering expansive and immersive open-world games.
The Bethesda and Microsoft Acquisition
In a surprising turn of events, Microsoft announced in September 2020 that it had acquired ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios, for a whopping $7.5 billion. This acquisition essentially meant that all subsidiaries of ZeniMax, including Bethesda, were now under the Microsoft umbrella.
This development has had major implications for Bethesda’s upcoming titles, including Starfield.
The Impact on PlayStation
The Microsoft-Bethesda deal inevitably led to speculation about how it would impact the availability of future Bethesda titles on non-Microsoft platforms, particularly Sony’s PlayStation. Given that Microsoft owns rival platform Xbox, there were immediate concerns among the PlayStation community that future Bethesda games, including Starfield, would not be available on PS5.
Starfield’s Release Platform
The question of whether Starfield would be on PS5 was finally answered in June 2021 when Microsoft confirmed that Starfield would be released exclusively on platforms where Game Pass exists. This includes Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, PC, and Microsoft’s cloud gaming platforms.
This essentially confirmed that Starfield would not be available on PS5, marking a significant blow to PlayStation users who had been eagerly anticipating the game.
The Console War
This development is the latest in the ongoing ‘console war’ between Microsoft’s Xbox and Sony’s PlayStation. Both companies have been vying for supremacy in the gaming market, and exclusive titles are a key weapon in this battle. By making Starfield an Xbox and PC exclusive, Microsoft has made a significant move, demonstrating the benefits and value of its Game Pass service.
The PlayStation Community’s Response
Understandably, the news that Starfield would not be coming to PS5 was met with disappointment from the PlayStation community. Many fans expressed their frustration online, voicing their displeasure at what they saw as an anti-consumer move.
“It’s a real shame that we won’t be able to play Starfield on PS5. I was really looking forward to it.” – Disappointed PlayStation Fan
However, others understood the business rationale behind the decision, acknowledging that Microsoft’s primary goal is to add value to its own platforms and services.
What This Means for Future Bethesda Titles
The decision to make Starfield an Xbox and PC exclusive has set a precedent for future Bethesda titles. It’s likely that future games, including the eagerly anticipated The Elder Scrolls VI, could also be exclusive to Microsoft platforms. However, Microsoft has stated that they will evaluate the release platforms for future games on a “case by case basis.”
The PC Gaming Perspective
While the news about Starfield has been a blow to the PlayStation community, it’s worth noting that PC gamers will not be impacted. As Microsoft has confirmed, Starfield will be available on PC, ensuring that those who prefer gaming on a computer will still be able to enjoy this promising title.
Conclusion: The Future of Gaming
In conclusion, while the news that Starfield will not be on PS5 is undoubtedly disappointing for PlayStation fans, it’s a significant win for Xbox and PC gamers. It also marks an important moment in the ongoing console war, demonstrating the lengths that companies are willing to go to secure exclusivity for highly anticipated titles. As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, we can only wait to see how these developments will shape the future of gaming.
FAQs
Q: Will Startfield be on PS5? A: No, Microsoft has confirmed that Starfield will be exclusive to platforms where Game Pass exists, which does not include PS5.
Q: Why won’t Starfield be on PS5? A: This is due to Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media. Microsoft has chosen to make Starfield exclusive to its own platforms to add value to its Game Pass service.
Q: Will future Bethesda games also be exclusive to Microsoft platforms? A: While it’s likely that future Bethesda games will also be exclusive to Microsoft platforms, Microsoft has stated that they will evaluate the release platforms for future games on a “case by-case basis.”
Q: Will Starfield be available on PC? A: Yes, Starfield will be available on PC.
Q: When is Starfield’s release date? A: Starfield is set to release on November 11, 2022.
Q: What is Starfield? A: Starfield is an upcoming space epic video game being developed by Bethesda Game Studios. It will be the first new franchise in 25 years from the acclaimed developers of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout series.
With the gaming landscape continually evolving, the impact of these developments is yet to be fully realized. But one thing’s for sure – the future of gaming is set to be an exciting one!
