The Pitfalls of Prolonged Hype
Remember when Santa Monica Studio announced God of War in 2016? The game director, Cory Barlog, gave us a real-time demo, and just a year and a half later, we had one of the most acclaimed games ever. Now think about Bethesda’s announcement of Starfield. They promised an expansive space universe, but it took over five years and multiple delays to finally play the game. And when it arrived, many felt underwhelmed.
The Problem with Extended Development Cycles
When a game takes years to develop, expectations skyrocket. People assume that more time means more content, but in reality, it’s about polishing what already exists. Delays can improve a game, but they don’t necessarily make it bigger. Asking players to be patient for years only leads to disappointment. Games are best when they spend less time as an idea and more time as a finished product.
The Fallout of Long-Awaited Releases
Take Cyberpunk 2077, for example. It was announced in 2012 but didn’t release until 2020 after numerous delays. By the time it came out, it couldn’t possibly meet the sky-high expectations set over nearly a decade. Coupled with the game’s bugs and issues, it faced a similar fate as other titles that missed the mark at launch, like No Man’s Sky and Fallout 76.
Starfield’s Formulaic Approach
Bethesda’s formula has remained consistent for years, and Starfield is no exception. It feels like Skyrim, Morrowind, and Fallout 76 in space. While some fans may find comfort in this familiarity, it also leads to a lack of innovation. Starfield combines elements from previous Bethesda games, resulting in a game that feels formulaic rather than groundbreaking.
The Legacy of Starfield
I spent around 120 hours playing Starfield during its launch period, completing every quest and achievement. While I enjoyed my time with the game, I quickly grew tired of it. The replayability is limited, and the prospect of starting a new game without any progress doesn’t appeal to me. Despite the initial fun, Starfield failed to keep players engaged. Steam player-tracking data shows a significant decline in player numbers since its release.
Conclusion
Starfield may have scratched the itch for a new Bethesda game, but the five-year wait wasn’t worth it. The game lacked innovation and failed to maintain long-term player interest. While it had its moments, Starfield ultimately joined the ranks of games that dominated my library briefly but failed to leave a lasting impression.
Source: DOTESPORTS
