For Bethesda, releasing Starfield has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Originally touted as “Skyrim in space,” the excitement that surrounded its 2023 launch didn’t quite match the enthusiasm seen with the beloved Elder Scrolls series. Many players found themselves disenchanted with what they saw as an underwhelming narrative and vast, yet empty, worlds. Bethesda has since attempted to broaden the appeal of Starfield, though the journey has been anything but smooth.
The debut of its first downloadable content (DLC), Shattered Space, last year didn’t quite help matters, receiving a similarly split reception and putting a damper on the game’s future prospects. With Bethesda keeping mum on what’s next for Starfield, the game’s path forward feels uncertain. Yet, before Bethesda shelves the possibility of further developments, the idea of a prequel could potentially revitalize interest in the universe they’ve created.
Though Starfield’s reception has been divisive, there is a richness to its lore that’s hard to ignore. When Earth faced inevitable destruction, humanity united in its quest for a new homeland. This led to the founding of the United Colonies on Earth in 2159, with the first colony ship touching down on Jemison in 2160, establishing the planet as a pivotal location for the United Colonies.
While Starfield leans into hard science fiction and steers clear of more fantastical elements like space battles with alien creatures, the depth of its backstory presents plenty of storytelling opportunities. A prequel exploring the early days of colonization in the Alpha Centauri system might offer more narrative depth than Starfield’s current setting.
Imagine a game where players could experience the uncharted territories of these newfound planets. Playing as pioneering explorers responsible for establishing the very first settlements could be an exhilarating adventure. The allure of space embodying a sort of galactic frontier could lend the game a gritty, adventurous spirit reminiscent of the Wild West.
Exploration here would be akin to carving out one’s destiny, with the underlying optimism of space colonization peppered throughout. Celebrating the spirit of those early settlers could enrich Starfield’s lore significantly.
While fans eagerly await updates on The Elder Scrolls 6—first announced in 2018 and still without a new trailer—Bethesda’s plans for Starfield remain shrouded in mystery. There’s been no word on the second expansion following Shattered Space, although whispers hint at something called ‘Starborn.’ These rumors, however, remain speculative at best.
Originally, Bethesda intended to roll out yearly updates for Starfield, but mixed reactions to both the original game and its first DLC may have put those plans on hold. If a new DLC is indeed on the horizon, hopefully, it will be unveiled during the Xbox Games Showcase.
The Xbox Games Showcase is set for June 8, raising expectations for significant announcements. There’s even buzz that Starfield might get a PS5 version, and if so, the showcase would be the ideal platform for such news.
As we stay tuned for further developments, Starfield might just benefit more from delving into its origins rather than building on its current storyline. Whether Bethesda chooses to unveil something new or not, anticipation is high and all eyes are on what might unfold in the upcoming weeks.
