Summary
While a huge element ofStarfield’s appeal at launch was the immense range of content that it possessed, it is clear that Bethesda is nowhere near finished with its ambitious space-fairing title. Alongside minor content updates that the game has already received, the title is set to launch its promisingShattered Spaceexpansion on September 30, bringing a variety of new locations as well as a deeper narrative dive into the game’s House Va’ruun faction.
Its post-launch future remains unclear as things stand, but Bethesda has claimed it wantsStarfieldto last as long asSkyrim, which has famously released post-launch contentfor more than a decade.While the concept ofStarfield’s massive playable area and lore will be quite conducive to a lot of DLC in the future, it seems important that the game does not fall into the same post-launch pitfalls asSkyrimin terms of getting in the way of any future projects.
Starfield’s Post-Launch Plans Should Not Overstep the Mark
Starfield’s upcomingShattered Spaceexpansionis already shaping up to be an excellent addition to the game, giving players the opportunity to explore the darker themes that the franchise can produce while offering more insight into one of its most underutilized factions. The title could justify several large-scale expansions like this over the years, despite no more being confirmed as things stand, with each faction perhaps being the recipient of their own dedicated DLC.
Skyrimwent a similar route with many of its post-launch experiences, leaning further into elements that were only touched upon in the base game. There were also a lot of downsides toSkyrim’s approach to its post-launch, however, with the game developing a reputation for its numerous re-releases over the years. There have beenseven distinct versions ofSkyrimthat have been releasedacross a variety of platforms over the years, and it is undeniable that these have somewhat got in the way of future Bethesda projects.
The massive focus from Bethesda onSkyrimover the years is a partial explanation for the long wait that fans have had forThe Elder Scrolls 6, with 12 years having passed sinceSkyrim’s initial launch. WhileThe Elder Scrolls 6was famously revealed by Bethesda in 2018, there have been no updates on the project ever since, with any form of release window for the anticipated game still being off the table.
Bethesda has claimed it wantsStarfieldto last as long asSkyrim, which has famously released post-launch content for more than a decade.
Mods Could Be the Key to Starfield’s Longevity
Bethesda should try to ease off on this approach when it comes toStarfield, ensuring that players still get a comprehensive amount of fresh content without compromising the development of any future projects. Not only could this encroach on future plans for the likes ofFalloutorThe Elder Scrolls, but it could even impacta potentialStarfieldsequel that Bethesda may want to launchfurther down the line.
The expansive nature ofStarfieldmay not even necessitate a sequel, as Bethesda can rely more on community modding to give the game longevity on the same level asSkyrim.Full modding support forStarfieldlaunched earlier this year to great success, wildly changing how the game can be played, and Bethesda may be wise to lean into this once whatever expansions it has planned have launched. Not only would this allow Bethesda to work directly withStarfield’s community, but it would give the game a much longer post-launch life without pulling too many resources away from whatever comes next for the studio. With a healthy balance between official DLC releases and great support for the game’s modding community,Starfieldcan thrive forSkyrimlong-term without needing re-release after re-release.
