This article discusses the history of competition and control in the video game industry, focusing on the role of 3rd-party developers and the strategies of major console manufacturers. It also examines the recent acquisition of Activision by Microsoft and the concerns raised by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The article argues that Microsoft's acquisition is a response to Sony's dominance in the market and a bet on a new business model that offers consumers a better deal. The author questions the FTC's concerns and suggests that the real threat to the industry is the dominance of storefronts that extract high fees without contributing to development.
Starfield, the highly anticipated space RPG from Bethesda Game Studios, is finally available on PC and Xbox Series consoles, offering players a vast and immersive space adventure with numerous activities and the potential to become a Game of the Year contender in 2023.
Bethesda's use of their proprietary Creation Engine for Starfield has sparked a discussion among players and game developers about whether the game would benefit from using newer technology like Epic's Unreal Engine, with developers arguing that the Creation Engine is tailored for open-world RPGs and has years of tech and tools built specifically for that genre.
Bethesda development chief Todd Howard has highlighted the advantages of Starfield being exclusive to Xbox, emphasizing the ability to focus on one console and deliver a better product, similar to the brand association Nintendo enjoys with its first-party games.
Bethesda's latest RPG, Starfield, follows the same formula as their previous games, focusing on making the player the center of attention and ensuring their satisfaction, even if it means sacrificing innovation and creativity.
Microsoft CEO of Gaming, Phil Spencer, states that there is "huge demand" for the new Starfield video game, which is expected to be accessible to hundreds of millions of players across various devices.
Bethesda's new game Starfield has received positive reviews but also criticism for bugs and visual detail, with a viral video comparing it to Cyberpunk 2077; however, Cyberpunk 2077's senior quest designer argues that the comparison is unfair and hypocritical.
Starfield players on Xbox can access console commands by downloading the game on PC via the Xbox App and transferring their save files, allowing them to use cheats and workarounds.
Starfield development chief Todd Howard responded to why Bethesda hadn't optimized Starfield for PC, stating that the game is running great and is a next-gen PC game, suggesting that players may need to upgrade their PCs to fully enjoy the game.
Microsoft is relying on the success of its exclusive game Starfield to boost Xbox sales and compete against Sony, but experts say its exclusivity is unlikely to draw regulatory scrutiny.
Bethesda Softworks' upcoming game Starfield has faced criticism for its poor facial detailing and racial biases in character designs, highlighting the studio's lack of care and recklessness in creating a diverse world in the laziest way possible.
An upset PlayStation fan demanded Alanah Pearce, a Santa Monica Studios employee, to be fired for promoting Xbox's Starfield on her YouTube and Twitch channels, leading Pearce to respond by stating that game developers care more about making good games and enjoying what others create rather than being caught up in console wars.
Larian Studios defends Bethesda against criticism, saying it's not true to suggest the developers lacked passion for Starfield, following comparisons between Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield. Former Blizzard developer Mike Kern also attacked Bethesda, but Larian's director of publishing disagrees, calling it a disingenuous oversimplification of game development.
The writer expresses their disagreement with the implementation of New Game Plus in Starfield, as it forces players to lose all their progress and restart from scratch, which goes against the typical playstyle of Bethesda games.
Starfield, the latest sci-fi RPG from Bethesda, has excited Xbox fans with its immersive galactic gameplay, and it has also surprised fans by including the planet Reach from the popular Halo series.
Starfield, the highly anticipated space RPG by Bethesda, has received positive reviews but also faced criticism for its shallow narratives and repetitive environments, leaving some uncertain about its future success and whether it can match the enduring popularity of Skyrim and Fallout. However, with its vast scale, growing modding community, and planned updates and story expansions, Starfield's journey has only just begun.
