The latest game from Bethesda Game Studios, Starfield, has made a significant impact on the world of gaming. Despite fierce competition, it has secured the fifth spot on the European bestseller lists this month. By including the game in Xbox Game Pass from its release day, its actual revenues are even higher than reported.
This success is a positive sign for Microsoft, especially after its multibillion-dollar acquisitions of ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard. Starfield’s impressive results highlight the importance of releasing games on different platforms, with its sales only trailing behind popular titles like Hogwarts Legacy, Diablo 4, and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.
One important aspect of Starfield’s sales is the fact that it is available on the Xbox Series S/X consoles, excluding the previous generation Xbox One. This makes its achievement even more noteworthy, as it surpassed Forza Horizon 5, which has a dedicated fan base and was available on both Xbox consoles.
Furthermore, Starfield’s impact extends beyond sales figures. Most players who are enjoying this game are subscribers of Xbox Game Pass, which demonstrates the success of this new brand on the platform. While the game did not achieve record-breaking numbers on its release day for Bethesda Game Studios, it gained significant popularity with around six million players.
However, it is important to consider the nuances associated with Starfield’s success. The early access, which offered an additional week of gameplay for those purchasing the premium edition, may have influenced the length of the sales period. Additionally, considering the game’s inclusion in Xbox Game Pass, complete data including downloads from Game Pass were not taken into account in the current results.
As the gaming industry evolves, early access has become increasingly influential in sales outcomes. This trend could potentially distort interpretations and reinforce a “fear of missing out” among players. Despite these factors, Starfield’s impact remains undeniable.
It is still too early to determine whether Starfield will reach the iconic status of previous Bethesda Game Studios titles such as The Elder Scrolls and Fallout, but the success of this game points to a bright future for the Xbox Series S/X consoles. With the achievements of Starfield, Hi-Fi Rush, and Ghostwire: Tokyo, Microsoft and Bethesda Game Studios have reasons to celebrate their collaboration.
