Summary
- Starfield has been review bombed due to controversial Creations pricing.
- It's unlikely that Creations pricing will change, but it's possible.
- Creations are essentially paid mods.
Nine months after the game originally launched, Bethesda's Starfield is yet again the target of a review bombing campaign. While Starfield was very well-received when it first launched, reaction to the game steadily became more divisive as time went on. Public opinion on Starfield began to sour a bit, but then rebounded as Bethesda released well-received updates for the game.
Starfield's updates have put the game in a better spot, and it seemed like the game was primed to enjoy a big renaissance when Bethesda surprise-launched a new update as part of the Xbox Games Showcase event. The latest Starfield update made a number of improvements and new additions to the open world sci-fi RPG, but it has also sparked significant controversy in the community. This is all thanks to the introduction of Creations, the latest iteration of Bethesda's Creation Club, which sells mods as microtransactions.
Surprise Starfield Update Adding New Locations, Gear, Mods, and More
Bethesda appears at the June 2024 Xbox Games Showcase with a reveal of a surprise Starfield update that's coming later today.
Starfield fans are upset about the price of Creations, with The Vulture quest proving to be particularly problematic. The Vulture quest costs $7 and gives players a single quest to complete. Starfield fans that are angry about the Creations content have taken to Steam to voice their discontent, leaving the open world sci-fi RPG with "Mixed" overall ratings for both its Recent Reviews and All Reviews. Bethesda is unlikely to backpedal on Creations or the prices of the mods, so it's hard to say how Starfield could potentially repair its damaged reputation.
Starfield Is Being Review Bombed Again
As some may recall, this is not the first time Starfield has been review bombed. Shortly after its launch, Starfield was review bombed with 0/10 and 1/10 scores on Metacritic, seemingly because it launched as an Xbox console exclusive. While there are rumors that Starfield may one day come to PS5, no such plans have been announced at the time of this writing.
It's possible Bethesda will adjust the prices of Starfield Creations in response to community feedback, but that remains to be seen. The good news is that Starfield Creations can largely be ignored, and there's more substantial, official content in the pipeline. The Xbox Games Showcase didn't just announce a shadow drop for a new Starfield update; it also gave fans their best look yet at the game's first major expansion. Starfield's Shattered Space DLC is set to launch later this year, and it's bringing with it some serious horror vibes. If Shattered Space defies expectations, it could be just what Starfield needs to once again change the narrative about itself.
Starfield
- Released
- September 6, 2023
WHERE TO PLAY
Starfield is the first new universe in 25 years from Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. In this next generation role-playing game set amongst the stars, create any character you want and explore with unparalleled freedom as you embark on an epic journey to answer humanity’s greatest mystery.
The year is 2330. Humanity has ventured beyond our solar system, settling new planets, and living as a spacefaring people. From humble beginnings as a space miner, you will join Constellation – the last group of space explorers seeking rare artifacts throughout the galaxy – and navigate the vast expanse of the Settled Systems in Bethesda Game Studios’ biggest and most ambitious game.
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Bethesda
- Publisher(s)
- Bethesda
- Platform(s)
- PC, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S
- How Long To Beat
- 20 Hours
- File Size Xbox Series
- 101 GB (September 2023)
- Metascore
- 86
