Starfieldhas proven to be one of Bethesda’s most contentious game releases. Something likeFallout 76may have been more poorly received overall, and certainly had more problems, butStarfieldstands out because of the diversity of opinions surrounding it: some players think it is one of the best RPGs ever and a fantastic space adventure, while others criticize it for being outdated and underwhelming. Whatever one’s opinions are on this new Bethesda IP, it will certainly be interesting to see how the fabled company develops it in the future.
And further development certainly seems likely, if Bethesda Game Studios plans to treatStarfieldlike its other major IP. BothFalloutandThe Elder Scrollshave gotten MMO spin-offs, with the latter being developed by ZeniMax Online rather than Bethesda Game Studios, and is generally much better received than the adaptation of the former. Indeed, as previously noted,Fallout 76did not land to rapturous applause, and even though it has greatly improved over the years, it is still a tough sell for many gamers. One may then viewFallout 76as something of a cautionary tale forStarfield’s future spin-offs, but there’s reason to believe that taking the MMO route would turn out far better for the sprawling space adventure.
A Starfield MMO Could Succeed Where Fallout 76 Failed
One of Fallout 76’s Biggest Problems Doesn’t Apply to Starfield
Make no mistake,Fallout 76was riddled with bugs, performance issues, and questionable design choices at launch, but for many, its biggest problem was a fundamental one. TheFalloutfranchise, as its name suggests, is set in a desolate wasteland, a vision of an America that has fallen victim to devastating nuclear folly. Here are some things that the world ofFalloutis not:
One could argue that the above qualities, which are so central to the traditional MMO formula, run completely contrary to the narrative and tonal basics of theFalloutfranchise. This is something that long-time fans of the series picked up onas soon asFallout 76was announced, which led to widespread apprehension long before its full release. Even now, with years of tweaking, polishing, and substantial content updates, this fundamental incongruence remains. But such an issue could be easily avoided in a “Starfield 76,” as it were.
Starfield Has the Perfect Premise for an MMO Adaptation
Humanity’s rampant colonization of the galaxy is a much better backdrop for a massive online multiplayer game than a nuclear apocalypse. There’sform and structure to society inStarfield, which would allow for a more robust interactive world, with various different organizations, settlements, and factions, not unlike a game likeWorld of Warcraft. It would make sense to run into other players going about their business, as there is far more business to be had.
Conversely, the MMO treatment could actually sharpen some ofStarfield’s duller points, like its overabundance of empty, lifeless planets. A version of the game, with the same scope, could use emptiness to its advantage, as players could colonize the spaces themselves. Then, other players could visit or even attack their bases. In other words, the MMO framework could allowStarfield’s barren expanses to have more value.
Of course, this is all just speculation, as it’s hard to say whatBethesda’s plans are for theStarfieldIP. It was certainly not the universally-beloved hit that the company was hoping for, but it has a lot of potential, and BGS will no doubt wish to make the most of the foundation that it has laid. If it follows the trend ofThe Elder ScrollsandFalloutand gets spun-off as an MMO, it might just be the best of the bunch.
Starfield
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.
