Starfield, the highly anticipated upcoming game of 2023, is on the horizon. Bethesda Studios’ sci-fi RPG has managed to capture the attention of gamers with its expansive world and ambitious gameplay. As the Starfield preload becomes available for Xbox and Windows, the burning question on the minds of many fans is whether this game will find its way onto other platforms, specifically Sony’s PlayStation consoles. In this article, we delve into the details and discuss the possibility of Starfield’s release on the PS4 and PS5.
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A History of Expectations
Given the company’s history, it was initially assumed that Starfield would launch as a multi-platform title encompassing PC, Xbox, and PS5. However, a significant twist occurred when Microsoft acquired ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda, back in 2021. Xbox CEO Phil Spencer quickly assured players that Bethesda’s games would not be limited to their platform alone. The decision to release on various platforms would be determined on a “case-by-case” basis. Nonetheless, the landscape changed in 2022 when Starfield was announced as a Windows and Xbox-exclusive game.
The Exclusivity Puzzle
Addressing the burning question of whether Starfield will ever grace the PS4 and PS5, the answer is a definitive no. The game’s availability is strictly limited to the Windows and Xbox platforms. This stance was further confirmed by Aaron Greenberg, Vice President of Xbox Games Marketing, during a conversation with a community member on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
Unveiling Sony’s Plans
In 2020, Imran Khan, the senior editor of Game Informer, dropped a bombshell when he revealed that PlayStation had contemplated making Starfield an exclusive title for their PS5 platform. This revelation was not without precedent, as Sony had previously secured exclusivity for two other games published by Bethesda: Ghostwire: Tokyo and Deathloop. The intriguing aspect is the timing—Sony had been discussing securing Starfield’s exclusivity just months before Microsoft’s ZeniMax acquisition announcement.
Insights from Investigations
In a recent turn of events, both Microsoft and various fair-trade regulatory bodies started investigating high-profile game publisher Activision Blizzard for potential anti-trust violations. During these investigations, confidential discussions and documents were brought to light. According to Xbox CEO Phil Spencer, this revelation aligns with his remarks. He stated that acquiring Bethesda was essential, and he highlighted Sony’s agreements to keep titles like Deathloop and Ghostwire: Tokyo away from Xbox. This strategy was poised to extend to Starfield as well.
An Alternate Universe
These insights further reinforce Imran Khan’s assertions from 2020. They also shed light on the fact that if Bethesda hadn’t merged with Xbox in 2021, fans of the PS5 might have been able to experience Starfield exclusively on Sony’s platforms. Yet, in the current scenario, the only avenues to play Starfield are through Xbox, Steam, or the Game Pass subscription service.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Starfield’s journey to release has been marked by twists and turns that have left players intrigued and, in some cases, disappointed. While the anticipation for the game remains high, the dream of experiencing it on the PS4 or PS5 has been definitively dashed. As the game’s release date draws nearer, it’s clear that the interplay between gaming giants and their strategic decisions continues to shape the industry’s landscape.
