Starfield on PS5: Can PlayStation Save It?

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Starfield represents Bethesda’s latest release (excluding the recent Oblivion Remastered), but it’s debatable if it marked a spectacular comeback for the studio. The company had been seeking a revitalization following Fallout 76, which, despite eventually amassing a dedicated playerbase due to expansions and bug corrections, left a significant dent in its standing. Unlike the contentious Fallout 76, Starfield didn’t receive as much controversy—few games do—but its response was indisputably split.

Despite Starfield’s moderate initial critical and sales response, Microsoft and Bethesda continued their efforts on the game. Post-release updates introduced significant additions like the REV-8 vehicle, addressing a major community complaint in an impressive manner. The upcoming Shattered Space DLC had fans hopeful, but unfortunately, it didn’t significantly improve Starfield’s reception. Instead, it was criticized for its limited scope and unengaging story. However, whispers about potential Xbox plans to port Starfield to PlayStation 5 might offer a new opportunity for the game, potentially finding favor among a wider audience.

If Starfield Comes to PS5, It Could Get a Better Sampling of Opinions

Opinions on Starfield Can Vary Wildly

Over time, the gaming community has experienced increasing fragmentation, and Starfield serves as an example of these significant changes within the industry. Prior to its release, evaluations from outlets such as IGN, which were deemed only moderately positive by some Bethesda enthusiasts who anticipated a masterpiece, sparked controversy. Post-launch, the intensity of social media discourse intensified significantly, with some players labeling Starfield as Bethesda’s demise and one of the poorest games ever produced, while others praised it as a groundbreaking, boundary-pushing piece of art.

In many instances, this scenario arises when high-profile games are launched: for example, the debut of Red Dead Redemption 2 sparked intense debates among players. The hype is often fueled by costly marketing strategies and grandiose statements from publishers. However, when a game fails to meet those sky-high expectations and merely offers ‘good’ quality instead of ‘mind-blowing’, some players may feel deceived. Alternatively, the widespread attention given to major releases can lead to excessive, harmful discussions where the most extreme opinions attract the most attention, further escalating disputes. Yet, if Starfield broadens its player base with a PS5 port, two years after its initial release, maybe more rational perspectives will emerge.

Hindsight and a Wider Audience Could Offer a Firmer Consensus About Starfield’s Quality

Achieving universal agreement on art is rarely attainable given its inherently subjective nature. Yet, one can typically gauge the general sentiment towards a game if it has gained enough exposure. For instance, while some players despise Elden Ring and consider it overrated, it’s generally accepted that the game is well-regarded among gamers as a whole.

Discussing games like Starfield can get complex given the heated debates that often occur online about them. Since its release, Starfield has had continuous post-launch updates and DLC, which means the conversation around it never really stops. However, things have calmed down a bit now. If this game were to be released for the PS5, it could reignite the discussion as people would reassess it with the benefit of hindsight and more realistic expectations. In simpler terms, revisiting Starfield on the PS5 might provide us with a fresh perspective.

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2025-05-04 14:03