Starfield Almost Loses Entire Steam Playerbase in Just 6 Months

Bethesda's highly anticipated space epic, Starfield, hasn't quite reached the celestial heights expected by fans and industry pundits alike. Since its launch six months ago, the game has experienced a meteoric decline in its Steam player count, shedding over 300,000 eager spacefarers along the way.

Initially heralded as Bethesda's next flagship title, poised to rival the legendary status of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Starfield's reception has been more nebulous than stellar. Within just a handful of months, it's witnessed a staggering 97% drop in its Steam player base, plummeting from a peak of 330,273 concurrent players to a mere fraction of that figure, now hovering under 9,000 (as reported by SteamDB). By comparison, Skyrim continues to command a considerable audience, with over 25,000 players currently exploring its immersive world.

Critically, Starfield's reviews remain in a state of flux, having transitioned from 'mostly negative' to a more tempered 'mixed' sentiment. Yet, these figures only reflect a portion of the player base, omitting those who've acquired the game through alternative platforms like the Xbox store or via Game Pass subscriptions. Nevertheless, the decline in player engagement is undeniably concerning for Bethesda and its parent company, Microsoft, especially given the financial investment made by players upon purchasing the game.

Despite these challenges, Bethesda is doubling down on its commitment to Starfield's ongoing development, promising regular updates every six weeks. While recent patches have focused primarily on bug fixes rather than substantial content additions, the studio has teased forthcoming features such as "all new ways of traveling," aiming to breathe new life into the game. In the interim, the modding community has emerged as a crucial support pillar, bridging the gap with user-generated content and enhancements.

Within Starfield's expansive universe, players are granted access to over a thousand planets, each brimming with potential discoveries and locales, from the bustling metropolis of New Atlantis to the neon-lit streets of Neon City. However, criticisms have surfaced regarding the prevalence of desolate, uninhabited planets, contributing to perceptions of monotony and lackluster gameplay.

As Bethesda navigates the cosmic challenges ahead, the road to achieving Skyrim's enduring legacy appears fraught with obstacles. Whether committed to forging their path among the stars or seeking alternative gaming adventures, players will undoubtedly be keeping a watchful eye on Starfield's trajectory. For those steadfastly journeying onward, strategies for building the ultimate outpost await, while those ready to explore elsewhere can find solace in a curated list of games akin to Starfield's galactic allure.