Game Discussions Bethesda Softworks Starfield Space RPG

[LanceLord]

How much freedom will Bethesda give to the players, to create their own stories and adventures in this new IP they created? Anyone heard anything about Mods?

It suddenly occured to me (because I'm thick like that) that you were genuinely asking a question and not trying to be sarcastic/joking? If that's the case, is Starfield the first Bethesda game you've ever played? If so, then the answer to your question is yes.

Bethesda is perhaps the only AAA dev that's has kept an official consumer friendly policy in its ToS. As the oldest RPG dev in the industry (second only to FF franchise) they remain the only AAA dev which has remained genuine in its community outreach to their fanbase.That's based on some 3 human decades in producing the TES and Fallout game franchises since 1994. Despite being infamous for buggy releases, the company has always been highly supportive of the PC modding community. So they remain the only AAA dev to date which provides their fan bases with creative license to modify the game. AND also provides the necessary modding tool that is the Frankenstein monster evolving from formerly NetImmerse(Morrowind) / Gamebryo(Oblivion/FO3/FNV) / Creation Kit (Skyrim/FO4), aka CK. The current gen iteration which they've evolved into CK 2.0.(for Starfield).

Consequently, the PC modding community has thrived thanks to this unique, supportive relationship with Bethesda.The modding community has had an extensive apprenticeship modding TES/Fallout for the last 30 human years aka since 1994. As a result, the PCMR (and recently the console community beginning with FO4/SSE) have benefited handsomely from all the professional, high quality mod content available to the fan base on places like Nexus to date. And by default of platform type, the PC community will continue to benefit the most from its mod content remaining at a permanent 100% discount in the future (because the PC platform is where all Fallout/TES mods must originate).

Here's an idea of how much free creative license Bethesda has provided their fan base to date. Back in 2012-2014 at the peak of the Skyrim modding pandemic, Legacy Skyrim had an insane 80,000+ mods on Nexus alone. This is a current listing of PC mods being hosted on Nexus and so doesn't factor externally independent sites like afk mods etc.

Skyrim SE. This updated version was designed to allow the PC mod community to share their content with console players. Steadily growing as modding community transfers legacy Skyrim mods to SE

Spoiler: Skyrim SE

Legacy Skyrim. Still being played by a few hardcore fan base members to date.

Spoiler: Legacy Skyrim

Fallout 4

Spoiler: FO4

Fallout 3

Spoiler: FO3

Fallout New Vegas

Spoiler: FNV

 

[amigacooke]

They are two different games, did you not get that memo?

This is going to make sequels very easy in the future, you just take a snapshot of the game, and label any future development as a new game

 

[Navigare Necesse Est]

This is going to make sequels very easy in the future, you just take a snapshot of the game, and label any future development as a new game

I think that already happens.

 

[Comandante]

For me, Starfield sits in the Goldilocks zone of what I want to play.

It's just right; I am not a fan of massively multiplayer games - sure, I'd like some co-op with mates but if it isn't there, so be it.

It's got what I've wanted for a long time: a story. In space. And I can still blaze my own trail, thank you. Then on top of that all the other things in the game - yes, that's just right. After yesterday I think I don't need to mention the amazing things that look like they'll be in the game.

Star Citizen is way too hot - certainly with no CPU optimization, anyway! A single system to crawl around. Don't get me wrong it's a great game but they need to deliver at some point.

Elite Dangerous is way too cold. 4 hundred billion star systems with (for me!) not a lot to do but the same as the last. Plus, I have really really had my money's worth out of it. Time for something new. On top of that as an early backer they've taken a long and meandering and sometimes (what looks like) halfhearted patchwork of never-really-completed development. Don't get me wrong - I'll never leave ED - I just won't go back to it as much. It's just not the ED that was released back in 2014.

So yay, ready for Starfield. I have a feeling I'm going to watch last night's video until I can practically recite what's said in it!

 

[Dooguk]

For me, Starfield sits in the Goldilocks zone of what I want to play.

It's just right; I am not a fan of massively multiplayer games - sure, I'd like some co-op with mates but if it isn't there, so be it.

It's got what I've wanted for a long time: a story. In space. And I can still blaze my own trail, thank you. Then on top of that all the other things in the game - yes, that's just right. After yesterday I think I don't need to mention the amazing things that look like they'll be in the game.

Star Citizen is way too hot - certainly with no CPU optimization, anyway! A single system to crawl around. Don't get me wrong it's a great game but they need to deliver at some point.

Elite Dangerous is way too cold. 4 hundred billion star systems with (for me!) not a lot to do but the same as the last. Plus, I have really really had my money's worth out of it. Time for something new. On top of that as an early backer they've taken a long and meandering and sometimes (what looks like) halfhearted patchwork of never-really-completed development. Don't get me wrong - I'll never leave ED - I just won't go back to it as much. It's just not the ED that was released back in 2014.

So yay, ready for Starfield. I have a feeling I'm going to watch last night's video until I can practically recite what's said in it!

Someone will mod it for co-op I'm sure. They did it for Skyrim.

 

[Navigare Necesse Est]

For me, Starfield sits in the Goldilocks zone of what I want to play.

It's just right; I am not a fan of massively multiplayer games - sure, I'd like some co-op with mates but if it isn't there, so be it.

It's got what I've wanted for a long time: a story. In space. And I can still blaze my own trail, thank you. Then on top of that all the other things in the game - yes, that's just right. After yesterday I think I don't need to mention the amazing things that look like they'll be in the game.

Star Citizen is way too hot - certainly with no CPU optimization, anyway! A single system to crawl around. Don't get me wrong it's a great game but they need to deliver at some point.

Elite Dangerous is way too cold. 4 hundred billion star systems with (for me!) not a lot to do but the same as the last. Plus, I have really really had my money's worth out of it. Time for something new. On top of that as an early backer they've taken a long and meandering and sometimes (what looks like) halfhearted patchwork of never-really-completed development. Don't get me wrong - I'll never leave ED - I just won't go back to it as much. It's just not the ED that was released back in 2014.

So yay, ready for Starfield. I have a feeling I'm going to watch last night's video until I can practically recite what's said in it!

0-g combat and boarding ships with fisticuffs and force powers to ragdoll enemies around. I even spotted a culinary tree skill section - it might put the Sims cooking to shame. Yeah, I think it has the guts to become a really good game. My last AAA game was Cyberpunk 2077 - not bad a game but I have a think SF might be the one I'm quite looking for. Probably not infinitely replayable because not fully procedural but with that alleged amount of sand in the box that isn't really necessary.

 

[Comandante]

Someone will mod it for co-op I'm sure. They did it for Skyrim.

I heard that someone did a mod for Skyrim but I've never played it. Co-op would be awesome. My play-style doesn't suit MMORPGs or whatever they're called. I get the feeling - may be wrong - Starfield will reach a massive audience. The bigger the audience, the bigger the mod developers involved (here's hoping...)

0-g combat and boarding ships with fisticuffs and force powers to ragdoll enemies around. I even spotted a culinary tree skill section - it might put the Sims cooking to shame. Yeah, I think it has the guts to become a really good game. My last AAA game was Cyberpunk 2077 - not bad a game but I have a think SF might be the one I'm quite looking for. Probably not infinitely replayable because not fully procedural but with that alleged amount of sand in the box that isn't really necessary.

The first time I ever played Cyberpunk was back in 1988 - first character was a Net Runner. Obviously the original boxed paper & pencil edition, not a computer game!

Really looking forward to skill trees though - to get the feeling it is me that is improving, not because I am better because of a bigger ship or better weapons - in each of these cases because I have to visit someone to give them 3 bottle tops and some paper clips to make my equipment better because my character is too clearly stupid to do it themselves

And don't get me started on being triple elite, having taken part in thousands of on-foot battles, spent days running across planets to be outrun by a new player (aimless/harmless/penniless) who just picked up a suit with enhanced leg speeds because I'm wearing my Dominatrix suit that doesn't have that mod...

 

[Navigare Necesse Est]

I heard that someone did a mod for Skyrim but I've never played it. Co-op would be awesome. My play-style doesn't suit MMORPGs or whatever they're called. I get the feeling - may be wrong - Starfield will reach a massive audience. The bigger the audience, the bigger the mod developers involved (here's hoping...)

The first time I ever played Cyberpunk was back in 1988 - first character was a Net Runner. Obviously the original boxed paper & pencil edition, not a computer game!

Really looking forward to skill trees though - to get the feeling it is me that is improving, not because I am better because of a bigger ship or better weapons - in each of these cases because I have to visit someone to give them 3 bottle tops and some paper clips to make my equipment better because my character is too clearly stupid to do it themselves

And don't get me started on being triple elite, having taken part in thousands of on-foot battles, spent days running across planets to be outrun by a new player (aimless/harmless/penniless) who just picked up a suit with enhanced leg speeds because I'm wearing my Dominatrix suit that doesn't have that mod...

Bethesda made skill systems where you improve by doing (TES) or allocate points after levelup (FO). SF looks like points for skill unlock and reaching milestones to rank the skill up. So kinda a mix of the two.

 

[Red Anders]

On youtube, you'll see a video marked starfield direct, which is around 45 minutes long. It's where they actually explain the entire concept of the game, what they've done with it, and yes mods will be available for people to put in. As explained, it will be Skyrim in space.

I originally just wanted to see a few minutes of that thing. I was locked in for the entire 45 minutes.

Now, that doesn't mean I'm going to get it on day one. No sane person ever buys 1.0 software. I always wait a month or two after it's released and read other people's reviews of where things went right where things went wrong and making assessment that way. I did the same thing for elite dangerous I and will be doing the same thing for this.

One thing I like about single player games is that you don't have to worry about gankers spoiling your day. There is one other really important thing that I like about single player games: if the phone rings you can hit the pause button and stop it from running. You can stop it right in the middle of something save your progress and quit the game if it's time to leave and go to work.

I had exactly the same experience with that video and I'm where you're at with it - I won't be buying it on release day because I was cured of that completely after pre-ordering Odyssey, the only game I can recall doing that with in 20 years, but if the reviews are good I can see me getting it at Christmas.

 

[R3aktor]

I pre ordered like 5 games in my life...I enjoyed every single game I pre ordered. so I will pre order starfield too.

Edit:
Xbox head Matt Booty has stated that Starfield will have the fewest bugs of any Bethesda game ever released.

 

[SergMx]

If the developers ED, would have compromised and added more co-op mode would have prolonged the interest of the Elite even more.

 

[Hank]

I got to add my 2 cents to this hot topic.

Looks good in the videos. If I understand what I've read and seen so far:

• you can walk around your ship's interior and interact with crew while flying to a destination or relaxing in orbit (and romance is available)
• I can fly to and land on any planet and explore the entire surface, not just the cities (~1000 planets iirc)
• I can avoid most combat situations (but not all) to focus time on exploring and making money
• Early access is only 5 days and cost $99 USD and starts Sept. 1; regular release is Sept. 6 ($70 usd) atm

please correct or comment on the above since I am old and have really bad eyesight (atm)

I had to get in on this to keep SC Discussion thread V12 from taking top spot again (???)

btw, a five day early access is not going to get me to jump. If it was a month or so and was basically a final integrity test on hundreds or thousands of a wide variety of computers, I'd be interested. I did early access on ED and AW way back before 1st beta. The price is not a problem for me but the duration is not worth it.

 

[Navigare Necesse Est]

I got to add my 2 cents to this hot topic.

Looks good in the videos. If I understand what I've read and seen so far:

• you can walk around your ship's interior and interact with crew while flying to a destination or relaxing in orbit (and romance is available)
• I can fly to and land on any planet and explore the entire surface, not just the cities (~1000 planets iirc)
• I can avoid most combat situations (but not all) to focus time on exploring and making money
• Early access is only 5 days and cost $99 USD and starts Sept. 1; regular release is Sept. 6 ($70 usd) atm

please correct or comment on the above since I am old and have really bad eyesight (atm)

I had to get in on this to keep SC Discussion thread V12 from taking top spot again (???)

btw, a five day early access is not going to get me to jump. If it was a month or so and was basically a final integrity test on hundreds or thousands of a wide variety of computers, I'd be interested. I did early access on ED and AW way back before 1st beta. The price is not a problem for me but the duration is not worth it.

Ya, but it's decent indicator whether to have it on launch day or not.

 

[Chevy66]

I got to add my 2 cents to this hot topic.

Looks good in the videos. If I understand what I've read and seen so far:

• you can walk around your ship's interior and interact with crew while flying to a destination or relaxing in orbit (and romance is available)
• I can fly to and land on any planet and explore the entire surface, not just the cities (~1000 planets iirc)
• I can avoid most combat situations (but not all) to focus time on exploring and making money
• Early access is only 5 days and cost $99 USD and starts Sept. 1; regular release is Sept. 6 ($70 usd) atm

please correct or comment on the above since I am old and have really bad eyesight (atm)

I had to get in on this to keep SC Discussion thread V12 from taking top spot again (???)

btw, a five day early access is not going to get me to jump. If it was a month or so and was basically a final integrity test on hundreds or thousands of a wide variety of computers, I'd be interested. I did early access on ED and AW way back before 1st beta. The price is not a problem for me but the duration is not worth it.

I believe the premium version with the 5 day early access also includes the first expansion pack. Whether that's worth the extra remains to be seen. but you get more than just a 5 day head start for the extra money

 

[alexzk]

I never seen Elite as a MMO, I see it as a single player game where I play with friends and possibly some other player interaction?? BGS and power play could be NPC action ? If you don't do them . I couldn't instance with a PC friend and I couldn't land on their carrier even if I was friend ? And I think that's what causes some confusion, it has some small bits of everything but it's not quiet all there or implemented in a way . A jack of all trades but master of none . So SF being single player will be like me playing elite . I'm hoping SF takes the best bits of this genre and polishes it with finesse . Yes we have stellar forge ( Fdevs biggest plus ) but take it as a % it's very empty compared to a smaller amount of map with lots to do ? Just my musings. I dunno if I will pre order as there has been many flops of "new " stuff recently. But I'm looking forward to it . And will wait and see if I can beat my hours in elite .

Elite is MMO, just without "traditional" (read WoW) vision. BGS existence makes it MMO, just different then everybody got used to.

 

[alexzk]

I just modded skyrim, 250+ mods. Also got TESO couple months ago. So I have enough of elfs for next year. But I will read what people say about space elfs Maybe next year with 70% discount I will get it too.
When I saw giant with rings on 3/4 of the sky and no volcanoes on surface I figured it is something wrong there ...

 

[LanceLord]

Keeping fingers crossed the ship on the right is a buildable and/or buyable capital ship. If moddable, that would make an awesome battlecruiser FC

Also given this diverse mod layout, is it possible to redesign the vanilla mesh & interiors to create a whole new modular component? Like a recreational court, shooting range, and other social spaces you'd need for a large NPC crew? Especially redesigning the cosmetic parts like the cowling to make the aesthetic more futuristic looking. If we can create capital ships of that size, then re-creating entire Star Trek/Star Wars fleet seems quite possible.

Because yes, I want to fly an Idris in addition to my Asp/Anacoda/Python collection I'll be stealing creatively procuring from the likes of the Crimson Fleet, Ecliptic Mercs, Spacers and other bad assery galaxy troublemakers. Remeshing vanilla textures was easy to do under CK 1.0 in Skyrim/Fallout. So hopefully nothing has drastically changed with CK 2.0 since space craft are a new feature. Really loving how intuitive and clean this moduar system design layout is. It's going to make creating the perfect ship a fun challenge. Especially if you're doing a design optimization test matrix of different ship parts you find around the galaxy. This will take space salvaging to a whole other game play loop level.

The possibility of suddenly finding your introvert self feeling completely homesick. You monologing about your mental depression of not having encountered any sentient life the last couple months or so in the black. Your id, ego and superego are all having a deep dive, soul searching, philosophical debate with your miserable self about the meaning of life. About quitting Constellation for good...

Then suddenly Grandma enters the chat!

Wonder if this is tied to the Kid's Stuff trait or purely a RNG space encounter? Would be really cool if it were the former case because this might not happen otherwise in a playthough.

 

[LanceLord]

I got to add my 2 cents to this hot topic.

Looks good in the videos. If I understand what I've read and seen so far:

• you can walk around your ship's interior and interact with crew while flying to a destination or relaxing in orbit (and romance is available)
• I can fly to and land on any planet and explore the entire surface, not just the cities (~1000 planets iirc)
• I can avoid most combat situations (but not all) to focus time on exploring and making money
• Early access is only 5 days and cost $99 USD and starts Sept. 1; regular release is Sept. 6 ($70 usd) atm

please correct or comment on the above since I am old and have really bad eyesight (atm)

I had to get in on this to keep SC Discussion thread V12 from taking top spot again (???)

btw, a five day early access is not going to get me to jump. If it was a month or so and was basically a final integrity test on hundreds or thousands of a wide variety of computers, I'd be interested. I did early access on ED and AW way back before 1st beta. The price is not a problem for me but the duration is not worth it.

Whether you can walk around inside the ship -- while it's moving in space -- is still not 100% confirmed. You CAN however, apparently do that if it's docked in space, on ground planetary side etc. i.e. once it's stationary/motionles. Like in orbit of a planet as the picture below suggests with the PC standing up in the cockpit:

Also make sure if playing PC that your rig will be running the game on an SSD HD. With min 135GB space.

And that your graphics card has a dedicated 8GB VRAM. From what I've seen around the web, lots of ppl seem to be glossing over these hardware requirements.

Especially the SSD HD one (as this wasn't mandatory for Fallout/TES games until now.

 

[CMDR Dizzy]

I believe the premium version with the 5 day early access also includes the first expansion pack. Whether that's worth the extra remains to be seen. but you get more than just a 5 day head start for the extra money

Seem there are some extra items as well for a pre-order:

Pre-order now and receive “Old Mars Skin Pack” in-game bonus items: Laser Cutter, Deep Mining Helmet and Deep Mining Pack

 

[R3aktor]

Early access is only 5 days and cost $99 USD

Xbox support confirmed to me that as a game pass subscriber premium upgrade for 31€ is alright to have 5 days early access.