Summary
As RPG fans eagerly await the release ofStarfield, many have turned to Larian Studios' recently-releasedBaldur’s Gate 3, which has been enjoying great success since its release on August 3. The fantasy, D&D-based CRPG may not be very similar toStarfieldin terms of tone, setting, or gameplay fundamentals, but it is a western RPG released in 2023, and comparisons between the two titles will likely be made in the coming months. WithBaldur’s Gate 3’s booming popularity, it’s worth wondering just howStarfieldwill measure up when it releases next month.
As the next game and newest IP from famous developer Bethesda,Starfieldhas already been the subject of lofty expectations. In the wake of controversial releases likeFallout 76, Bethesda likely wantsStarfieldto be a new beginningand regenerate some of the good will that the company has lost over the past few years. In other words,Starfieldis more than just another Bethesda game - it has the power to either shift or perpetuate the narrative that Bethesda has lost its touch when it comes to making smash-hit RPGs. Comparisons toBaldur’s Gate 3could influence this narrative followingStarfield’s release.
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Baldur’s Gate 3’s Popularity Could Reflect Poorly On Starfield
In addition to receiving nearly universal critical acclaim,Baldur’s Gate 3is also surprisingly popular with audiences, reaching a peak concurrent Steam player count of just under 815,000 a few days after launch.Starfieldis one of 2023’s most anticipatedgames, and while RPG fans were certainly excited forBaldur’s Gate 3, it did not receive anywhere near the marketing buzz ofStarfield, a game backed by the combined powers of two of the most significant companies in gaming (Microsoft and Bethesda). Put simply,Starfieldhas considerably more hype behind it thanBaldur’s Gate 3ever did, which could end up being a double-edged sword for the title when it releases, especially when pitting it againstBaldur’s Gate 3, a relative underdog.
SinceBaldur’s Gate 3was marketed much more modestly thanStarfield, its success with general gaming audiences is all the more significant.Starfieldis already being scrutinizeddue to its position in the spotlight, and the fact that it is such a highly anticipated release from one of the biggest names in western RPGs makes it vulnerable to criticism, as many gamers are expecting a genre-defining, next-generation open-world experience - one that is in line with the pedigree of a well-established, big-budget studio.Starfieldalso has to follow the legacy of franchises likeThe Elder ScrollsandFallout, which many view as seminal RPG releases.
Given the high expectations that gamers already have forStarfield, the game could face backlash if it doesn’t greatly outperformBaldur’s Gate 3in both critical reception and player count. Moreover,Starfieldwill miss out on PlayStation sales, whereasBaldur’s Gate 3is available on PC and PlayStation, with an Xbox release on the way, making it accessible to a wider audience. SinceStarfieldwill be releasing to a smaller pool of players, it is crucial that it performs well in that smaller market. It’s also worth mentioning that both of these titles are reported to be sprawling adventures with dozens of hours of side content and replay value. They may release a month apart, but they will still be vying for the free time of RPG fans.
Microsoft and Bethesda did not get off to a great start in 2023.Starfieldmay aim to be differentfrom other RPGs, but it is also in the shadow of disappointments likeRedfall, which is still fresh in the minds of players. If gamers are going to compareStarfieldto the smaller-budget, less-hyped-upBaldur’s Gate 3, it’s important thatStarfieldis able to live up to its astronomical expectations.
Starfieldis set to release on Jun 26, 2025 for PC and Xbox Series X|S.
