Starfield's Potential Expansion to Other Consoles: A Look at Microsoft's Strategy
2025-01-27 03:18:08Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer has suggested that Starfield may eventually grace other consoles, aligning with his recent comments on the company's evolving gaming platform strategy. Initially launched for Xbox Series X/S and PC in September 2023, the potential expansion of Bethesda's space RPG is becoming a topic of much discussion.
Five months after Starfield's initial release, Spencer announced a shift towards multi-platform publishing for select first-party games. This initiative started with titles like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves, and later included others like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. This fuels speculation around Starfield’s future availability.
While Starfield remains an Xbox console exclusive as of early 2025, its long-term exclusivity is uncertain. In a mid-January interview, Spencer hinted at this possibility, echoing his November 2024 statement about Microsoft having "no red lines" when considering cross-platform releases for their first-party titles.
Rumors of a PS5 version of Starfield have been swirling since Microsoft's multi-platform announcement, though nothing concrete has emerged. Given Bethesda's prior development of a PS5 port before Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, Sony's console appears to be the most likely candidate for a future release.
While the upcoming Switch 2 promises increased power, it will likely still lag behind the PS5, making a Starfield port less probable. However, rumors persist, fueled by leaks suggesting a potential Switch 2 version. The reality remains to be seen.
Looking at other Bethesda projects, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is confirmed for a PS5 release in Spring 2025. Furthermore, a rumored Unreal Engine 5 remake of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion is also anticipated for the PS5, potentially launching later. Microsoft's multi-platform push signifies a response to evolving market trends, recognizing a shift away from strict platform exclusivity in the gaming industry.