Starfield, the much-anticipated space RPG from Bethesda, has garnered the attention of gamers worldwide with its grand promises and expansive map. However, despite a successful launch and a robust player base, it has landed in an unexpected position on the Steam rating charts. In a surprising turn of events, Starfield has become the lowest-rated Bethesda RPG on Steam, even falling below Fallout 76, a game infamous for its problematic debut.
For a AAA title like Starfield, which has been at the center of attention for so long, to have such a poor rating within days of release is unfortunate, to tel the least. However, there are certain factors that may have contributed to the issue. Another facet to consider is that Starfield arrived with enormous anticipation and hype. This also contributed to elevated expectations.
Player engagement and rating divergence
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At first glance, the connection between Starfield’s popularity and its lower-than-anticipated Steam ratings might seem perplexing. Bethesda proudly revealed that over 10 million players had ventured into the Starfield universe in less than three weeks, marking it as the company’s most significant release to date. The game also achieved a notable 24-hour peak of 141,301 concurrent players. These impressive figures suggest a game that has captured the attention of millions and attained significant success.
However, when examining the Steam ratings, a whole different picture picture emerges. Starfield’s average user rating currently hovers around 71.67%, positioning it just slightly below Fallout 76, which holds a rating of approximately 71.75%. Even Fallout 3, the earlier installment in the series, outpaces Starfield with a rating of approximately 79.05%.
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Fallout 4 fares even better, scoring around 81.88%. Yet, the most striking contrast emerges in the ratings of the beloved Elder Scrolls RPGs. Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim all shine with ratings exceeding 90%, highlighting the enduring popularity of these titles and the esteem they command within the gaming community.
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Starfield’s ratings enigma
The discrepancy between Starfield’s substantial player count and its lower-than-expected Steam ratings prompts inquiries about what could have led to such an unlikely scenario. It is important to note that Steam ratings can be influenced by an array of factors, including technical issues, player expectations, and overall game quality.
One potential explanation is that Starfield’s launch, while successful in terms of player engagement, may have encountered certain glitches and performance hiccups that may have impacted user ratings. Fallout 76’s initial tribulations serve as a cautionary example of how a rocky start can tarnish a game’s reputation and influence its long-term ratings.
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If the game did not quite meet some players’ lofty hopes, it also may have contributed to lower ratings. What do you think contributed to the astoundingly low ratings for Starfield? Share your thoughts with us below.
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