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Starfield is Bethesda’s and Xbox’s biggest launch this year. However, despite the hype and lofty expectations, the sci-fi exploration felt short of its potential. The Xbox exclusive continues to be the topic of discussions with fans wanting more from the game. Now players are rooting for a feature from Red Dead Redemption

To say the sci-fi went big with its space exploration features would be putting it mildly. Shipbuilding, space engineering, never-ending space exploration, intergalactic travel, and more are some features that make Starfield stand out from all other games of the genre. Further, in-game activities became the highlight. But with so much liberty for side activities, few fans hoped for some better alternatives. Fans believe the game would’ve been better for having board games.

Starfield’s missed opportunity with in-game board games

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Board Games are one feature that not a lot of video games have tried to explore. While there have been some top experiments with the introduction of board games for side activities, only a few have been able to crack the formula. No surprises, Rockstar Games tops the list with Poker in the Red Dead Redemption sequel. Imagine how much board games work for Starfield. 

In a recent Reddit discussion, a fan raised an interesting point on how the same feature could add so much value to Starfield’s side activities. What I would give to kill some time playing a novel game with my crew while our ship is in orbit or grav jumping between systems,”  they wrote in the reddit post. 

Another game of the sci-fi genre that banked on board games for side activities was Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republican. Remember playing Pazaak during space exploration? Adding to that, there are a number of board games that might go along with the theme of Starfield.

Even Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag had Nine Men’s Morris, which is basically cowboy checkers, which players could play at taverns. Board games like Traveller, Space Marine, Twilight Imperium, Star Realms, and Coriolis, are some of the fan-favorite suggestions. 

Fans cannot wait for the implementation

As the Reddit confession invited attention from the Starfield community, fans came up with their personal takes. Let’s have a look at what the fans have to say about the viral suggestion. 

Read More: Starfield Players Believe This Is the Real Missed Opportunity by Bethesda in Its Most Ambitious Game to Date

A player expressed disappointment at Bethesda for not including minigames in Starfield. As a minigame lover, YES. So disappointed there aren’t any in Starfield. A dart-throwing game would have been perfect as well,” they wrote. Players could play darts in GTA IV and V.

Another player called out Bethesda for not exploring the potential of minigames in space exploration as they wrote, Why was there a casino ship and no casino games to play????”

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A user pointed out various potential teases that could have turned out to be ideal side activities in the game. Darts, Pool (if you pick up a pool cue you’ll get executed on the spot in most Freestar Collective areas, god I wish someone patches that with a mod because BGS probably won’t) Symbol Game, Various board games, Soccer, Shooting range, Playing cards, and Cube. They are teasing you. Look at what could’ve been possible,” the comment reads.

The whole game is a missed opportunity,” a player summed up Starfield, implying the game ultimately didn’t live up to its potential. Before the game released, many had tipped the game to compete for GOTY. During pre-order and early days, it as topping charts. But it didn’t even make the final list of nominees for game of the year.

Every time I see two companions sitting at the table and idling some animations, I have to “imagine” they’re playing,” another user rooted for the missing piece of the puzzle. 

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What do you think about the suggestion? 

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