The Catch You Might Encounter with All Editions of Starfield

Recent news from Bethesda has unveiled significant information about the physical editions of Starfield, indicating that the game will not include physical discs in any version. As the highly-anticipated title from Bethesda, the developer behind Elder Scrolls and Fallout, gears up for its upcoming release in a few months, fans hoping for a physical copy may be disappointed by this revelation.

Although Starfield has recently taken the spotlight in Microsoft's lineup, the space exploration game has been in development at Bethesda for several years. It was initially announced during the studio's 2018 E3 press conference and has faced numerous delays before finally settling on a release date of September 6. However, a recent update from Bethesda's support team has revealed a major caveat regarding the physical versions of the game.

In a response to a fan's query about the physical Standard Edition release for Xbox Series X, Bethesda's official customer support Twitter account indicated that all physical editions of Starfield will include a download code instead of an actual game disc. This means that none of the physical releases will come with a physical disc, and players will receive download codes along with bonus rewards. Although the tweet response has since been deleted, it is widely believed to be an official statement from Bethesda.

The absence of a physical game disc in Starfield's physical versions will surely disappoint fans who prefer physical copies. Bethesda is planning multiple editions of the game, each featuring different rewards, with the physical Premium Edition already excluding the base game. This move is reminiscent of other recent releases that have faced criticism for requiring substantial downloads despite having physical discs, such as Star Wars Jedi: Survivor.

Despite the potential disappointment regarding the lack of a physical disc, Bethesda has given fans plenty of reasons to be excited about their new franchise. The recent Direct broadcast for Starfield showcased various details, including an in-depth look at starship combat and over 1000 procedurally generated worlds to explore. Players will also have significant freedom in customizing their ships and choosing their own paths in the game's universe. As the launch of Starfield draws nearer, it appears to be a promising success for Bethesda.