Bethesda Game Studios has affirmed its commitment to Starfield, with studio development chief Todd Howard confirming that new "Starborn content" is planned for release in 2027. This announcement comes amidst significant layoffs at Xbox, which saw 1,600 employees cut from Microsoft's gaming division, with an additional 1,600 expected in the current financial year. While Bethesda Game Studios was impacted by these cuts, the studio has stated that development on The Elder Scrolls 6, its current primary focus, remains unaffected.
The reassurances follow concerns raised by players after Starfield's absence from Bethesda's newly prioritized list of projects. Despite a mixed reception at its 2023 launch and subsequent updates failing to significantly shift player sentiment, Starfield has garnered over 17 million players who have collectively logged nearly a billion hours. Howard highlighted these figures, stating that the game "remains an important part of our future."
"As we enter Year 3, we'll continue expanding the Settled Systems with new stories, targeted gameplay improvements, and additional updates, while preparing for the launch of new Starborn content next year," Howard's message read. He also noted that over 40% of players utilize the Creations feature for customization, indicating a continued investment in creator tools and player-driven content.
The mention of "new Starborn content next year" suggests a potential expansion or significant update, though details remain scarce. There was no mention of a Nintendo Switch 2 version of Starfield, which had previously been rumored to be in development, nor any concrete plans for a Starfield sequel. Given that The Elder Scrolls 6 is reportedly still at least two years from completion and Fallout 5 is in pre-production, any potential Starfield sequel would likely fall outside of Bethesda Game Studios' immediate development pipeline.
Bethesda boss Jill Braff communicated to staff that recent strategic shifts and layoffs are a response to "the realities of our industry and business" and a necessity to ensure the studio operates from a more stable foundation. Braff emphasized the need to "strengthen our business, return to sustainable growth, and ensure we can continue investing in our franchises and our players."
Braff outlined a new planning model for Bethesda, moving away from a studio-centric approach to one that prioritizes the company's strongest franchises and aligns content roadmaps with player needs and overall company goals. Resources and talent will then be allocated to support these key priorities.