Summary
Last year’s introduction ofStarfieldwas a complicated launch. On the one hand, there were many players who loved the game and reveled in its space exploration and ship customization. However, there were also many left feeling disappointed, with much of the criticism being aimed at the game’s lack of unique content due to the use of procedural generation. AlthoughStarfieldmay have not been the game some were expecting from the start, the upcoming release of its first DLC,Shattered Space, could change the future of the IP.
Since the game’s launch,Starfieldhas continued to receive occasional updates that have helped make the game feel more alive, butShattered Spaceis likely going to be a turning point for the game’s longevity. Despite the rocky start,the anticipation forShattered Spaceis high, as it takes an intriguing turn to cosmic horror with the long-awaited introduction of House Va’ruun. Although the DLC looks compelling, player feedback and the success of the expansion will ultimately decide the fate ofStarfield.
Shattered Space Presents Starfield With Two Outcomes
Shattered Space Could Inspire More Hand-Crafted Content
One of the biggest criticisms ofStarfieldis the game’s lack of interesting locations. When it was revealed by Bethesda thatStarfieldwould showcase over 1,000 planets to explore, many were excited about taking in-game space exploration to the next level. However, some found the procedural generation of these planets lackluster,boring someStarfieldplayers. Many called for more hand-crafted locations, andShattered Spacewill thankfully provide that.
Shattered Spacewill finally revealthe mysterious House Va’ruunand the cult’s home planet of Va’ruun’kai. IfShattered Spaceturns out to be a hit, this could warrant more hand-crafted content apart from the DLC. Handmade areas in games feel more alive because human thought and heart went into crafting these locations, and that can be felt, especially when looking atStarfield’s planets. It’s impressive that Bethesda was able to procedurally generate over 1,000 different planets, but a lot of them unfortunately feel barren and lacking character.
Va’ruun’kai has a lot of potential to be a fascinating planet for House Va’ruun to call home, and if the majority of players love it, it will hopefully inspire more hand-crafted locations. It has already been confirmed thatStarfieldwill get more DLCsin the future, which would require handmade settings, but adding more content to the game that foregoes procedural generation in general would be ideal.
Although the release date forShattered Spaceis currently unknown, it is slated for Fall 2024.
If Shattered Space Flops, Embracing Procedural Generation is More Likely
The unexpectedhorror tone ofShattered Spaceis an exciting change of pace that holds a lot of promise. If Bethesda is able to stick the landing with this horror-tinged look into House Va’ruun, it will be a high point forStarfieldsince launch. However, there is also the possibility of the DLC flopping. If this is the case, then it’s likely thatStarfield’s developers will continue to embrace procedural generation. If most players don’t connect with the DLC’s story or its environment, there won’t be any real reason to try and make more hand-crafted content that isn’t connected to an expansion.
As the mystery ofShattered Space’s release date still looms overhead,Starfieldis arriving at a crossroads.Bethesda’s ambitious space adventureis set to have its first anniversary in September, but since the DLC is more horror-themed than the base game, it could be aiming for an October launch. Only time will tell how this first DLC will affect the future ofStarfield. Hopefully,Shattered Spacewill be the breath of fresh air to giveStarfieldsome rewarding post-launch redemption.
