Starfield's Success Hinges on the Power of Its Side Quests

Ethan James 29 Apr 2023

The upcoming space-faring RPG Starfield from Bethesda Game Studios has been generating substantial buzz in the gaming community. While much of the excitement stems from its ambitious open-world exploration and cutting-edge graphics, the real key to Starfield's success could lie in its side quests. These immersive, optional tasks and adventures are often what make or break player's experiences in RPGs.

A significant aspect of what makes RPGs so engaging is the opportunity to explore and interact with the game's universe on a deeper level. Side quests provide players with an additional layer of immersion and complexity, allowing them to shape their character's story and feel a genuine sense of agency. However, when poorly executed, side quests can feel tacked-on, repetitive, or lackluster, diminishing the overall experience.

Bethesda has a track record of creating memorable and impactful side quests in their previous titles, such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4. These games are well-regarded for their expansive worlds and engaging side content, which contributed significantly to their success. Therefore, it is crucial for Starfield to follow suit and offer a diverse and captivating array of side quests to entice players and enhance the game's longevity.

In a recent interview with Todd Howard, Bethesda's Game Director, he emphasized the importance of side quests in Starfield. Howard stated that the team is focusing on creating a "robust and reactive" universe, where the player's choices and actions have meaningful consequences. This approach could make Starfield's side quests feel more dynamic and personalized, further increasing their appeal and replay value.

Ultimately, the quality of Starfield's side quests will be a critical factor in determining its overall success. If Bethesda can deliver on their promise of a rich and responsive universe, the game has the potential to captivate players for countless hours and become a new benchmark in the space-faring RPG genre. As anticipation continues to build, players worldwide are eagerly awaiting the chance to embark on their interstellar adventures and explore the far reaches of the Starfield universe.