2023 isBethesda Softworks' year forRedfallandStarfield, with a secretive mobile game in the works as well asGhostwire: Tokyocoming to Xbox. And all of that is just the tip of the iceberg. With so much already planned to soon release, a lot of fans couldn’t be more excited for updates on any and all ofBethesda’s projects.One of the major projects for 2023,Starfieldis increasingly closer to releasewith a lot of information still waiting to be revealed.Starfieldhas been in development for over 7 years with very few revealed so far. An upcoming Xbox showcase is expected to show off more information about several of Bethesda’s upcoming projects as their releases grow closer.RELATED:Every Microsoft Game Scheduled to Release in 2023
Starfield News, Release in 2023
Aaron Greenberg hinted on Twitter that anXbox showcase is happening soon, likely in Q1 of 2023. The post was a retweet of Xbox Game Pass’ Game Awards compilation of existing and upcoming games, notably featuringStarfield,which is overdue on more information before the game’s upcoming release.
So far,Starfield’s announcement and gameplay reveal at the 2022 Xbox Bethesda Showcase has been the main source of information, with a short developer interview in the meantime. Fans have gotten to see brief gunplay, examples of the dialogue system, and character creation, although the concrete details of the game’s other major features have yet to be explained. Fans can expect this information in the coming months, as marketing is likely to pick up whenever a release date is confirmed. As the collective gaming community seemingly becomes more hesitant to prepurchasing into hype after recent disappointments, the need for moreStarfieldinformation couldn’t be higher.
Starfield Post-launch Support and DLC in 2023
Starfield’s biggest potential feature is in the game’s mod integration. With mods eventually coming as a central feature to past Bethesda titles likeFallout 4andSkyrim, the concept is looking very promising for both PC and console platforms. In fact,modders are already working on patches forStarfieldby addressing bugs common to Bethesda’s RPGs.
Based onSkyrim, Fallout, and other Bethesda games, it stands to reason there will be DLC beyond its initial release. WithStarfield’s list of planetary destinations seemingly as complete as it can get, the possibility of DLC could draw upon different areas than adding new destinations to explore. One possibility for DLC could be similar to theCreation Club fromFallout 4andSkyrim, which was a subscription that included popular community and developer mods into the main game over time. WithStarfieldhaving building mechanics for players to create bases and ships in the game, perhaps a Fallout Worlds style of DLC fromFallout 76could bring customizable and comical modifiers to the building mechanics and other unique effects to gameplay.
Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Other Bethesda Games
WhileFallout 5was confirmed as a future release, it was said to come afterElder Scrolls 6, which will come afterStarfield,so any news regarding theFalloutandElder Scrollssequels are unlikely for 2023. The current schedule of game releases in 2023 isRedfall, andStarfield, specifically in that order. With aRedfalldelay rumor circulating, this could put every Bethesda Game Studios’ release farther out than expected.
Outside their main series titles,Todd Howard revealed a mobile game is in developmentby Bethesda, though even less information on this project exists than onElder Scrolls 6. Meanwhile, in 2023,Elder Scrolls Onlinewill receive new content updates that deviate from the previous content model that spread its expansions out throughout the year with time gates. The new expansions will be available in full upon release. Bethesda’s other live service game,Fallout 76, will be entering its second year of a 5-year plan with a new seasonal Scoreboard in March among other content not yet revealed. The mobile game is obviously harder to predict, but fans can expect the MMOs to continue on as they have, more or less.
RELATED:Red Dead Redemption 3 and Fallout 5 Are in the Same Boat
Redfall Leads the Charge for Bethesda in 2023
As mentioned,Redfallwill be the first of all upcoming games released, precedingStarfieldand all the others.Redfallwas initially announced in 2021 at Bethesda and Xbox’s E3 presentation and is developed by Bethesda’s Arkane Studios. The game wears itsDishonoredandDeathloopinspirations on its sleeve, with visual and mechanical similarities, although it replaces stealth with team-shooting tactics. Even without an emphasis on stealth,Redfallseems to be horror-oriented, even more than any of Arkane’s past games, includingPrey.
Ghostwire: Tokyo Lands on Xbox in 2023
Tango Gameworks’Ghostwire: Tokyowas first released as a PlayStation exclusive before Microsoft acquired Bethesda, though the exclusivity deal is expected to end 1 year after the game’s release date. Originally, thereveal forTokyo: Ghostwirecoming to Xboxcame from art spotted at Bethesda’s publishing headquarters, thoughDeathloopcoming to Xbox in the meantime further confirms this. With the exclusivity deal ending in March coinciding with the rumored Xbox showcase in Q1 of 2023,Ghostwire: Tokyowill likely make an appearance there.
Other Bethesda Studios Are Hard at Work Too
Beyond Arkane and BGS’ mentioned upcoming games, other Bethesda studios are currently developing projects, though some will likely need more time beyond 2023.
ZeniMax Online Studios is currently working on a new AAA IP, along with a new engine to support the project.
Tango Gameworks is still committed to updating and adding toGhostwire: Tokyo.
id Software hasn’t mentioned anything in the works lately, but Quakecon later in August could change that.
MachineGames’Indiana Jonesgame is long overdue for more information since its reveal was teased in 2021, with no other follow-ups since.
Starfieldreleases in 2023 for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
