Todd Howard, the executive producer at Bethesda Game Studios, recently responded to the criticisms surrounding Starfield. Following its launch in 2023, this open-world sci-fi RPG has failed to achieve the widespread praise typical of Bethesda's previous games, leading to a split in the fanbase regarding their overall experience. While some players enjoyed their time with the game, others have been vocal about various design flaws in Starfield, expressing disappointment in the developer's execution.

Currently, Starfield holds a 'Mixed' rating of 61% on Steam and an average review score of 3.4/5 stars on the Xbox Games store. Despite not being a critical or financial disaster, player feedback suggests that Starfield hasn't captured hearts as effectively as titles like The Elder Scrolls or Fallout. Critiques of Starfield revolve around different aspects, with a notable focus on the game's universe. Many players felt the game lacked a compelling vision and narrative, alongside a failure to innovate within Bethesda's established framework.

In a recent interview with Greg Miller at Kinda Funny Games, Todd Howard addressed the mixed reception of Starfield. When questioned about negative reviews, Howard assured fans that the development team was attentive to their feedback. He acknowledged fans' disappointment in the game's exploration aspects compared to previous Bethesda titles.

Todd Howard's Perspective on Starfield Critics

Howard empathized with players eager to explore Starfield's planets but stressed that the sci-fi theme required specific design decisions. He encouraged players to approach Starfield with fresh eyes, without directly comparing it to other Bethesda franchises, allowing each game to shine uniquely.

Despite its current challenges, there is optimism for Starfield as Bethesda works on enhancing the game through upcoming updates. Howard confirmed plans for official mod support and teased the release window for the Shattered Space DLC, expected in Fall 2024.