Starfield: Shattered Space wasn't the end, we'll have more coming soon!

Bethesda’s highly anticipated Shattered Space expansion for Starfield is on the horizon, and the studio is already planning for "Year Two" of the game’s lifecycle. In a June 16 interview with content creator MrMattyPlays, Bethesda head Todd Howard discussed the future of Starfield and beyond, shedding light on the studio’s ambitious plans for continued development and expansion.

Key Highlights from the Interview:

Year Two Planning

• Future Expansions: Howard confirmed that the team is looking beyond 2024, actively planning for additional content and expansions for Starfield’s second year.
• Development Approach: The team intends to take longer gaps between major updates post-Shattered Space, focusing on substantial content additions rather than frequent smaller updates. This approach aims to enhance the game’s experience and add new tones and dimensions to the gameplay.

Shattered Space Expansion

• Release Schedule: While the exact release date for Shattered Space remains unconfirmed, it is slated for fall 2024. Howard emphasized the central location of the DLC, highlighting that it allows for a more traditional and immersive landscape development.
• Team’s Focus: The development team is concentrating on creating a rich and cohesive environment within the DLC, ensuring that players have a seamless and engaging experience once they reach the new city and planet central to Shattered Space.

Update Cycles and Content Development

• Six-Week Update Cycle: Howard acknowledged the original plan for a six-week update cycle but admitted that larger DLCs like Shattered Space make this schedule challenging to maintain.
• Expansion Philosophy: The team is not aiming to answer every story question with each expansion but is instead focusing on what new experiences and tones they can bring to the game. This approach allows for creative flexibility and continued player engagement over time.

Player Community and Reception

Despite some mixed reactions to recent updates, the player community remains highly engaged and eager for Shattered Space. The anticipation surrounding the upcoming expansion and the promise of more content in Year Two suggests that Bethesda is committed to supporting and expanding the Starfield universe for the long term.

Conclusion

Todd Howard’s insights reveal a promising future for Starfield, with Bethesda focusing on substantial expansions and creative developments well into the second year. As players await the release of Shattered Space, the ongoing commitment to enriching the Starfield experience is clear, promising a dynamic and evolving universe for years to come.