Starfieldmay feature microtransactions or other in-game DLC according to the official ESRB rating for the upcoming sci-fi role-playing game.Starfieldis scheduled to launch on September 6, four months from now, and as such still has much left to reveal. WhetherStarfieldwill feature microtransactions or an in-game marketplace is one important question yet to be answered. Few would be surprised if Bethesda did add microtransactions, though, and this latest update may confirm it.
Microtransactions are a part of Bethesda Game Studios' DNA in ways they aren’t even in other DLC-rich games. Many associate the modern microtransaction environment as being born fromThe Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion’s infamous horse armor DLC. Bethesda hasn’t slowed since, either. It’s known for aggressively pushing paid mod storefronts, now known as the Bethesda Creation Club. Even after initially promising thatFallout 4would not have microtransactions, Bethesda eventually introduced them through the Creation Club.
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While nothing is certain yet regarding Bethesda’s microtransaction plans forStarfield, there’s early indication that the role-playing game will launch with in-game DLC offerings. The revelation comes due to the publication of the ESRB’s rating forStarfield.Starfieldis given a Mature 17+ rating due to “Blood, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, and Violence.” It’s also flagged with a note thatStarfieldincludes “In-Game Purchases (PC, Xbox Series).”
The lack of clarity is due to the ambiguity of the ESRB’s warning. “In-Game Purchases” could refer to many different systems. It could be as simple as a storefront for future DLC releases, akin toSkyrim’s expansions likeDawnguard,Hearthfire, orDragonborn. More likely, it means Bethesda is planning on bringing the Creation Club toStarfield, Bethesda’s officially sanctioned premium mod storefront. Whether it meansStarfieldwill feature microtransactions like horse armor or potentially gameplay-altering DLC isn’t clear. Bethesda will have to approach the subject gently.
The situation is understandably flammable for Bethesda. While the modern video game community is much more comfortable with in-game purchases and storefronts of any kind, controversies are still frequent and explosive. Bethesda is no stranger to these controversies, however, and they’ve hardly impacted thepopularity ofFalloutorElder Scrollstitles.
It’s unclear when Bethesda will share official plans forStarfield’s in-game purchases.Starfieldwill be prominently featured duringXbox’s June Games Showcase on June 11. But that event will likely focus on gameplay features and introducing the universe ofStarfield. In-game purchase plans may not be shared until much closer to launch.
Starfieldreleases September 6 on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
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