Bethesda’s highly anticipated sci-fi RPG, Starfield, made a massive splash on Steam during its first weekend since its full release on September 6th. With over 330,000 concurrent players according to SteamDB, Starfield surpassed the initial player counts of its predecessor, Skyrim, which achieved around 287,000 concurrent players upon its launch in 2011. While it falls short of Bethesda’s top game, Fallout 4, which reached nearly 473,000 concurrent players in 2015, Starfield’s performance is still commendable considering the circumstances.
A Fraction of the Picture
While the concurrent player count on Steam reflects a significant achievement for Starfield, it is important to note that it represents just a fraction of the overall player base. Starfield’s success extends beyond Steam, including players on the Microsoft Store edition of the game and Xbox Series X/S consoles. Xbox boss Phil Spencer announced that Starfield had already surpassed one million concurrent users across all platforms. Notably, this figure includes not only those who purchased the game but also Game Pass owners who were tempted to try it out. Game Pass did not exist when Skyrim and Fallout 4 were released, adding another layer of complexity to the comparison.
A Shift in Steam’s Landscape
To gain a comprehensive understanding of Starfield’s performance, we must consider the changing landscape of the Steam user base. In 2011, when Skyrim established impressive concurrent player records, Steam boasted around 40 million user accounts. Presently, Steam has nearly that many users concurrently accessing the platform. The number of available games on Steam has also exponentially increased, from approximately 1,800 in 2011 to over 150,000 today. These factors contribute to the altered context in which Starfield is debuting and should be taken into account when assessing its achievements.
The “Biggest” Bethesda Game Launch
Bethesda declared Starfield as “the biggest Bethesda game launch of all time” on September 7th, just a day after its full release. This proclamation takes into consideration both the expanded player base and the prevalence of Game Pass. As Starfield is accessible to a larger number of players across multiple platforms, it sets itself apart from its predecessors in terms of sheer exposure. However, it is worth noting that this claim was made before the game reached its peak concurrent player count on Steam.
In terms of peak concurrent player counts, Starfield falls behind other major Bethesda games on Steam. For instance, Baldur’s Gate 3, released in 2023, achieved a peak concurrent player count exceeding 875,000. Even after a month since its launch, Baldur’s Gate 3 still garners the attention of over 337,000 players. However, it should be acknowledged that Baldur’s Gate 3 was solely available on Steam upon release, unlike Starfield, which had other platform options and the inclusion of Game Pass. Consequently, Baldur’s Gate 3’s higher concurrent player count on Steam is influenced by its exclusivity.
Despite its impressive performance, Starfield’s peak concurrent player count does not place it among the top five games of all time on Steam. Games like PUBG, CS:GO, Lost Ark, Dota 2, and Cyberpunk 2077 managed to attain peak concurrent player counts exceeding one million. However, it is essential to recognize that these games, similar to Baldur’s Gate 3, were Steam exclusives during their peak, unlike Starfield. Accordingly, their high player counts were not diluted by alternative storefronts, platforms, and Game Pass.
The Real Test: Longevity
While early figures are undoubtedly noteworthy, the true test lies in how Starfield’s player count holds up in the months and years to come. Even after twelve years since its initial release, Skyrim continues to maintain a remarkable number of concurrent players. At this moment, nearly 25,000 individuals are playing Skyrim across the original and remastered Special Edition. This sustained interest in Skyrim indicates the potential longevity of a game’s player count, which bodes well for Starfield’s future.
Conclusion: Starfield’s Triumph in a Transformed Gaming Landscape
Although Starfield may not dominate Steam to the same extent as its Bethesda predecessors, it is important to recognize the significant achievements it has made. Amidst a gaming landscape that has dramatically evolved since Skyrim and Fallout 4, Starfield has managed to establish itself as a noteworthy title. With its availability across various platforms and services like Game Pass, it has truly embraced a new era of gaming. While the peak concurrent player count may not break records, the future longevity of Starfield and its ability to captivate players in this changed environment will ultimately determine its success.
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