Digital or bust?
Physical editions of Starfield may not include a copy of the game on a disc, if a tweet from Bethesda Support is to be taken at face value.
The tweet, now-deleted, suggested that the Constellation Edition of Starfield will come with a digital redemption code rather than a proper copy of the title.
“All physical editions include a code for the chosen platform,” read the tweet, as signal boosted by Wario64. “There are no physical discs.”
Wario64 does point out that Bethesda’s Spanish branch has previously indicated that the Standard Edition of Starfield will actually contain a game disc.
We’ve reached out with Bethesda Australia and New Zealand for comment on the matter and will update this story when we hear back; the deletion of the support tweet has us hopeful this was simply a misunderstanding.
Alan Wake 2 has recently made news for the same reason, only offering a digital version of the game to players.
While we’re quite comfortable with digital codes, we understand that collectors desire physical media; more importantly, those in remote areas with limited internet rely upon physical media to save on downloads. Where do you stand on the issue?
Update: Bethesda Australia and New Zealand representatives have confirmed that the Constellation Edition “is a download code inside a physical box” by pointing out the information found within the special edition’s SKU, but declined to provide further comment.
The response from Bethesda ANZ also confirmed that the Starfield Premium Edition is listed as a “Digital Only” product. It’s as yet unclear if the Standard Edition’s physical edition comes with a disc or code; that element of the edition is described as “Starfield Base Game” within the SKU found on retailers like The Gamesmen, JB Hi-Fi or EB Games and is unclear as to whether or not that’s a disc or digital download.
Update 2: After nearly a day’s silence, Bethesda has now updated Starfield’s SKU and pre-order FAQ page with the confirmation that there will be a “game disc included with physical purchases of Xbox Standard Edition.”
Those on PC will receive a digital download code with the PC Standard edition.
Starfield heads to Windows PC, Xbox Series S and Xbox Series X on 6 September.
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Starfield6 September 2023PC Xbox Series S & X |
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