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Bethesda Delays Starfield Launch Until 2023

Gamers have been waiting for Starfield since 2018. We'll have to wait a little longer now.

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David Anders is a senior writer for CNET covering broadband providers, smart home devices and security products. Prior to joining CNET, David built his industry expertise writing for the broadband marketplace Allconnect. In his 5 plus years covering broadband, David's work has been referenced by a variety of sources including ArcGIS, DIRECTV and more. David is from and currently resides in the Charlotte area with his wife, son and two cats.
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starfield

Bethesda Softworks' upcoming sci-fi RPG is set to be the largest game the developer has ever made.

 Bethesda Game Studios / Microsoft

Bethesda said Thursday that it's delaying the release of its much-anticipated sci-fi RPG, Starfield. Previously slated to launch on Nov. 11 of this year, the game will now come sometime in the "first half of 2023," according to a Twitter post from Bethesda.

The game is the first new franchise from Bethesda in 25 years and promises a "new universe" for players to explore with their custom-created characters. No official gameplay has been released, but Todd Howard, executive producer at Bethesda, likens Starfield to "Skyrim in space."

Bethesda didn't give a specific reason for the delay, instead stating it wants to ensure that gamers "receive the best, most polished versions" of their games. Another upcoming Bethesda title, Redfall, has also been delayed.

While the extended wait is unfortunate, delays like this are common, especially considering the effect COVID-19 has had on production for many studios. Popular games like Elden Ring, Gran Turismo 7 and Horizon Forbidden West were also delayed. Unreleased titles including Breath of the Wild 2 and Gotham Knights have also extended their release dates.

Bethesda didn't immediately respond to a request for additional comment.

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