Todd Howard, the director of the highly anticipated game “Starfield,” has defended the decision to make the game an exclusive title for the Xbox Series X|S consoles. In an interview with the BBC, Howard emphasized that exclusive games often result in a “better product.”
While acknowledging the importance of making games accessible to players, Howard argued that developing exclusively for a particular platform allows developers to concentrate their efforts on optimizing the gaming experience for that specific hardware. He drew a parallel with iconic franchises like “The Legend of Zelda,” which is closely associated with Nintendo and the Nintendo Switch, suggesting that this association can offer distinct advantages.
Howard elaborated on the benefits of exclusivity, stating, “When you’re making something exclusive, then the more you can focus. You know this is the hardware or the thing people are playing on, so the ability to focus on that always yields a better product. You do want people to be able to access it, of course. But being with Xbox means there is an ease of access for us, and I’m told we’re expecting more people playing this launch than anything we’ve ever done before, and that’s despite the success of our previous games.”
He also emphasized the connection between certain games and the brands they are associated with, using the example of “Zelda” and the Nintendo Switch, implying that such associations can be advantageous for both developers and players.
“Starfield” recently exited its early access period and is now available for all Series X|S and PC players, including those with Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. In a review by TechRadar Gaming’s editor-in-chief, Jake Tucker, “Starfield” received a commendable four out of five rating. The review praised the game’s extensive exploration opportunities, engaging starship combat, and deep skill system. However, Tucker expressed concerns about the game’s perceived lack of soul.
