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Bethesda Game Studio’s upcoming game Starfield has been described as a “NASA-punk” spacefaring RPG. This aesthetic suggests a focus on realism and scientific accuracy including a more realistic sci-fi setting, but the game’s developer, Game Director Todd Howard, has also said that they want to allow players a lot of freedom and agency. This could create tension between the game’s hard sci-fi elements and its more fantastical aspects.
What is hard sci fi?
Hard sci-fi is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes scientific accuracy and realism. This means that the tech and physics of the setting must be consistent with what we know about the real world, about quantum physics and space odyssey. Hard science fiction often deals with the challenges of space exploration quests and the limits of human endurance.
Space opera, on the other hand, is a more fantastical subgenre of science fiction. Space operas often draw inspiration from a feature of advanced technology and alien lifeforms, and they are not as concerned with scientific accuracy. Space operas are typically more action-oriented and exciting than hard sci-fi stories.
The Starfield gameplay trailer shows a variety of different peaceful planet options and enlightened alien creatures, suggesting that the game will have a space opera feel in the gameplay. However, the trailer also shows some elements of hard sci-fi, such as the use of realistic-looking spaceships and spacesuits, less oxygen, and special dialogue options.
Could Starfield be Space Opera and Hard Sci-Fi?
It is possible that Starfield will try to straddle the line between hard sci-fi and space opera. However, this could be difficult to do successfully. If the game tries to be too realistic, it may limit player freedom and agency. On the other hand, if the game becomes too fantastical, it may alienate fans of a hard science-fiction video game.
A better approach for Starfield might be to embrace its space opera and fantastical elements side. This would allow the game to have a more exciting and varied story with its dialogue system, while still allowing players to explore realistic and scientifically accurate genres.
Of course, not everyone will be happy with this approach. Some fans may prefer a more hard-core space exploration experience with factions and refer to the answers in Todd Howard’s recent constellation questions. However, by embracing space opera, Starfield would be able to offer a more satisfying experience for a wider range of players and character traits.
Here are some specific examples of how Starfield could embrace its space opera side:
- Allow players to build their own spaceships, even if they are not realistic or efficient.
- Include alien creatures and technology that are not bound by the laws of physics.
- Tell a story that is full of action, adventure, and humour.
Beyond the type of genre Starfield will be offering we can give you the answers to other questions such as, Is Starfield set in the Fallout Universe? or will it be multiplayer? Until then we will be off to play Chess with Hal.