Bethesda’s Todd Howard Confirms Starfield Runs at Locked 30fps on Xbox Series X and S

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has confirmed that Starfield, the upcoming sci-fi action-RPG, will run at 30 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and S. In an interview with IGN, Howard stated that the game runs in 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X and 1440p on the Xbox Series S, but has been locked at 30fps on console to ensure consistency of performance. Howard explained that they prefer the consistency, where players are not even thinking about it.

This clear confirmation of Starfield’s performance comes three months ahead of the game’s release date. The title is Xbox’s biggest release of the generation so far and is the latest major game from Fallout and Elder Scrolls developer Bethesda Game Studios. The game was showcased during the Xbox Games Showcase, where it received an extended 45-minute presentation. Starfield is set to be released on September 6 on Xbox Series X/S and PC.

It’s worth noting that Microsoft was heavily criticised for showing its previous exclusive, Redfall, running at 60fps ahead of launch then, less than a month before the game came out, announcing that the game would arrive locked at 30fps on Xbox Series X and S. Xbox boss Phil Spencer personally apologised for the failure of Arkane’s Redfall, which was widely panned upon launch. Spencer said in a May interview that Microsoft would revisit its development processes in the wake of Redfall’s release and admitted that they knew Redfall would run at 30fps on console at launch when the misleading gameplay was released.

Starfield’s Performance on Xbox Series X and S

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has confirmed that Starfield, the upcoming sci-fi RPG epic, will run at 30 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and S. In a recent interview with IGN, Howard stated that the game would run in 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X and 1440p on the Xbox Series S.

Resolution

According to Howard, Starfield will run in 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X and 1440p on the Xbox Series S. The game was locked at 30fps on console to ensure consistency of performance. Howard explained that Bethesda wanted to maintain the fidelity and hyper-detail of the game and did not want to sacrifice any of it.

Frame-Rate

Howard confirmed that Starfield would be locked at 30fps on both Xbox Series X and S. However, he also mentioned that the game would sometimes run above 30fps on the consoles. Howard stated that Bethesda preferred the consistency of performance, where players would not even think about it.

Starfield is Xbox’s biggest release of the generation so far, and Bethesda Game Studios’ latest major game after Fallout and Elder Scrolls. The game is set to release on September 6, 2023, on Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Todd Howard’s Confirmation

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has confirmed that Starfield will run at 30 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and S. In an interview with IGN, Howard revealed that the game runs in 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X and 1440p on the Xbox Series S, but has been locked at 30fps on console to ensure consistency of performance.

Interview with IGN

Speaking to IGN in a new interview ahead of the Xbox and Starfield showcases, Howard said that they wanted to maintain the fidelity and hyper detail of their previous games, which are known for their huge, open worlds and fully dynamic environments. He also mentioned that they did not want to sacrifice any of it, and that they preferred to lock the game at 30fps on consoles to ensure consistency of performance.

Howard also mentioned that the game runs great and is often running way above the locked frame rate. He added that they need that headroom because in their games, anything can happen. The clear confirmation of Starfield’s performance comes three months ahead of the game’s September 6 release date.

The interview with IGN also touched on Microsoft’s previous exclusive, Redfall, which was heavily criticised for showing gameplay running at 60fps ahead of launch, only to announce less than a month before the game’s release that it would arrive locked at 30fps on Xbox Series X and S. Xbox boss Phil Spencer personally apologised for the failure of Arkane’s Redfall, which was widely panned upon launch.

In the wake of Redfall’s release, Spencer said in a May interview with Kinda Funny Games that Microsoft would revisit its development processes. He also admitted that Microsoft knew Redfall would run at 30fps on console at launch when the misleading gameplay was released.

Overall, Starfield is Xbox’s biggest release of the generation so far, and is the latest major game from Fallout and Elder Scrolls developer Bethesda Game Studios. The title received an extended 45-minute Starfield Direct presentation as part of the Xbox Games Showcase, and will be released on September 6 on Xbox Series X/S and PC.

Bethesda’s Approach to Open Worlds

Bethesda Game Studios is known for creating open worlds that are fully dynamic and hyper-detailed, where anything can happen. The company’s approach to open worlds is to create vast, immersive environments that are filled with interesting content and opportunities for role-playing.

Hyper Detail

One of the hallmarks of Bethesda’s open worlds is hyper detail. The company strives to create environments that are as realistic and immersive as possible. This means that every aspect of the game world is carefully considered, from the placement of rocks and trees to the way the light falls on different surfaces.

Hyper detail is also evident in the way Bethesda creates its characters. The company is known for creating NPCs with their own unique personalities, backstories, and motivations. This attention to detail helps to create a more immersive world where players can feel like they are truly part of the game.

Role-Playing

Another key aspect of Bethesda’s approach to open worlds is role-playing. The company’s games are known for giving players a high degree of control over their characters and their actions. This means that players can create their own unique stories within the game world.

Bethesda’s approach to role-playing is rooted in the company’s belief that players should be able to play the game in their own way. This means that there are often multiple ways to complete quests and achieve goals, giving players a sense of agency and control.

Overall, Bethesda’s approach to open worlds is focused on creating immersive, detailed environments that allow players to role-play and create their own stories. The company’s commitment to hyper detail and role-playing has helped to make its games some of the most interesting and engaging open-world experiences available.

Redfall’s 30fps Performance Mode Controversy

Xbox’s recent released game, Redfall, attracted controversy after it was revealed that the game would be locked at 30fps on Xbox consoles at launch, with a 60fps performance mode to be patched in later. The announcement came less than a month before the game’s release, after Microsoft had shown Redfall running at 60fps ahead of launch.

Phil Spencer Discusses Redfall’s Disappointing Launch: Analyzing the Causes and Future of Xbox Exclusives

Redfall’s Twitter account confirmed that the game would run at 30fps in 4K on Xbox Series X and at 30fps in 1440p on Xbox Series S. The official statement from the account said, “Redfall is launching on Xbox consoles with Quality mode only: Xbox Series X: 4K 30 FPS Xbox Series S: 1440p 30 FPS.”

The decision to launch Redfall with a 30fps performance mode was met with criticism, with many fans expressing disappointment over the lack of a 60fps option. Xbox boss Phil Spencer personally apologised for the failure of Redfall and admitted that Microsoft knew the game would run at 30fps on console at launch when the misleading gameplay was released.

Redfall’s 30fps performance mode controversy highlights the importance of clear communication between game developers and their audiences. The controversy also serves as a reminder that game performance and frame rate can significantly impact the player’s experience.

Conclusion

Bethesda’s Todd Howard has confirmed that Starfield will run at 30 frames per second on both Xbox Series X and S, with 4K resolution on the Xbox Series X and 1440p on the Xbox Series S. The game will be locked at 30fps on console to ensure consistency of performance. Howard explained that Bethesda didn’t want to sacrifice any of the game’s fidelity, and that they needed the headroom to handle anything that could happen in the game.

This confirmation of Starfield’s performance comes ahead of the game’s September 6 release date. With Microsoft’s previous exclusive, Redfall, receiving criticism for showing misleading gameplay footage, Bethesda has made sure to clarify Starfield’s performance well in advance of its launch.

Starfield is Bethesda Game Studios’ latest major game, and is Xbox’s biggest release of the generation so far. The game’s extended 45-minute Starfield Direct presentation as part of the Xbox Games Showcase gave fans a taste of what’s to come, with its sci-fi setting and open-world gameplay reminiscent of Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls 6.

As Bethesda Game Studios’ first new IP in 25 years, Starfield has generated significant interest from both fans and critics. The game’s promise of a fully dynamic, hyper-detailed open world has many excited for its release. With the game’s mod support confirmed by Howard, players will be able to extend their experience even further.

Overall, Bethesda’s Todd Howard has provided clear confirmation of Starfield’s performance on Xbox Series X and S, which should help to alleviate concerns about misleading gameplay footage. With the game’s release just a few months away, fans are eagerly anticipating the chance to explore the depths of space in Bethesda Game Studios’ latest sci-fi epic.

Buyer’s Guide – Starfield Preorders

• Starfield (Xbox)  – US$69.99
• Starfield (PC)  – US$69.99
• Starfield Constellation Edition XBOX – (GameStop Pro Members)  – US$299.99
• Starfield Constellation Edition PC – (GameStop Pro Members)  – US$299.99
• Starfield Xbox Controller  – US$79.99
• Starfield Xbox Wireless Headset  – US$124.99
• Available on Xbox Game Pass – Day One 

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