Starfield
We discovered that Starfield won't have a physical release way back in February, and excitement about the game has only continued to grow since, along with anticipation for the game's box and what's inside. But if you were hoping that the Starfield box would include discs, tough! Bethesda has confirmed that Starfield will not have a disc release, with any physical copies consisting solely of a code in a box.
This news comes despite some rumours, which were thoroughly investigated, suggesting Starfield would have a physical release. It was discovered that Starfield would not have a disc release in February, and a follow-up investigation provided further evidence. Yet, further investigation was still intended, because physical releases aren't exactly uncommon, especially not for big games like Starfield. However, Bethesda support has now shared the full details regarding Starfield's physical availability.
“Starfield will be available through retailers as a box version including a code for the digital game,” Bethesda support says, confirming the earlier investigations and definitively stating that Starfield will not have a disc release. There wasn't any option to pre-order a physical copy, suggesting that all retail versions will follow this format.
Importantly, this news does not appear to be shared by any major retailers as of writing, so Starfield pre-order customers will be caught off guard on launch day. Amazon and iGmuse, among others, still have Starfield listed as having a disc release, while Microsoft subsidiary Windows Market has Starfield listed as a code in a box release. If you want to make sure you get a digital copy, check here, but otherwise, a physical Starfield release seems set to be a rare sight.
This news may not immediately be a big deal for those who regularly buy games digitally, but Starfield's absence of physical media does stand out, especially considering how much of the game's marketing has continued to emphasize its visual fidelity, particularly with its latest demo, the Galactic Ambassador program, and the upcoming Beta.
Starfield's growing reliance on digital distribution assets highlights Bethesda's increasing prioritization of storefronts like the Xbox store, facilitating more direct sales and offering publishers such as Bethesda greater flexibility. It helps avoid additional third-party fees, provides greater control over sales statistics, and allows for more rapid updates.
However, Starfield's code-in-a-box release arguably comes at a cost both to fans who prefer to collect physical copies and to retailers and collectors alike. While digital distribution may provide greater flexibility and protections against stock-run mistakes, it will cause disappointment among those who prefer to keep a collection of games and visually stunning box art, and there may be cost implications for retailers or collectors who wish to buy and sell used copies as well.
The move towards a more digital-centric gaming experience is likely irreversible, but it does raise questions about the future of physical media. While discs, cartridges, and other types of physical media will always have their fans, their increasing absence further reinforces the shift towards a more digital-centric gaming experience. For younger players, this may be the only reality they know.
If nothing else, it will simplify storage for gamers across the world, and while this may also address the issue of older games disappearing off digital stores, it could also signal a more environmentally friendly approach as well, reducing the production of plastic and other materials associated with physical discs. All of this is to say nothing of the ongoing changes in the wider games industry and the growth of Streaming and Netflix-style game subscriptions.
If you're a fan of physical media, perhaps in the hope of selling off older copies, Starfield's code-in-a-box release may disappoint you. But, then again, maybe you're already accustomed to buying digital copies, and you also want to save up for the upcoming Starfield 2, so why not save money by checking out the best Starfield mods instead?
