Microsoft is reportedly planning to release Starfield for PlayStation 5 in 2026, a significant move that could reshape the game’s audience and sales trajectory. Following the lukewarm reception of its first expansion, Shattered Space, which launched in September 2024, the decision to bring Starfield to PS5 appears to be a strategic response to the game’s performance on Xbox and PC. The anticipated PS5 version is expected to launch in spring 2026, coinciding with the release of the game’s second expansion and various quality-of-life updates.

In a candid interview, Pete Hines, the former head of publishing at Bethesda, revealed that his decision to leave the company was driven by a profound sense of disillusionment with its direction post-Microsoft acquisition. Hines expressed that he felt Bethesda became part of something not authentic and not genuine, a sentiment that resonates deeply within the gaming community, especially among those who value the integrity of game development. After 24 years with Bethesda, Hines departure comes after the release of Starfield, a title that marked a significant milestone for the company.