Physical Xbox Edition of Starfield to Come with a Disc, but not PC Version: Highlights from Bethesda

Bethesda Softworks, the prominent video game publisher, has unveiled plans for the distribution of their upcoming game, Starfield. Interestingly, the physical Xbox version will arrive with a disc, but contrasting this, the PC variant will not, according to the Bethesda website.

The announcement is particularly notable given the industry's increasing shift towards digital media and away from traditional physical discs. Bethesda has not elaborated on the reasoning behind the decision, but it comes as the preparation for Starfield's big launch next year is well underway. Unsurprisingly, the reveal has aroused quite a bit of speculation within the gaming community.

This news flash differs from most standard releases where both the console and PC versions of a game would generally be available for physical purchase. It is a given trend in the gaming industry for games to feature a physical disc when purchased, and Bethesda, by deviating from this norm, has indeed sparked curiosity.

While it might not affect the gaming experience, the absence of a physical disc for the PC version of Starfield is an interesting development. Nonetheless, the approach underscores the ongoing gaming industry transition from physical to digital platforms. It remains to be seen whether such a move will become a new standard in the future or if it’s a one-off from Bethesda.