Starfield Leaks Spark Controversy Over Game’s Exploration Scope

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As the highly anticipated launch of Bethesda’s RPG “Starfield” draws near, the game has experienced several leaks that have stirred discussions among fans. Copies of the game have found their way into the hands of selected reviewers and even some players who obtained it illicitly. This has led to the sharing of numerous screenshots and gameplay videos online, raising questions about the game’s exploration scope.

One leaked video in particular has raised concerns among fans regarding the extent of exploration in “Starfield.” The video, originating from a Chinese forum, showcases a player continuously running in one direction for 40 minutes before encountering a ‘Boundary Reached’ message. Although these leaked videos have been removed, they have ignited a debate about the authenticity of Bethesda’s claims.

Pete Hines, Bethesda’s Head of Publishing, responded to a fan’s inquiry about the game’s exploration capabilities, stating that players can indeed explore entire planets. However, the leaked footage has led some fans to doubt these claims. Some game journalists who have been reviewing the game have also entered the discussion, with Windows Central’s Jez Corden suggesting that there may be misinterpretations and half-truths being spread about the game’s mechanics.

A leaked screenshot depicting the ‘Boundary Reached’ message has caused a stir among players, with some suggesting that this may be a loading screen or an indication that players need to land at a designated spot to continue exploring. While there is confusion about the extent of seamless exploration, the leaked ‘Boundary Reached’ menu offers options to return to the player’s ship, cancel the action and explore further, or open the planet map to access another region.

The controversy surrounding the leaked content is expected to be clarified when official reviews become available on August 31. Bethesda has highlighted exploration as a key feature of “Starfield,” and fans are eagerly awaiting reviews that will delve into this aspect of the game. With the game’s release just around the corner on September 6 for PC and Xbox Series S/X, players’ expectations remain high, especially considering the developer’s emphasis on the game’s scale and features.

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