‘Starfield’ release date: 2021 launch debunked by multiple sources, but an E3 trailer is looking likely

Many have claimed and speculated that “Starfield” could launch sometime this year. However, multiple well-known sources have now debunked this information. It now appears that the best fans can expect in 2021 is the release of a new trailer.

Why fans should not expect ‘Starfield’ to launch this year

Anyone interested in Bethesda’s new IP may have already heard of the rumors that it could launch in the coming months. While the developer has been mum about the progress of the “Starfield” development, many fans may have been hoping the two years that that went by since the game’s announcement meant it is close to being released.

Responding to yet another claim that “Starfield” is close to being completed, well-known gaming journalist Jason Schreier said the game is “nowhere near done.” He further explained that, even though the game was unveiled at E3 2018, a “very small” team was working on it until 2019. At the time of the space epic’s announcement, the reporter said Bethesda and most of its resources were still very much focused on the development of “Fallout 76,” which was launched in October 2018.

In a follow-up tweet, Schreier clarified that Bethesda’s current plans for “Starfield” include a release date in late 2022. The Verge’s Tom Warren and Game Informer’s Liana Ruppert have chimed in and agreed with the information that the game will not come out this year. Meanwhile, Schreier also maintained that the later-than-expected launch window is not affected by the fact that “Halo Infinite” is launching in fall 2021.

On the bright side, fans might see new images of “Starfield” soon. Another part of Bethesda’s plan, per the same source, is to present the game at E3 next month. Xbox is one of the video game companies confirmed to attend the virtual trade show happening on June 12-15, and its media event is highly anticipated to highlight Bethesda-related presentations.

Xbox and Bethesda to hold a joint media event soon

Microsoft completed its acquisition of ZeniMax Media (Bethesda’s parent company) earlier this year, so fans should expect to see Xbox and Bethesda’s name appear together more often from now on. And Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty recently confirmed to Le Figaro that an Xbox-Bethesda conference will take place in a few weeks.

This could be different from the presentations planned for E3, though. The same report noted that, for this conference, Xbox and Bethesda are expected to discuss plans related to the Xbox Game Pass. Aside from E3, Xbox is also a confirmed partner of the Summer Game Fest slated on June 10.