The tech experts at the Digital Foundry are already playing Starfield and have watched the presentation at gamescom 2023. Actually, they shouldn’t talk about their impressions of the preview version yet, but Bethesda boss Todd Howard gave them the green light personally.
What is the Digital Foundry? It is an association of gaming experts who specialize in the technical aspects of games. Her YouTube channel has over 1.3 million subscribers (via youtube.com).
The think tank evaluates software apart from the gameplay mechanics and pays more attention to things like graphics or performance. But hardware is also on the program or top lists of games with the best graphics.
With the personal permission of Starfield and Bethesda boss Todd Howard, the members of the Digital Foundry can already talk about some impressions of the preview version – the embargo actually only falls a few hours before early access on September 1st.
What they have to say will please any eagerly awaiting fan. You can admire a few of the gameplay highlights in the video:
7 Starfield Gameplay Highlights You Should Know
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Digital Foundry: Footage from trailers doesn’t do Starfield justice
What do the experts have to say? Actually, only positive things are said about Starfield. In their video on the subject, the Digital Foundry even says that Starfield looks better in game than in the trailer.
This addresses the jerky game scenes seen during the Starfield Direct or in the trailers. These stutters do not exist in the game – this applies to the review versions of the Digital Foundry and also during the live presentation at gamescom Starfield ran much better.
Two members of the Foundry played the mission that was shown during the presentation and both can confirm: Nothing was reworked, Starfield’s performance was great.
Then the three technology enthusiasts briefly explain how such jerky recordings for the trailer could have happened.
After that, the Digital Foundry goes a little further into the graphics and there is a comparison with the spiritual predecessors: “A completely different level than Skyrim or Fallout 4”.
The many objects, the high geometric quality and great lighting are striking right from the start. But also the shadows that you can see on the faces when you light them up.
The Digital Foundry was also impressed by the animations, the weapon models and, in general, the combat. It’s not the “Skyrim crap”, even if Fallout 4 has already made some progress.
Watch the full Digital Foundry assessment video here:
Not long now until the full release of Starfield, Early Access is almost in sight. A bit of skepticism before launching a major Bethesda game is certainly warranted, but things are really looking good at the moment.
If you would like to read more about Starfield, then have a look at our large info article: All information about the release of Bethesda’s sci-fi epic – gameplay, editions & content