Starfield’s recent updates, like the Free Lanes and the Terran Armada DLC, have added to the fun, especially if you’re already a fan. However, the PS5 version, which launched on April 7, has faced significant challenges. Fixes are on the way, but how is that affecting sales?
A report from Alinea Analytics, shared on ResetEra, indicates that Starfield sold about 140,000 copies in its first week on PS5. While this isn’t a blockbuster start, it surprisingly outpaced some recent Xbox games on the platform.
For context, Avowed sold around 54,000 units after its release in February, and Age of Empires 4 managed 52,000. A more concerning number is South of Midnight, which only moved 16,000 copies in its first two weeks. Starfield’s performance is much better in comparison.
Experts expected a stronger response given Starfield’s previous success on PC and Xbox. Rhys Elliott, head of market analysis at Alinea Analytics, noted that before the Free Lanes update, Starfield had sold about 3.7 million copies on Steam. On Xbox, it has sold close to 1 million, despite being played by over 8 million users on Game Pass. This broad reach shows a solid player interest, even if initial sales on PS5 were not overwhelming.
Currently, other games like Ninja Gaiden 4, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, and The Outer Worlds 2 are selling better, with sales of 257,000, 245,000, and 160,000 respectively. Still, if Starfield can improve its reputation through updates and player feedback, it may find long-term success.
Looking at the bigger picture, many players are discussing their mixed feelings about the game’s performance on social media. Some have praised the engaging story, while others express frustration over bugs and gameplay issues. This blend of opinions can influence future sales trends as potential buyers weigh the pros and cons.
In summary, while Starfield may not have hit the ground running on PS5, its established player base and upcoming patches could help it grow over time. With a bit of patience and refinements, it might still capture the interest of more players in the months ahead.
