While Starfield is reportedly in playtesting right now, fans as well as members of press are eager to learn more about the game before it goes live for early access on September 1. Many assumed that Bethesda isn’t planning on offering the massive action-adventure title for review before early access. However, according to a trustworthy gaming insider, Tom Henderson, Bethesda will send out the Starfield review codes sometime this week week.
They go out later this week. https://t.co/TAYpSrnIOI
— Tom Henderson (@_Tom_Henderson_) August 14, 2023
Keymailer codes create confusion among Starfield fans
Henderson believes that Bethesda will invite professional critics to review the game early by sending them review codes (digital download codes). Other insiders are of the opinion that these codes will be sent out on August 17, 2023. There seems to be some confusion regarding Bethesda’s release plan for Starfield, as some believe no codes will be sent before the early access roll out. One of the major sources of confusion is rooting from announcements by Keymailer – an online creator and influencer platform – that reported Starfield codes to be sent out on September 1 only.
According to another Xbox enthusiast, Peter Ovo (808), the codes being sent out by Keymailer on September 1 are only for the content creators so these influencers across various platforms can promote the game in its early access phase. He also reports that Bethesda has separate plan for sending out review codes for press members.
Thanks, Apparently those are for content creatorshttps://t.co/YMeRP6nk2r
— PeterOvo (@PeterOvo5) August 14, 2023
According to Tom Henderson, however, it is highly unlikely for Bethesda to launch Starfield on early access without any reviews for the game. He insinuates that the developer will indeed offer free download codes for reviewers in August, so they have enough time to take a deep dive and review the game properly.
While reporting about the Starfield review codes, Henderson has also addressed some of his follower’s questions on X (formerly Twitter). According to him, there are several players who are currently playtesting the title. However, it is obvious that they must have signed an NDA and would not be able to talk about their gameplay experience. Furthermore, he also hinted towards knowing some juicy details about Starfield, based on reactions of some people he knows who had engaged in playtesting. However, he offers no details, saying that he ‘tends to not report too heavily on other people’s opinions’ – neither positive nor negative.
Fans react to Starfield review code reveal
Starfield fans are over the moon after learning about these early review codes being sent out by Bethesda. Some have expressed their joy, stating that they were worried whether or not reviewers will have enough time to review the game before passing their judgement and criticism.
Great news, my concern was reviewers not having the time to properly see what the game is about
— GeneralMLD (@MldGhost) August 14, 2023
Some hardcore Starfield fans, however, are unhappy knowing the fact that someone else will get their hands on the game before them.
Wish i didn't read this now i have to live with the knowledge people will be playing starfield… and not me 🙁
— ᴀʟᴇx (@kylowrex) August 14, 2023
Two weeks (three, if you consider official release on September 6) may sound like a decent amount of time for reviewers to dissect and thoroughly review the game. However, if the Starfield map size is as massive as Bethesda claims, it’s likely that most Starfield reviews will be work-in-progress.
