Starfield: Slow Space Travelers
In science fiction without the possibility of faster-than-light travel, reaching another star system could take decades, or even centuries. Several solutions have been proposed for this conundrum:
- Cryogenic Stasis: Where colonists are frozen for the duration of the journey, as seen in Square Enix’s Outriders with the vessel SM Flores.
- Generation Ships: Self-sufficient spaceships where generations of colonists are born, live, and die on their way to their destination.
Interstellar Travel in Starfield
While it is unclear exactly how long-distance travel is conducted in the upcoming game Starfield, clues about the game’s spaceflight mechanics can be found in a ten-second segment of the Starfield Direct video. Here, viewers are introduced to the crew of the ECS Constant, who have seemingly been in space for an extended period, potentially spanning a century or two.
Such generation ship storylines have appeared in games like the RTS Homeworld series, Bungie’s 1994 classic Marathon, and derelict space havens in Elite Dangerous. However, it is a rare narrative choice, often sidelined in favor of other sci-fi concepts. Bethesda’s decision to feature this concept in Starfield brings an element of novelty and excitement to the gaming experience.
Narrative Implications
The generation ship story presents several interesting narrative possibilities for Starfield. Imagine the rest of human civilization surpassing such a generation ship due to centuries of technological advancement. The isolation of the ship’s society could lead to unforeseen evolutions and quirks, lending potential for conflict with other groups of colonists – who, thanks to Starfield’s Gravity Drives, may already have reached the destination first.
This narrative arc could also provide insights into Starfield’s backstory. With Earth seemingly abandoned and Mars turned into a mining world, encountering the potentially first ship that left Earth, such as the ECS Constant, might reveal valuable details about the state of the planet just before humanity abandoned it. Even if the ship’s destination is uninhabited, there must be something notable about it that warranted the journey.
Player Expectations
Despite the captivating narrative potential, players should keep in mind that such a colony ship may only serve a side quest in the game, similar to a village in Skyrim or small town in Fallout 4. While a possible memorable encounter, Bethesda encourages players to manage their expectations. Nonetheless, there is significant potential in the concept that could lead to intriguing developments for players to explore. After all, their decision to feature the ship in the Direct suggests a desire for players to venture out and discover it.
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