Starfield Allows Space Trucking Dreams, But With a Big Catch
For those like me who relish the blend of science fiction and vast, open spaces, the hope has been that Starfield would fulfill our ambitions of space trucking. The recent developer Q&A about Starfield delivered a mix of excitement and letdown.
Bethesda games always emphasize a personal narrative approach, allowing players to craft their own stories, and the developers acknowledge this. Lead designer Emil Pagliarulo mentioned, “I’ve created a character named Mitch Dombrowski. He embodies the spirit of a kind-hearted space trucker, always defending but never instigating. He’s akin to a gentler, older version of Han Solo. Indeed, there are in-game Traits and Backgrounds to support such a role.”
This indicates that Starfield will offer some backing if you’re keen on role-playing an everyday space trucker. We already know that one of the backgrounds you can choose in Starfield is labeled “long hauler,” though its specific benefits remain under wraps.
But here’s where dreams face reality: “While the economy is static, the prices of items can vary based on your chosen Skills,” Pagliarulo clarified. A static economy means the cost of items remains unchanged across locations or over time. So, medical supplies might have the same price in a chaotic battlefield as they would in a thriving city.
This follows Bethesda’s previous game mechanics, so it’s not entirely unexpected. However, it does come as a disappointment for those (including me) who wished Starfield would dive deep into the space trucking fantasy. Other games like Elite Dangerous or Rebel Galaxy showcase ever-evolving economies, allowing players to profit from buying goods at a low price in one area and selling them at a premium where they’re in demand. This economic landscape can also be influenced by player actions.
Nevertheless, it’s a minor gripe. After all, if Starfield doesn’t completely cater to my specific playstyle, there’s always the modding community to fill the gap.
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