It was recently revealed based on Starfield NDA’s, that Todd Howard, renowned Creative Director at Bethesda Game Studios, is the only person legally allowed to speak about Starfield, for the company. Howard has been designated as the sole spokesperson at the present moment, and while this may only be a pre-release situation, it is too early to tell. Until then, it appears Bethesda is playing things close to the chest, as hype continues to build for its space epic. The source of this information comes from Design Director, Emil Pagliarulo, who spoke about his Starfield NDA on Twitter. The Bethesda employee said the following about the studio’s policy:
“(1/2) I know this isn’t what any @StarfieldGame fan wants to hear from me, but I feel like I need to make this clear: no one other than Todd Howard himself is authorized to talk publicly about unreleased game info. That’s the job of of our PR/marketing/community folks.
(2/3) You have tons of questions. I get it. And my vague posting about the game doesn’t help. I am SO humbled by your anticipation of Starfield. Seriously. It’s mind boggling to me. So it really does pain me to say that I simply CAN’T answer 99% of your questions.
(3/3) I can’t share my opinions on game content; I can’t talk about performance; I can’t discuss… well, most things. I signed an NDA. I’m a professional. I don’t want to get fired. But your support is EVERYTHING to us. You fill my heart – every day. Best. Fans. EVER.”
Although Pagliarulo did not provide specifics on the Starfield NDA, when it releases on September 6, 2023, fans expect some restraints will be lifted. Even so, some NDA’s can last for several years and for certain instances in perpetuity. Gamers may be disappointed to find Pagliarulo cannot share all of the details upon release, but it’s likely Bethesda will provide an avenue for the Design Director to share his process eventually.
Do the Starfield NDA’s Signal Desperation on the Part of Microsoft?
As Starfield comes closer into view, there has been mass speculation over what this title means for Microsoft. News has been constantly circulating about Bethesda’s latest release, and some of it presumes the success of the title is a do or die moment for the tech company. There is definitely high pressure for Microsoft to preform, given the fact the company acquired Bethesda in March 2021, but the commercial failure of Starfield would likely not mean the end of Xbox.
Microsoft has been working hard to expand, as seen with the recent attempted purchase of Activision-Blizzard, despite legal blocks from the Federal Trade Commission. The multi-national corporation has several sources of income, and Xbox Game Studios is just one of them. The game publisher wants Starfield to be a hit, with how much money went into making the title an Xbox-exclusive. Part of this effort may be tighter NDA’s for Bethesda employees so there is more to surprise fans.
While some may think the secrecy behind the Starfield NDA’s shows desperation from Microsoft, it likely has more to do with protecting insider secrets and maintaining hype for the game. Todd Howard is experienced in the gaming industry and will be the best person to create excitement while managing expectations, as King of the NDA’s. It is not uncommon to see these kind of agreements in the gaming world, so what is probably just standard practice, is getting more attention due to the popularity of the upcoming title.
Do you think Microsoft and Bethesda are being extra cautious with the Starfield NDA’s or is this just standard practice in the business? Leave a comment and tell us what you think of the secrecy surrounding this exciting new AAA game.
Source: Twitter
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