Starfield Gets Major Update With Creations Support, Game Pass Boosts Xbox Adoption, and Nintendo Teases New Hardware

Bethesda’s Starfield has rolled out its biggest update since launch, introducing the long-awaited Creations support feature that enables community-made mods within the game. Billed as “Creations 1.0,” the update allows players to access custom content directly via an in-game interface, opening the door to a thriving modding scene akin to what Skyrim and Fallout 4 enjoyed. The news comes alongside a fresh boost for Xbox, as Microsoft reported a surge in Game Pass subscribers, partly fueled by Starfield’s continued presence in the subscription catalog.

Gamers can now wield custom weapons, explore fan-made planets, and implement gameplay tweaks, all without needing to leave the Starfield client. This aspect is expected to evolve rapidly, thanks to Bethesda’s integration with the Creation Kit—a toolset that empowers modders with professional-grade development resources. The addition breathes new life into the massive space-faring RPG, which has received mixed reception since launch but retains a dedicated core audience.

Meanwhile, Microsoft’s recent quarterly earnings call highlighted Xbox Game Pass’s impact on hardware adoption. The service has helped push console sales in territories traditionally dominated by competitors. Starfield, as one of the service’s flagship exclusives, played a key role in attracting players to both the platform and subscription ecosystem. According to Xbox Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, “Content like Starfield demonstrates the value of Game Pass, and we’re seeing it translate to increased engagement across the board.”

Adding to an already exciting week in gaming, Nintendo has subtly hinted at its next-generation console through an investor Q&A session. Company President Shuntaro Furukawa confirmed that more information about the “successor to the Switch” would be shared “within this fiscal year,” reaffirming that the highly anticipated reveal is imminent. While specifics remain scarce, industry analysts expect a formal announcement before March 2025, aligning with Nintendo’s traditional hardware cycle.

With Bethesda doubling down on Starfield’s future, Microsoft banking on content to drive ecosystem growth, and Nintendo subtly stepping into next-gen territory, the gaming industry is poised for a monumental second half of 2024. Whether you’re a space explorer, a Game Pass subscriber, or a lifelong Mario fan, the months ahead promise something for everyone.