Starfield fan theory points to a March 2023 release date

Starfield gameplay
(Image credit: Bethesda)

A Starfield fan theory suggests the game will be released in March next year.

Originally scheduled to launch on November 11, 2022, Bethesda delayed Starfield until the first half of 2023 to give us "the best, most polished version" of its incredibly ambitious sci-fi RPG. After much anticipation, we finally got our first look at the game in action last month during the Summer Game Fest. While we now have a much better idea of what to expect from the Starfield when it arrives, exactly when that will be remains a mystery. Or does it?

Some Starfield fans think the game will now touch down on March 23, 2023. The theory comes from YouTuber LoneVaultWanderer, who noted that the number on the spaceship in the gameplay reveal trailer (SV 821 393) matches the patent of the Wright brother's flying machine. The patent was filed on March 23, 1903, so if Starfield did launch on March 23 next year, it would coincide with the 120th anniversary of the patenting of the world's first motor-operated airplane.

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Not only that, but fans think the date will particularly appeal to Bethesda's Todd Howard. "It's also 3.23.23, which seems like a very Todd Howard kinda date if you ask me," Reddit user Balrog229 wrote in a post on the Starfield subreddit. Many are optimistic about a March launch, including one user who said, "This actually is the most plausible theory I have seen to date about the game's release date." As always, we'll have to wait for official word from Bethesda before getting too excited.  Obviosly we won't see a Starfield PS4 or PS5 release date as this point as that is something we've have official word on, with that word being 'no', now Microsoft own Bethesda.

As well as Starfield, Bethesda is also currently working on the likes of Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5. Following a recent report on crunch during Fallout 76's development, Xbox Games Studios Matt Booty has claimed he's "confident" that the studio no longer has a "crunch culture"

Take a look at all the titles making their way to Microsoft's latest console with our guide to upcoming box Series X games.

Anne-Marie Ostler
Freelance Writer

Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2014 to pursue a Games Journalism and PR degree at Staffordshire University. Following that, I've freelanced for GamesMaster, Games TM, Official PlayStation Magazine and, more recently, Play and GamesRadar+. My love of gaming sprang from successfully defeating that first Goomba in Super Mario Bros on the NES. These days, PlayStation is my jam. When not gaming or writing, I can usually be found scouring the internet for anything Tomb Raider related to add to my out of control memorabilia collection.