A Stellar Launch
Starfield was one of the most hyped games of 2023, as it marked Bethesda’s first new IP in 25 years and the first game to use their new Creation Engine 2. The game promised a vast and immersive sci-fi universe, where players could explore hundreds of planets, customize their own spaceship, join factions, and shape the fate of the galaxy. The game also featured a stellar voice cast, including Jennifer Hale, Troy Baker, Mark Hamill, and Keanu Reeves.
The game delivered on its promises, as it received rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Starfield currently holds a Metacritic score of 93, based on 115 reviews, and a user score of 8.7, based on over 50,000 ratings. The game also broke sales records, as it sold over 10 million copies in its first week, making it the best-selling game of 2023 so far.
A Surprising Snub
Despite its success and popularity, Starfield was not nominated for any of the awards at The Game Awards 2023, which will take place on December 9, 2023. The game was eligible for the awards, as it was released before the cut-off date of November 19, 2023. However, it seems that the game did not impress the jury, which consists of over 100 media outlets and influencers from around the world.
The Game of the Year nominees for 2023 are: Deathloop, Elden Ring, God of War: Ragnarok, Horizon Forbidden West, It Takes Two, and Resident Evil Village. Other categories include Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, Best Score and Music, Best Performance, and more. The full list of nominees can be found on the official website of The Game Awards.
A Mixed Reaction
The snub of Starfield has sparked a mixed reaction from the gaming community. Some fans expressed their disappointment and outrage, claiming that the game deserved recognition and praise for its innovation and quality. They accused the jury of being biased, ignorant, or corrupted, and called for a boycott of the awards show.
Other fans, however, were more understanding and respectful, acknowledging that the game had some flaws and that the competition was tough. They argued that the game’s success and enjoyment were not dependent on awards, and that the game still had a loyal and passionate fanbase. They also congratulated the other nominees and expressed their excitement for the upcoming show.
A Bright Future
Regardless of the awards snub, Starfield still has a bright future ahead. The game is expected to receive regular updates and patches, as well as new content and features. The game’s first paid DLC, Shattered Space, is slated to launch in early 2024, and will introduce a new storyline, new planets, new factions, and new gameplay mechanics. The game will also support Nvidia DLSS and AMD FSR3 technologies, which will enhance its graphics and performance.
Starfield is also likely to receive more recognition and appreciation from other awards shows and events, such as the DICE Awards, the BAFTA Games Awards, the Golden Joystick Awards, and more. The game has already won several accolades, such as the Best RPG and the Best PC Game at the Gamescom 2023 Awards.
Starfield is available now for PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5.