Starfield was a landmark game for the year 2023. Whether we like Bethesda’s RPG or not, this remains an undeniable fact. Yet the game is notable for its absence during this highly anticipated event.
The tenth annual edition of The Game Awards is fast approaching, and its creator and host, Geoff Keighley, has finally announced the nominees for the 2023 edition. The Game of the Year category includes, as one might expect, hits expected. Like The Legend of Zelda Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3, as well as Capcom’s remake of Resident Evil 4. On the other hand, Starfield, Bethesda’s RPG, is missing…
Starfield, largely absent
Other Best Game nominees include Alan Wake II, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Starfield, meanwhile, was only nominated in the best RPG category. Yet Starfield has enjoyed massive success since its release, solidifying its position as one of the most influential titles in the genre. The game saw impressive sales, quickly surpassing several million copies worldwide.
This commercial performance is attributable not only to the anticipation that preceded its launch, but also to Bethesda’s reputation and expertise. Even after big failures like Fallout 76. Additionally, its availability on multiple platforms, including Xbox Game Pass from day one, has expanded its accessibility, allowing an even wider audience to experience Starfield. The gaming community, for its part, was generally convinced despite some concerns about the open world that cannot be denied.
Why such an absence?
But then how can we explain such an absence? The timing of Starfield’s release may have played a role. The game was released late in the year, so it may not have had enough time to accumulate the impact needed with critics and audiences to be considered among the best of the year. Games released earlier have had more time to solidify their reputation and cultural impact. But Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 somewhat contradicts this hypothesis.
Also, the Game Awards tend to favor games that bring significant innovations, whether in terms of gameplay, narrative, or technology. It is possible that, despite its qualities, Starfield was not perceived as sufficiently innovative or revolutionary compared to other candidates. Especially in a market where expectations for role-playing games are already very high. In addition and it must be admitted: 2023 has been an exceptionally competitive year in the video game industry With the release of many highly anticipated and critically acclaimed titles. Obviously, choices had to be made…