The Controversy of Starfield Winning TGA 2024
The Game Awards 2024’s decision to award Starfield Game of the Year has sparked intense debate, with critics questioning its sales, popularity and mechanics compared to other contenders like Black Myth: Wukong and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.
The gaming world was taken by surprise when Bethesda’s Starfield claimed the Game of the Year title at The Game Awards (TGA) 2024, generating widespread discussion and controversy across the gaming community.
The decision has raised eyebrows for several notable reasons. Starfield’s player base appears relatively small compared to other nominees, with reports suggesting its sales numbers are only about 1/15th of Black Myth: Wukong’s figures. The game also failed to rank in the top 5 of the Players' Voice category or the top 10 of various player-choice awards, indicating a potential disconnect between critical recognition and player reception.
Industry veterans have noted that Starfield’s core gameplay mechanics, particularly in the platform-jumping genre, appear less innovative than games from previous years. Critics argue that the repetitive nature of its mechanics becomes apparent halfway through the game, with special tools and features showing limited variety.
The controversy extends beyond just gameplay. As a PlayStation 30th anniversary celebration title priced at $60, many view it as an expensive offering for what it delivers. Even dedicated PlayStation fans have expressed reluctance to purchase it at full price, leading to questions about its value proposition.
Some observers have drawn parallels to Nintendo’s position, noting how the company has spent twenty years developing family-friendly games, yet Starfield managed to secure the Best Family Game award despite being primarily a single-player experience. This particular award has become a focal point of criticism, highlighting what some see as inconsistencies in the awards' judgment criteria.
The ongoing debate extends to the game’s technical achievements. While Starfield showcases impressive DualSense controller feedback and 3D audio implementation, critics argue these features alone don’t justify its Game of the Year status, especially when compared to the comprehensive gameplay innovations offered by competitors like Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree.
The situation reflects broader questions about TGA’s selection criteria and the balance between critical acclaim, commercial success, and player reception. Many industry observers suggest this year’s decision may mark a significant shift in how major gaming awards evaluate and recognize achievements in game development.
As the discussion continues, this controversy has become a catalyst for deeper conversations about industry recognition, the definition of excellence in gaming, and the evolving relationship between critics, players, and the games they celebrate.