The Game Awards 2024 nominations have arrived, and while many anticipated the usual fan favorites to dominate, one glaring omission has sent shockwaves throughout the gaming community: Starfield, the much-hyped space RPG from Bethesda, was left out of almost every major category. Despite generating immense excitement, earning rave reviews, and breaking sales records, Starfield failed to secure a nomination for Game of the Year, Best Game Direction, or Best Narrative. Fans and critics alike are now asking the question: How could this happen?
The Unexpected Omission: What Happened?
Bethesda’s Starfield was arguably the most anticipated game of 2024. After years of development and a highly publicized marketing campaign, Starfield launched with enormous fanfare in September 2024. Critics praised the game’s vast open world, deep role-playing elements, and ambitious space exploration mechanics. Many experts predicted that the title would easily be nominated for multiple awards at the Game Awards, particularly in the prestigious Game of the Year category.
Yet, in an astonishing turn of events, Starfield was snubbed in the most critical areas, not earning a nod in the major categories like Game of the Year or Best Game Direction. The absence has left many gamers scratching their heads, and social media exploded with heated discussions about what went wrong.
Fans React: A Massive Disappointment
The Game Awards have always been a moment for the gaming community to come together and celebrate the year’s biggest titles. However, the exclusion of Starfield from the major categories has left many fans feeling betrayed. #JusticeForStarfield and #StarfieldSnub became trending hashtags within hours of the announcement.
“How could they ignore Starfield? This game is the most ambitious RPG we’ve seen in years!” one fan posted on Twitter. “This is a complete injustice—how is a game with such massive scope and innovative gameplay ignored at the Game Awards?”
Not only did fans voice their frustration, but many gaming influencers and streamers who had built up Starfield as a top contender for 2024 also expressed surprise. “I truly thought this game was a shoo-in for at least Game of the Year and Best Game Direction,” said one popular YouTuber. “The Game Awards should be about celebrating innovation, and Starfield has done that in spades.”
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Theories Behind the Snub: What Went Wrong?
So, why was Starfield excluded from the Game Awards nominations? While there’s no official explanation yet, several theories have emerged to explain the surprising snub.
1. Technical Issues and Performance Concerns
Despite its positive reception overall, Starfield wasn’t without its problems. Many players reported bugs, crashes, and performance issues, especially on older hardware. Although Bethesda’s history with glitches has been well-documented, the performance issues in Starfield may have hurt its chances with the voting panel, which includes game critics who take technical quality seriously.
Some believe that the game’s technical hiccups, despite being addressed in patches, left a bad impression on those who reviewed the title. In categories like Best Game Direction, where polish and stability are crucial, these issues may have cost the game valuable votes.
2. The Power of Established Franchises
Another theory suggests that Starfield may have been overshadowed by more established franchises. 2024 saw the return of heavy hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3, both of which earned significant recognition. These games already had large fan bases and a track record of critical acclaim, which might have made it more difficult for Starfield to stand out, despite its innovative nature.
Baldur’s Gate 3, in particular, dominated the RPG conversation this year with its deep storylines, exceptional writing, and unprecedented freedom of choice. It’s possible that the voting body leaned toward these beloved franchises, leaving Starfield out in the cold.
3. A Shift Toward Narrative and Character-Driven Games
Some critics have suggested that the Game Awards panel may have focused more on narrative-driven experiences and character development in 2024. Starfield, while ambitious and expansive, may have been perceived as lacking in the emotional depth or character focus that dominated the nominations. Games like Tears of the Kingdom and Baldur’s Gate 3 had strong narratives and memorable characters, which may have swayed voters’ decisions in their favor.
Despite being a technical marvel, Starfield’s sprawling open-world design may have been viewed by some as “too big” or “too impersonal” when compared to more tightly woven stories.
4. The Challenge of Live-Service Games
There is also the possibility that Starfield‘s live-service nature hurt its chances. Although it isn’t strictly a live-service game, it does include ongoing updates and content patches. The Game Awards have historically favored titles that offer a finished and polished experience at launch, and the complex ongoing nature of Starfield‘s updates might have caused some to overlook it for awards.
Looking Ahead: What Does This Mean for the Game Awards?
The snubbing of Starfield has certainly raised questions about the Game Awards’ process and whether they truly celebrate the year’s most innovative titles. Despite the exclusion, Starfield remains one of the most talked-about games of 2024, and it has already cemented its place as a landmark achievement in gaming.
For fans, the snub feels like a missed opportunity to recognize one of the year’s most ambitious projects. However, it may also serve as a wake-up call for future Game Awards to consider a broader range of criteria when nominating games.
Whether or not Starfield receives any recognition at the ceremony, it’s clear that it has made a lasting impact on the gaming landscape, and its legacy will continue to shape the industry for years to come. The Game Awards 2024 ceremony may be over, but the conversation about Starfield and its exclusion is just beginning.