In a surprising turn of events similar to what happened with Mortal Kombat 1 last year, Starfield, against all odds, just won the “Most Innovative Gameplay” award from the 2023 Steam Awards. This surprising recognition comes amidst a mix of critical reception and player feedback. This award, which is part of Valve’s annual celebration, recognizes games that bring fresh perspectives and brain-breaking surprises to the gaming landscape.
Starfield stood out in its lone nominated category despite facing off against stiff competition in some of the last year’s more surprising releases, specifically, Remnant 2.
The game, which has sold over 13 million copies and generated over $100 million in revenue, has not been without its criticisms. Despite a vocal minority of players review bombing the game, the overall consensus on Steam stands at 64% positive, indicating a clear majority of players appreciate its offerings. This mixed response reflects the challenges and triumphs of Starfield as Bethesda desperately tries to convince everyone to change their minds about the game.
One of the most discussed aspects of Starfield is its innovative ship-building system. This feature allows the players to construct and customize their spacecraft, adding a unique layer to the gameplay experience. Additionally, the game’s flying and ship boarding mechanics pair nicely with the ability to transition seamlessly between in-atmosphere and out-of-atmosphere environments. These elements, particularly the dynamic between being inside and outside a cell, showcase Bethesda’s efforts to innovate within the space exploration genre.
However, naysayers aren’t quite convinced that Starfield deserves the recognition. Starfield’s excessive use of loading screens, in particular, is a major pain point. To be honest, using what could be considered an archaic feature contradicts the goal of seamless world rendering. Additionally, the lackluster RPG elements and non-existent story are common points of contention, with Starfield lacking any depth in roleplaying and a memorable narrative.
Finally, the game’s approach to new game plus has also been a topic of discussion. While the integration of NG+ into the story was initially seen as innovative, the execution beyond this concept has been critiqued for not fully utilizing its potential.
Despite the criticism, Starfield has been recognized for its bold attempts at innovation. The award from Steam suggests that the game’s efforts to experiment creatively haven’t gone unnoticed. The game’s future updates, along with one of its, presumed many expansions, on the way, promise even more newness, potentially addressing some of the current shortcomings and enhancing the player experience.
While not every aspect of Starfield has received universal acclaim, it isn’t without positive qualities. The recognition by Steam players highlights the game’s impactful innovations in spite of the mixed reviews.
