Starfield walks away with "Most Innovative Gameplay" award from Steam

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.