Starfield review bombing and boycott campaign planned ahead of September 6 release

One of the most glaring examples is the audacious claim by a user, XbotTears360, of preparing 1,000 accounts, blatantly aiming to tank the game's Metacritic score. The responses to such posts show that this user isn't alone in this vindictive venture.

The motivations behind these efforts seem multifaceted. A notable chunk of this animosity can be traced to the age-old rivalry between console platforms like PlayStation and Xbox. The exclusivity of Starfield to PC and Xbox has irked many PlayStation enthusiasts. Some claim that it's "payback time" for negative criticisms previously thrown at PlayStation-exclusive titles.

It's unfortunate that we can say that such misguided campaigns are no longer uncommon, even in games that came out years ago. From Diablo 4 to Final Fantasy 16 and even Skullgirls, War Thunder, and Horizon Forbidden West, the efforts to undermine releases have created a dangerous trend. They damage the credibility of user reviews, which is crucial for many potential buyers. It's a malicious form of online reviews, detracting from the genuine criticism and overshadowing the game's actual merits or flaws.

This isn't to say review bombing isn't always unwarranted, because, truth be told, some games are deserving of criticism - Overwatch 2 and Redfall stand out as examples. But, more often than not, these do more harm than good.

Despite the review bombing concerns, it's essential to highlight the game's potential impact. The prolonged anticipation and build-up have seen Starfield trend on platforms like Steam, hinting at its blockbuster potential. The conversations should ideally be about its expansive universe, intricate gameplay mechanics, or the narrative depth it offers as well as all the stuff that fans have created based on their love for the game, from the custom-themed PC to the compendium and a detailed but speculative skill tree, among others.

Now, more than ever, it's becoming imperative to discern between genuine criticism and vindictive backlash. While the concerned platforms like Metacritic have been relatively passive in addressing this issue, the gaming community needs to rally against such disruptive behaviors, prioritizing constructive feedback over destructive trolling.

As Starfield nears its launch, one can only hope that its actual gameplay, narrative, and innovations overshadow the looming review bomb threat. It serves as a stark reminder that in the vast universe of gaming, there will always be black holes of negativity. Still, the brilliance of genuine starry experiences can, and should, outshine them.