The Weight of Expectation: How Starfield's Launch Was Marred by Unrealistic Hopes

The launch of a game is not just about the game itself, but also about the identity and sense of self that gamers have attached to it. When a game launch becomes a matter of personal identity, things can get out of hand. The recent launch of Starfield is a prime example of this phenomenon. The game's release was met with a mixture of excitement and criticism, with some fans going as far as to send death threats to those who dared to criticize the game. This kind of behavior is not new, but it's still shocking to see. The last time we saw such a reaction was when the reviews of Cyberpunk 2077 started to appear, and it was clear that the game was not ready for release. The reaction from fans was insane, with many of them attacking critics who pointed out the game's flaws. Fast forward to the launch of Starfield, and we see a similar pattern emerging. The game's reviews were carefully managed by Bethesda, with only select outlets getting early access to the game. This tactic is not new, but it's still not a good look for the publisher. The reviews that did come out were mixed, with some praising the game's ambition and creativity, while others criticized its bugs and outdated tech. The consensus that emerged was that Starfield is a good game, but it needs patching and polishing. However, for some fans, this was not enough. They had invested so much of their personal identity in the game that they needed it to be perfect. They needed it to be the game that would finally put Xbox on the same level as PlayStation. And anyone who suggested that Starfield was not that game was met with hostility and anger. This kind of expectation is not only unrealistic but also unfair to the game and its developers. Bethesda's RPGs have always been known for their ambition and creativity, but they have also been criticized for their bugs and technical issues. Starfield is no exception. The game is a great example of what Bethesda does best, but it's not perfect. And that's okay. The problem is that the hype surrounding Starfield has created unrealistic expectations. The game is not just a game; it's a symbol of Xbox's hopes and ambitions. And that's a weight that no game should have to bear. The launch of Starfield has shown us that the console war is still alive and well. Any criticism of the game is seen as an attack on Xbox, and any praise is seen as fanboy raving. This kind of mentality is not only toxic but also damaging to the gaming community. We need to remember that games are just games, and they should be judged on their own merits, not on their ability to fulfill our personal expectations or to prop up a particular platform. In the end, Starfield is a good game that deserves to be judged on its own terms. It's not perfect, but it's a great example of what Bethesda does best. And that's something to be celebrated, not criticized.