The Burden of Expectation Taints Starfield's Release

The launch of a game is not just about the game itself, but also about the identity and sense of self that some gamers have tied to its success or failure. This was evident in the recent release of Starfield, which sparked a heated online debate. The game's reviews were met with a mixture of praise and criticism, with some outlets highlighting its technical issues and outdated tech, while others praised its creative world and ambitious scope. However, the online discourse quickly turned ugly, with some fans lashing out at critics and reviewers who did not share their enthusiasm for the game. This reaction is not surprising, given the high expectations that had been placed on Starfield as a potential game-changer for the Xbox platform. The game's launch was seen as a pivotal moment in the console war, with some fans investing their personal identity in its success. However, this weight of expectation is unfair to the game, which is a great but flawed example of Bethesda's open-world RPGs. These games have always been niche, appealing to a specific audience that is willing to overlook technical issues in favor of the freedom and variety they offer. Starfield is no exception, and its launch would have been less contentious if it had not been burdened with the expectation of being a platform savior. The game's success has been hindered by the intense hype surrounding it, which has led to a polarized online debate and a crowded out word-of-mouth. For the sake of the game and the Xbox platform, it would have been better to manage expectations more realistically. Bethesda RPGs are not for everyone, and they are not a cure-all for the platform's software woes. Instead, Xbox needs a steady stream of quality titles to deliver on its promise. Starfield is a good step in the right direction, but it is only one step. The console business has always worked by filling niches with great games, and Xbox would do well to focus on building a strong game pipeline rather than relying on a single game to save the platform.