Bethesda’s ‘Starfield’ Review Copy Controversy Deepens: An Investigation into the Unusual Circumstances

Bethesda Faces Controversy Over Handling of Starfield Review Copies

The Situation

Bethesda, the popular video game publisher, is facing controversy surrounding its handling of review copies for its highly anticipated game, Starfield. Specifically, several U.K. publications, including Eurogamer, MetroUK, Edge, and The Guardian, reported not receiving review copies until very close to the game’s embargo date, leaving insufficient time for thorough reviews before the game’s release.

Bethesda‘s History with Review Copies

This is not the first time Bethesda has been involved in review copy controversies. In the past, the company decided to stop providing advance review copies to the press altogether, stating that they wanted everyone, including the media, to experience their games at the same time. While this decision has since been reversed, Bethesda has continued to maintain unusual review embargoes, often dropping them the day before or on the day of a game’s release.

Bethesda has also been known to blacklist outlets or individuals. One prominent example is when Kotaku reported inside information on the setting of Fallout 4 and was subsequently blacklisted by Bethesda for 13 years.

The Current Controversy

In the case of Starfield, the U.K. outlets that did not receive review copies have raised questions about why they were excluded, while numerous U.S. outlets and content creators received copies. Some speculate that the focus on U.K. outlets could be related to Eurogamer’s review scale, which uses a five-star system without half-points. Eurogamer’s lower ratings for other games may have raised concerns that their review could bring down Starfield‘s average score on Metacritic.

The Marketing and PR Perspective

While it is not uncommon for companies to selectively provide review copies to outlets and reviewers that are more likely to give positive reviews, this practice raises concerns about the integrity and transparency of the review process. It is a marketing strategy that grants publishers control over which voices are heard and which opinions shape public perception.

The Public Response

Interestingly, when Eurogamer revealed the situation, they received overwhelming support from fans, suggesting that the controversy has not become a significant PR issue for Bethesda. It is unclear why this particular incident has not generated more backlash.

The Implications

The controversy surrounding Starfield‘s review copies highlights larger issues within the video game industry. It underscores the power dynamics between publishers and the media, as well as the influence that reviews have on consumer perception and purchasing decisions.

Evaluating Reviews and the Metacritic System

The controversy also brings up questions about the value and reliability of reviews. The reliance on aggregate review scores on platforms like Metacritic can overly simplify the complexity of evaluating a game’s quality. A single negative review can significantly impact a game’s average score and potentially affect its commercial success. This system prioritizes numerical ratings over nuanced critiques, potentially leading to a distorted representation of a game’s actual merits.

Advice for the Industry

Both publishers and the media should strive for transparency and integrity in the review process. Publishers need to provide review copies to all relevant outlets, regardless of their potential assessment, in order to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of their games. Meanwhile, media outlets should maintain their independence and critical perspective when reviewing games, avoiding undue influence from publishers.

Consumers, on the other hand, should be cautious when relying solely on aggregate review scores to make purchasing decisions. It is important to seek out a range of opinions and perspectives, including those from trusted critics and independent content creators. Ultimately, personal preferences and individual experiences should be the guiding factors when deciding whether to purchase a game.

Conclusion

Bethesda‘s handling of Starfield‘s review copies has ignited controversy and shed light on the complexities and power dynamics within the video game industry. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for transparency, integrity, and critical evaluation in reviewing games. Both publishers and the media should strive for a fair and comprehensive review process, while consumers should rely on a diverse range of opinions to inform their purchasing decisions.