Unfair Bias or Just a Theory?
The excitement of award season in the gaming industry brings with it discussions about which games deserve recognition. However, not every game makes the cut, and this year, many fans are wondering why certain games were overlooked for nominations. One theory that has gained traction on social media is the existence of the 'Xbox tax' - the idea that biases against Xbox result in negative coverage and fewer nominations for Xbox games.
Starfield and the Game Awards
The conversation around the 'Xbox tax' has resurfaced following the Game Awards, where Xbox's highly anticipated game, Starfield, received just one nomination for Best Role Playing Game. This is surprising considering the game's positive reviews on platforms like Metacritic, where it holds an impressive 83 rating. In a year with multiple platform releases, including Resident Evil 4, Alan Wake 2, and Baldur's Gate 3, Starfield's exclusion raises questions about potential biases.
Biases and Console Preferences
It's important to note that biases exist on an individual level, with each writer or judge having their own console preference. In the past, there was a clear bias towards PlayStation, largely due to its extensive collection of high-quality exclusive games. Additionally, PlayStation's dominance in the handheld gaming market with the PS Portable and PS Vita further solidified its reputation. Xbox, on the other hand, lacked a handheld alternative. However, in recent years, Xbox has carved out its own niche with the Series S and Xbox Game Pass, making it an attractive option for budget gamers.
Hi-Fi Rush and Xbox's Recognition
While Starfield may have been overlooked, another Xbox exclusive, Hi-Fi Rush, managed to secure nominations in several key categories. This highlights the complexity of biases in the gaming industry and suggests that the 'Xbox tax' may not be as simple as it seems.
If you're interested in learning more about the winners and losers at The Game Awards 2023, head over to The Game Awards website.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
