Baldur’s Gate 3 Dominates Game Awards, Starfield Snubbed in Major Categories

In what many are calling a defining moment of the 2024 gaming awards season, *Baldur’s Gate 3* swept the floor at last night’s Game Awards, securing Game of the Year and several other major accolades. The critically acclaimed RPG from Larian Studios continued its meteoric rise by winning a total of six awards, including Best Narrative, Best RPG, and Best Game Direction — leaving Xbox’s heavily hyped *Starfield* without a single win.

The highlight of the evening was *Baldur’s Gate 3*’s Game of the Year victory, a win that resonated with both fans and industry veterans. During the acceptance speech, Larian CEO Swen Vincke acknowledged the passionate community and thanked the development team for their tireless efforts in reviving the legendary Dungeons & Dragons franchise in video game form. “This is a celebration of deep storytelling and player choice,” Vincke said on stage, wielding his now-signature sword prop to roaring applause.

Meanwhile, Bethesda’s *Starfield* — once positioned as a major contender — was left empty-handed despite nominations in categories like Best RPG and Best Art Direction. While the ambitious spacefaring epic garnered a massive player base and strong early sales, critics and players alike voiced concerns over the game’s writing, exploration loop, and overall polish. Many see *Starfield*’s shutout as a reflection of a shift in player expectations toward deeper, more reactive game worlds — an area where *Baldur’s Gate 3* profoundly excelled.

Social media quickly lit up after the ceremony, with fans praising the awards’ recognition of a richly interactive, turn-based RPG in an industry often dominated by action-heavy titles. Discussions also resurfaced around Xbox’s recent track record with AAA exclusives, with some speculating if *Starfield*’s reception might impact future support for single-player blockbusters at the studio.

This year’s Game Awards signaled more than just trophies — they illustrated a changing of the guard. *Baldur’s Gate 3* has reminded the industry that age-old genres like classic CRPGs can not only survive in the modern landscape, but thrive — and even lead.