Starfield: Bethesda Omits Gruesome Details for Wider Appeal

Bethesda's Starfield initially planned to feature visceral gore and dismemberment, but technical hurdles forced the team to scrap the feature. Dennis Mejillones, a character artist who worked on Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved too complex.

The intricate design of the suits, with their helmets, hoses, and varying body sizes, created significant technical challenges. Mejillones described the resulting system as a "big rat's nest" due to the numerous considerations required for realistic dismemberment and suit interaction. The advanced character creator further complicated the implementation.

While some fans expressed disappointment at the absence of gore and dismemberment—features present in Fallout 4—Mejillones argued that such mechanics are more fitting for Fallout's playful, "tongue-in-cheek" tone. He suggested that the humorous style of Fallout better complements the graphic violence.

Despite this omission, Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, has achieved remarkable success, attracting over 15 million players since its September 2023 release. IGN's 7/10 review highlighted the game's compelling RPG elements and combat as key strengths, outweighing its shortcomings.

Recent reports from other former Bethesda developers have shed light on other post-launch challenges, including extensive loading times, particularly noticeable in Neon. Bethesda has actively addressed these issues, introducing performance improvements such as a 60fps performance mode and releasing the Shattered Space expansion in September.