Bethesda's Starfield initially planned to feature visceral gore and dismemberment, but technical hurdles forced its removal. Former character artist Dennis Mejillones, who worked on Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved excessively complex.
The intricate design of the suits, with their varied helmets and attachments, created significant technical challenges. Mejillones described the resulting development process as a tangled mess, citing the need to account for numerous variables, including helmet removal, flesh exposure, and body size alterations within the character creator.
While some fans expressed disappointment, particularly given Fallout 4's inclusion of such mechanics, Mejillones argued that the feature fits Fallout's lighthearted tone better than Starfield's. He noted that the gore and dismemberment in Fallout contributed to the game's overall playful atmosphere.
Despite this omission, Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, has still captivated over 15 million players since its September 2023 release. IGN's 7/10 review praised its expansive roleplaying and combat, highlighting its enduring appeal.
Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer shed light on the game's extensive loading times at launch, especially in Neon. Bethesda has since addressed performance issues, adding a 60fps performance mode and releasing the "Shattered Space" expansion in September.
