Bethesda's Starfield initially planned to feature visceral gore and dismemberment, but technical hurdles forced the team to scrap the feature. 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 space suits proved excessively complex.
The intricate designs of the suits, with their helmets, hoses, and varied configurations, created a significant technical challenge. Mejillones described the resulting system as a "big rat's nest," highlighting the difficulty in managing realistic dismemberment while accounting for the variability in suit designs and character body sizes. 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 satirical tone. He noted that the gore in Fallout contributes to the game's overall humorous style.
Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, launched in September 2023 to over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review praised its expansive RPG elements and combat, despite acknowledging various challenges.
Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer highlighted unexpected performance issues, particularly in Neon. Since launch, Bethesda has implemented improvements, including a 60fps performance mode, and released the Shattered Space expansion in September.
