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 contributed to Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that the complexity of integrating these mechanics with the game's space suits proved insurmountable.
The intricate details of suit interaction, including realistic helmet removal and flesh rendering beneath damaged suits, created an overwhelming technical challenge. Mejillones described the resulting system as a "big rat's nest," citing the numerous variables introduced by customizable body sizes and the variety of suit designs with hoses and other equipment.
While some fans expressed disappointment at the absence of gore and dismemberment—a feature present in Fallout 4—Mejillones argued that such mechanics align better with Fallout's humorous tone. He emphasized that the gore in Fallout 4 contributed to its overall playful atmosphere.
Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, launched in September 2023 to over 15 million players. Despite facing various challenges, IGN's 7/10 review highlighted the game's compelling RPG elements and satisfying combat as key strengths.
Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer shed light on unexpected loading issues, particularly in Neon. Since launch, Bethesda has implemented performance improvements, including a 60fps performance mode, and released the Shattered Space expansion.