Bethesda had originally intended to incorporate gore and dismemberment mechanics into Starfield, but these plans were abandoned due to technical challenges. Dennis Mejillones, a former character artist who worked on The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that the complexity of integrating these features with the game's space suits was the primary reason for their removal.
"The technical challenges were immense, particularly with the various suits," Mejillones stated. "You need to precisely cut the helmet, ensure it detaches correctly, and manage the underlying flesh mechanics. It became a complex issue with all the additional elements like hoses on the helmets and the ability to significantly alter body sizes through the character creator."
While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment in Starfield, which marked Bethesda's return to full single-player RPGs after eight years, Mejillones noted that such mechanics were more fitting for the Fallout series due to its humorous tone. "It's part of the fun," he remarked.
Starfield, released in September 2023, has attracted over 15 million players. IGN's review praised the game's expansive role-playing quests and solid combat, awarding it a 7/10 despite acknowledging various challenges it faced.
In recent developments, another former Bethesda developer expressed surprise at the number of loading screens in Starfield, especially in the city of Neon. Since its launch, Bethesda has made efforts to enhance the game, including the introduction of a 60fps performance mode. The expansion, Shattered Space, was released in September, further enriching the Starfield experience.
