Why Bethesda Cut Gore and Dismemberment From Starfield

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 the complexity of integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved insurmountable.

The technical challenges stemmed from the intricate details required for realistic dismemberment within the context of spacesuits. Mejillones described the difficulties of accurately depicting suit damage, including helmet removal and the underlying flesh details, as a complex and ultimately unwieldy system. The extensive customization options in the character creator and the varied spacesuit designs further complicated the process.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment—features present in Fallout 4—Mejillones argued that such mechanics fit better within Fallout's humorous tone. He highlighted the "tongue in cheek" nature of Fallout's violence, contrasting it with the potentially jarring effect in Starfield's more serious setting.

Despite this omission, Starfield's September 2023 launch propelled it to over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review praised its expansive RPG elements and satisfying combat, acknowledging the game's various challenges while highlighting its overall appeal.

Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer shed light on the game's extensive loading times, particularly in Neon. Post-launch, Bethesda has implemented improvements, including a 60fps performance mode and the Shattered Space expansion, released in September.