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 integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved too complex.

The intricate design of the suits, with their various components and hoses, created significant technical challenges. Mejillones described the development process as becoming "a big rat's nest" due to the need to account for helmet removal, flesh detailing beneath the suits, and the implications of variable character body sizes. The advanced character creator further complicated matters.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment, a feature present in Fallout 4, Mejillones noted the mechanics' better fit within the latter game's humorous tone. He emphasized that the "tongue in cheek" nature of Fallout made gore a more integral part of the gameplay experience.

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 highlighted the game's compelling RPG elements and combat as key strengths, ultimately outweighing its shortcomings.

Recent reports from other former Bethesda developers have shed light on other development challenges, including extensive loading times, particularly noticeable in Neon. Since launch, Bethesda has implemented improvements, including a 60fps performance mode and the release of the Shattered Space expansion.