Why Bethesda Cut Gore and Dismemberment From Starfield

Bethesda's Starfield initially included plans for visceral gore and dismemberment effects, but technical hurdles forced their removal. Dennis Mejillones, a character artist who contributed to Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse spacesuits proved overly complex.

The intricate design of the suits, with their various components and hoses, created significant technical challenges. Mejillones described the resulting system as a "big rat's nest," highlighting the difficulty of accurately rendering damage to helmets and suits while maintaining realistic flesh and bone interactions. The complexity was further exacerbated by the game's character creator, which allows for significant body size variations.

While some fans expressed disappointment over 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 over-the-top violence contributes to Fallout's unique humor, stating, "It's part of the fun."

Despite this omission, Starfield's September 2023 launch propelled it to over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review praised its expansive role-playing elements and combat, acknowledging the game's considerable appeal despite its challenges.

Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer highlighted unexpected loading issues, particularly within Neon. However, Bethesda has since addressed various performance concerns, including the implementation of a 60fps performance mode. The Shattered Space expansion also launched alongside the main game in September.