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 cut 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 diverse spacesuits proved insurmountable.

The technical challenges stemmed from the intricate details required for realistic dismemberment within spacesuits. Mejillones described the difficulties of accurately depicting suit damage, including helmet removal and the underlying flesh. He stated that the system became overly complex, with numerous factors to consider, such as varying suit designs, hoses, and helmet configurations. The advanced character creator, allowing for significant body size variations, further complicated the process.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment, a feature present in Fallout 4, Mejillones argued that such mechanics are more fitting for Fallout's satirical tone. He emphasized that the gore contributes to Fallout's playful, darkly humorous atmosphere.

Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, launched in September 2023 to over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review highlighted the game's compelling RPG elements and combat, despite acknowledging various challenges.

Recent reports from other former Bethesda developers have shed light on unexpected technical issues, such as extensive loading times, particularly within Neon. Since launch, Bethesda has actively addressed these problems, including the implementation of a 60fps performance mode. The Shattered Space expansion also launched in September.