Why Bethesda Cut Gore and Dismemberment From Starfield

Bethesda's Starfield initially incorporated plans for graphic gore and dismemberment, but technical hurdles forced their removal. Dennis Mejillones, a former character artist contributing to Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that the complexity of integrating these mechanics with the game's spacesuits proved insurmountable.

The technical challenges stemmed from the intricate design of the suits. Mejillones detailed the necessity of realistic helmet removal, flesh simulation beneath the suit, and the complications arising from various suit configurations and hose placements. He described the resulting system as overly complex, a "big rat's nest." The significant evolution of the character creator, allowing for considerable body size variations, further exacerbated these difficulties.

While some fans expressed disappointment over the absence of gore and dismemberment – features present in Fallout 4 – Mejillones argued that these mechanics are more fitting for Fallout's humorous tone. He noted that the gore contributes to Fallout's "tongue in cheek" style, stating, "It's part of the fun."

Despite this omission, Starfield, Bethesda's first full single-player RPG in eight years, has attracted 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, overcoming various challenges.

Recent commentary from another former Bethesda developer underscored the unexpected number of loading screens, particularly noticeable in Neon. Bethesda has since addressed performance issues, including the implementation of a 60fps performance mode. The "Shattered Space" expansion also launched in September.