Bethesda's Starfield initially featured planned gore and dismemberment mechanics, but these were ultimately removed due to technical complexities. Dennis Mejillones, a former character artist who worked on Skyrim, Fallout 4, and Starfield, explained to Kiwi Talkz that integrating these mechanics with the game's diverse space suits proved too challenging.
The intricate design of the suits, including helmets and various attachments, created significant technical hurdles. Mejillones described the resulting system as a "big rat's nest," highlighting the numerous factors that needed consideration, such as realistic helmet removal and the interaction with underlying character models. The advanced character creator, allowing for significant body size variations, further complicated the implementation.
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 "tongue in cheek" nature of Fallout enhances the impact of such features.
Launched in September 2023, Starfield has already attracted over 15 million players. IGN's 7/10 review praised the game's expansive RPG elements and combat, despite acknowledging various challenges. Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer highlighted unexpected loading issues, particularly in Neon. Since launch, Bethesda has implemented improvements, including a 60fps performance mode and the Shattered Space expansion, also released in September.