Starfield: The Abandoned Dismemberment System and Development Insights
Starfield was initially designed with a gore and dismemberment mechanic reminiscent of the Fallout series, allowing players to engage in more visceral combat. However, these features were ultimately omitted from the final game.
In a recent discussion, a former senior character artist revealed that technical challenges surrounding the space suits played a significant role in this decision. He emphasized that the complexity of accurately modeling helmet interactions and ensuring realistic body proportions made the integration of such mechanics particularly challenging.
The character customization feature, which allows players to adjust body sizes, further complicated the implementation of gore. According to the artist, the game’s thematic direction also influenced this choice, as Starfield aims for a more realistic portrayal compared to the exaggerated style of Fallout.
"Fallout thrives on stylized violence and dark humor," he noted, pointing to perks that allow players to create chaotic scenarios. In contrast, Starfield’s intent on realism made the presence of dismemberment incompatible with its overall vision.
Feedback from former developers has highlighted various aspects of Starfield’s design, including unexpected loading screens and the current trend of player fatigue with lengthy games.
As of now, Starfield is available on both PC and Xbox Series X|S. While speculation surrounds a potential PS5 release, no official confirmation has been made. Additionally, the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls VI remains in development, yet details on its release date have been scarce since its announcement nearly seven years ago.
