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Why Bethesda Cut Gore and Dismemberment From Starfield

By ZoeyFeb 23,2025

Bethesda's Starfield initially planned to feature visceral gore and dismemberment, but technical hurdles forced its removal. 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 spacesuits proved insurmountable.

The intricate design of various suits presented significant technical challenges. Mejillones detailed the need for realistic helmet removal, flesh-revealing undersuits, and careful consideration of numerous details like hoses and other equipment. The resulting system became overly complex, leading to its abandonment. He also cited the advanced character creator and its ability to significantly alter body size as a contributing factor.

While some fans expressed disappointment, particularly given Fallout 4's inclusion of such features, Mejillones argued that the mechanics fit Fallout's humorous tone better than Starfield's. He noted the "tongue-in-cheek" nature of Fallout's violence as a key element of its appeal.

Despite this omission, Starfield, Bethesda's first major single-player RPG in eight years, has still achieved remarkable success, attracting over 15 million players since its September 2023 release. IGN's 7/10 review praised its expansive quests and satisfying combat.

Recent revelations from another former Bethesda developer highlighted unexpected loading issues, especially noticeable in Neon. However, Bethesda has actively addressed post-launch issues, including a performance mode upgrade enabling 60fps gameplay. The "Shattered Space" expansion also launched in September.

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