Former Starfield Artist Reveals Reason Graphic Violence Was Cut

Starfield's toned-down violence: A deliberate design choice

Bethesda's Starfield initially planned for significantly more graphic violence, including decapitations and elaborate kill animations. However, a former Bethesda artist, Dennis Mejillones, revealed that technical limitations prevented the implementation of these features. The sheer variety of character suits and helmets presented animation challenges, potentially leading to unrealistic or glitchy depictions of violence. Given Starfield's persistent technical issues even after multiple updates, this decision appears justifiable.

The omission of graphic violence wasn't solely a technical constraint. Mejillones also highlighted the tonal differences between Starfield and the Fallout series, where gore often contributes to the game's humor. Starfield aims for a more grounded and realistic sci-fi experience, making over-the-top violence incongruous with its overall atmosphere. While Starfield incorporates elements from other Bethesda titles (like recent Doom-inspired content), excessive gore would likely have disrupted the game's immersive quality.

Although some fans desire more realism, particularly in areas like nightclubs, the inclusion of gratuitous violence might have further undermined the game's intended tone and sense of realism. Bethesda's decision to temper the graphic violence, therefore, appears to be a strategic choice aligning with the game's overall design philosophy, even if it deviates from the studio's previous, more violent titles.