Starfield Dev Reveals Why the Game Isn’t ‘in the Same Caliber’ as Fallout and Elder Scrolls
Starfield systems designer Bruce Nesmith has pointed out procedural generation as a big reason Bethesda’s 2023 RPG failed to live up to standards set by Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Coming from the same developer, it was impossible for Starfield to avoid constant comparisons to Bethesda’s other flagship franchises.
Although Starfield was met largely with critical acclaim upon its 2023 release, the community response was a little more tepid. Many felt that it didn’t fully live up to the promise of what a Bethesda-developed space RPG could be, instead falling flat in multiple areas. The game still sold well – it’s a Bethesda game, after all. But its staying power already feels somewhat diminished, with the game now consistently averaging fewer concurrent players than both Skyrim: Special Edition and Fallout 4 according to SteamDB.
Starfield Designer Blames Procedural Generation For Game’s Shortcomings
Speaking on an upcoming episode of the FRVR Podcast, Starfield systems designer Bruce Nesmith clarified that he does think Bethesda’s space RPG is a solid title. “I don’t think it’s in the same caliber as the other two, you know, Fallout or Skyrim, or Elder Scrolls rather, but I think it’s a good game. I worked on it, I’m proud of the work I did. I’m proud of the work that the people I knew did on it.” However, when placing the blame for Starfield‘s player complaints, Nesmith says he “leans towards procedural generation,” which was used for many of the game’s planets.
Nesmith explained that “space is inherently boring. It’s literally described as nothingness. So moving throughout that isn’t where the excitement is, in my opinion. But when the planets start to feel very samey and you don’t start to feel the excitement on the planets, that’s to me where it falls apart. I was also disappointed when, pretty much, the only serious enemy you fought were people… there’s lots of cool alien creatures, but they’re like the wolves in Skyrim. They’re just there, they don’t contribute.”
I don’t think it’s in the same caliber as the other two, you know, Fallout or Skyrim, or Elder Scrolls rather, but I think it’s a good game.
In the two years since Starfield’s release, there have been a few attempts from developers to provide some explanation as to why the game didn’t resonate quite as much with some players as Bethesda’s other franchises. Earlier this year, former Bethesda dev Nate Purkeypile claimed that Starfield was too sterile, which could be one potential reason. However, the overall issue is likely to be too complex to ever be simplified to one problem over another.
For the players who are still enjoying everything Starfield has to offer, Bethesda still has some new content coming. It was revealed earlier this year that a second Starfield story DLC is on the way, following last year’s Shattered Space. It remains to be seen just how long the developer will continue to support the game, especially as its focus shifts towards The Elder Scrolls 6.
Systems
Released
September 6, 2023
ESRB
M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood, Suggestive Themes, Use of Drugs, Strong Language, Violence
