Former Starfield Artist Reveals Reason Graphic Violence Was Cut

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

Bethesda's Starfield, while featuring robust combat, notably lacks the graphic violence prevalent in previous titles like Fallout. This wasn't a random omission; a former Bethesda artist, Dennis Mejillones, revealed it was a conscious decision driven by both technical limitations and narrative considerations.

Initially, Starfield was envisioned with far more visceral violence, including decapitations and elaborate kill animations. However, Mejillones explained on the Kiwi Talkz podcast that the sheer variety of character suits and helmets presented significant technical hurdles. Accurately animating such violence across this diverse range proved too challenging, risking unrealistic or glitchy visuals—a concern amplified by Starfield's persistent post-launch technical issues.

Beyond the technical aspects, the stylistic choice also aligned with Starfield's overall tone. Unlike Fallout's darkly humorous approach to gore, Starfield aims for a more grounded and realistic sci-fi experience. The inclusion of over-the-top executions, while potentially exciting, risked disrupting this intended atmosphere and immersion. While Starfield has incorporated elements from other Bethesda franchises (like the recent Doom-inspired content), its overall aesthetic leans towards a more mature and less overtly violent presentation.

This decision, while potentially disappointing to some fans who desire even greater realism (as evidenced by criticisms of the game's nightclubs), ultimately seems to have been a calculated move to maintain consistency with Starfield's intended tone and avoid further complicating its already complex technical landscape. The absence of graphic violence, therefore, represents a deliberate stylistic choice rather than an oversight.