Ex-Bethesda Designer Criticizes Starfield’s Procedural Planets for Failing to Reach the Heights of Fallout and Skyrim

Since its launch in 2023, Starfield has become known as Bethesda’s least memorable title. Comparisons to iconic games like Skyrim, which has been re-released numerous times, and Fallout, currently enjoying a TV adaptation, highlight Starfield’s struggle to resonate with players. Bruce Nesmith, a former designer at Bethesda, shared his insights in an interview with FRVR, commenting on the game’s shortcomings.

Starfield: A Missed Opportunity

Nesmith believes that while Starfield is an enjoyable game, it falls short of the high expectations set by previous Bethesda titles. He stated, “I don’t think it’s in the same calibre as the other two,” referencing Fallout and Skyrim. He praised the development team’s hard work but noted that the reliance on procedural generation led to missed potential.

Procedural Generation Challenges

• Nesmith emphasized that the game’s procedural planets did not meet player expectations.
• He suggested that the lack of compelling exploration opportunities diminished the overall experience.
• In his view, the game’s promise of delivering a unique space adventure was undercut by repetitive environments.

Nesmith, an enthusiast of space and amateur astronomy, pointed out a fundamental flaw: “Space is inherently boring.” He noted that the similar design of the planets detracted from the thrill that players anticipate in a Bethesda RPG. “When the planets start to feel very samey, that’s where it falls apart,” he explained.

Critique of Enemy Variety

Nesmith also criticized the enemy selection within Starfield. He expressed disappointment that most serious adversaries encountered were human foes, likening the alien creatures to mere background elements lacking depth. “They’re just there,” he said, highlighting the need for more engaging opponents that could enhance the storytelling aspect of the game.

The feedback from Nesmith echoes the skepticism noted by gaming experts prior to Starfield’s release. Critics like Wes Fenlon predicted the game might be less engaging than hoped, and Nesmith’s assessments lend credibility to those concerns.

Conclusion

Despite its respectable sales and the potential for future expansions, Starfield has yet to reach the acclaim of its predecessors. As the gaming community continues to critique Bethesda’s latest offering, the lessons learned from the game may guide future developments in the space RPG genre.