Bethesda’s Starfield Falls Short of Fallout and Elder Scrolls Due to Repetitive Procedural Planets Says Designer
Starfield, Bethesda’s highly anticipated space exploration game, has faced criticism for its gameplay compared to iconic titles like Fallout and Elder Scrolls. Despite developer enthusiasm, some believe that procedural generation has limited the game’s longevity and depth.
Designer Insights on Starfield’s Limitations
Bruce Nesmith, a veteran game designer known for his work on Oblivion and Skyrim, shared his views on Starfield’s shortcomings. In a recent interview with FRVR, he pointed out that the vast number of procedural planets lacks distinctiveness.
- Repetitive Environments: Nesmith noted that the procedural generation makes many planets feel very similar, diminishing the thrill of exploration.
- Boring Space Experience: He emphasized that much of his work was on astronomical data, stating that space can feel “inherently boring.” This aspect affects overall excitement during gameplay.
Comparative Popularity of Bethesda Titles
While Starfield has garnered attention since its release, it has not achieved the same staying power as its predecessors. Currently, Starfield boasts around 2,900 concurrent players on Steam, whereas the remastered version of Oblivion holds a respectable 1,500 concurrent players.
The Future of Starfield
Despite its criticisms, Starfield is not without merit. Nesmith acknowledges that if it were developed by a different studio, reactions might differ significantly. He recognizes it as a “good game,” although not at the same level as Fallout or Elder Scrolls.
In response to player feedback, Bethesda has committed to enhancing Starfield’s space travel experience. They are actively working to make exploration more rewarding, indicating that improvements are on the horizon.
As Bethesda continues to evolve Starfield, fans will be watching closely to see if the game can elevate its standing among the legendary titles in the RPG genre.
