Starfield Was Originally Planned to Have Much More Gore, Says Former Bethesda Dev
Former Bethesda Game Studios Character Artist Dennis Mejillones has revealed that Starfield was initially set to include a higher level of gore, but those plans were shelved due to both technical and thematic reasons. During an interview on KIWI TALKZ YouTube channel, Mejillones explained that the complexity of handling suits, helmets, and character body sizes made bloody dismemberment or gory effects difficult to implement, especially given Starfield’s more realistic aesthetic compared to the stylized violence seen in Fallout.
He elaborated that, unlike Fallout—where tongue-in-cheek gore and explosive carnage fit the series’ humor—Starfield aimed for a vibe closer to The Expanse and Star Trek, emphasizing a more grounded approach to space exploration. Mejillones also shared high praise for Todd Howard, whom he admires and considers a mentor.
For players who miss over-the-top violence, modders have already taken a crack at adding it back in. A new Gorefield mod available on NexusMods introduces increased gore effects, letting PC players experience a bit more splatter in their interstellar adventures.
Do you think Starfield could use more gore, or does its more realistic tone suit it better? Let us know in the comments below!
