It’s a tall order for any title, even from the legendary RPG developer Bethesda, to fully meet massive expectations. This rings true for Starfield, the space exploration game released in 2023. While it shares the same universe as popular franchises like Fallout and Elder Scrolls, it struggles to maintain the same level of enduring appeal. According to game designer Bruce Nesmith, procedural generation may be at fault for the game’s shortcomings.
In a recent interview with FRVR, Nesmith, known for his notable contributions to titles such as Oblivion and Skyrim, discussed Starfield’s criticism regarding its vast number of planets, which he believes feel largely uninhabited. “When the planets start to feel very samey and you don’t start to feel the excitement on the planets,” he states, “that’s to me where it falls apart.”
### Fresh Begins with The Outer Worlds
In related news, I’m currently diving into The Outer Worlds for the first time, fueled by a friend’s recommendation that it’s superior to Fallout. I’m eagerly anticipating its sequel, hoping it elevates the formula even further.
### Hopes for Starfield Enhancements
After two years into the game’s life cycle, Bethesda has listened to player feedback, pledging to enhance Starfield’s space travel experience. “Part of the team has been focused on space gameplay to make the travels there more rewarding,” they announced.
Nesmith elaborates on the challenges facing Starfield’s setting, stating that while he contributed to the astronomical aspects of the game, space itself can be dull. “Space is inherently boring. It’s literally described as nothingness. So moving throughout that isn’t where the excitement is, in my opinion.” He attributes the game’s inability to reach the iconic status of something like Oblivion to procedural generation factors, though this hasn’t hindered its popularity.
Currently, Oblivion Remastered boasts around 1,500 concurrent players based on SteamDB statistics, while Starfield has a respectable 2,900 players. Nesmith reflects, “If the same game had been released by not Bethesda, it would have been received differently. 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.”