As the release of the Starfield Shattered Space DLC approaches, Todd Howard, the head of Bethesda, shares insights into the game’s development during a recent interview with BAFTA. He reflects on the significant challenges the studio faced while creating the sci-fi RPG, particularly emphasizing the innovative planet-generating technology that sparked discussions about the game’s overall feel.
Howard highlights Bethesda’s philosophy of minimizing content cuts, which leads to their expansive games being termed “irresponsibly large.” He attributes the uniqueness of their projects to the collective creativity of the entire team, which includes artists, engineers, writers, and others.
In discussing his role as director, Howard underscores the collaborative effort involved in developing vast worlds like those found in Starfield and Skyrim. He admits that the project was particularly challenging, with seven years dedicated to discovering the enjoyable elements of the game.
Surprisingly, he initially thought the process of uncovering these elements would take less time. He points to the doubts about the practicality of generating planets but acknowledges that successfully implementing this feature became a crucial aspect of the gameplay, enriching the solar system players explore.
Howard elaborates on the two main challenges faced during the development of Starfield: technological and design-related. On the technical side, the challenge was generating a multitude of planets, while the design aspect focused on creating engaging interactions for players.
He stresses the importance of ensuring that every moment of gameplay is enjoyable, despite the ambitious scale of the project. While he initially questioned whether the planet generation was a worthwhile concept, Howard emphasizes its eventual success as a vital part of the game’s appeal.
Despite the innovations in Starfield, Howard has recognized mixed responses from fans regarding its world design. He notes that not every player may be satisfied with the different exploration styles that Starfield offers compared to Bethesda’s traditional handcrafted games.
Many fans have expressed a longing for the spontaneity and intricate detail seen in titles like Skyrim, which reflects their desire for a familiar gameplay experience. Howard acknowledges this feedback, understanding that varying expectations accompany each franchise.
Looking ahead, Shattered Space is positioned as the first major content drop in a series of planned annual expansions for Starfield. Howard envisions a long-term commitment to post-launch support, drawing parallels to the enduring legacy of Skyrim.
This ambition indicates that Bethesda is investing considerable resources into Starfield, aiming to create a lasting experience for players that mirrors the success of their previous franchises. Howard’s reflections on the development process and fan feedback showcase the studio’s dedication to balancing innovation and tradition in their game design.
