Insights from a Starfield Designer: What Went Wrong with the Game’s Universe

Nate Purkeypile, a veteran environment artist and developer known for his work on iconic Bethesda titles, recently shared his thoughts on the ambitious Starfield in a fresh episode of The Examined Game podcast. He reflected on his experience at the studio and highlighted what he believes to be a significant misstep in the game’s design.

Although his official title was “environment artist,” Purkeypile’s contributions also ventured into level design. He played a crucial role in shaping Starfield’s city of Neon, which largely retained its original design in the final game. Purkeypile, who departed Bethesda early in Starfield’s development, has since launched his first solo project, The Axis Unseen, in 2024.

During the podcast, he emphasized the importance of intentional design and engaging points of interest, especially when it comes to exploration. “I think it’s best to minimize time spent in menus, particularly during exploration,” he noted. When questioned about whether he anticipated the disjointed, menu-heavy travel system in Starfield, Purkeypile expressed his concerns. “If I had the reins, I definitely wouldn’t have approached it that way,” he stated. “I would have focused on a few planets with unique layouts.” This approach is reminiscent of Obsidian’s style in The Outer Worlds.

He also mentioned that early in development, he saw similarities with Mass Effect 1, warning that the procedural generation of planets with repetitive dungeons might not work well. “If you’re going for thousands of planets, you need to take a page from No Man’s Sky and ensure they’re generating unique content continuously, rather than just mixing existing elements,” he advised. “While major cities in Starfield are impressive, the surrounding areas often feel empty, which diminishes the immersion.”

Many players have echoed these sentiments about Starfield’s vast but underwhelming universe. Purkeypile’s comments have reignited discussions among fans about the need for richer, more engaging exploration. He hopes that future titles like Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls 6 will avoid similar pitfalls.

In addition to his critiques, Purkeypile expressed excitement for the upcoming remaster of Fallout 3, hinting at intriguing changes that could enhance that beloved classic.

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