Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
When Todd Howard, the mastermind behind Bethesda’s greatest hits, set out to createStarfield,he had a vision – steer clear of the usual sci-fi clichés.
In an interview, he explained how he wantedStarfieldto stand apart from the polished, futuristic aesthetic typical of many sci-fi franchises, particularlyStar Trek. Howard aimed to build a universe that felt lived-in and practical, very different from the sleek, pristine environments often seen in space operas.
The Difference Between Fallout and Starfield’s Aesthetic
Falloutis a goldmine of sci-fi tropes. Mutants roam the wasteland, survivors are camped up in underground vaults, and resources are very scarce. These elements create a gritty, harsh world that’s both captivating and familiar to fans of the genre. ForFallout 3and4, Howard and his team crafted a universe rich with history and detail, where every corner of the wasteland tells a story.
“Minecraft is like that…”: Unlike Skyrim, Starfield is So Far Away from Minecraft in One Regard Even Todd Howard Can’t Deny the Gulf in Quality
According to Howard,Fallout’scharm lies in its ability to balance these familiar elements with unique storytelling, creating a setting that’s both recognizable and fresh.
However, when it came toStarfield,Howardwanted to take a different approach. Instead of following in the footsteps ofStar Trek,with its gleaming starships and utopian future, he aimed for something more grounded. Howard’s vision for the game was influenced by a desire to create a setting that feels like a natural extension of our current world, with both the good and the bad in equal measure.
In aninterviewwith Esquire from 2023, he said that he wanted spaceships that looked like they had seen some wear and tear, not the spotless vessels ofStar Trek.
Breaking Away From Sci-Fi Tropes
By avoiding common sci-fi tropes, Howard hoped to give players a fresh experience.Starfieldwasn’t about sleek, perfect technology or an idealized future. It’s about humanity’s journey into the stars, complete with all its messiness and imperfections. This approach helps to ground the game in a sense of reality, making the exploration of space feel like a continuation of our own world.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 has Shades of Starfield and Redfall with the Latest Update Fans Can’t See Past
One good example of this was the city of Neon. It was filled with shady stuff going on behind the scenes and inhabitants living on the edge, barely trying to survive. Crime and lawlessness were rampant on one side of this city, while the other fared slightly better.
Cydonia and Akila City had similar styles too. Akila City was old-fashioned and western inspired, and Cydonia was congested, with a lot of people being forced to live there due to the mining operations. The quality of life was poor, and resources were limited in these cities, making it feel like another part of Earth and not the space.
Howard’svision for the gamewas a deliberate departure from the glossy, trope-filled worlds of traditional sci-fi likeStar Trek. By focusing on a more grounded, realistic portrayal of space, its cities, and its inhabitants, he aimed to create a universe that feels authentic and lived-in.
Are you looking forward toStarfield’sDLC? Let us know in the comments.
Suhaib Adeel
Gaming Writer
Articles Published :336
Suhaib is a Gaming Writer at FandomWire. He’s extremely passionate about video games and movies, and loves working in the pop culture space. Some of his favorite games include Fallout: New Vegas, Disco Elysium, Yakuza: Like a Dragon, Red Dead Redemption 2, Persona 5, Final Fantasy XII, Dishonored, The Last of Us Part II, and Bloodborne.
More from Suhaib Adeel
Dragon Age: The Veilguard – How to Romance Lace Harding?
9 Tips and Tricks to Make Your Dragon Age: The Veilguard Journey Easy
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – How to Prestige (and Everything You Need to Know)
Recommended
Brandon Sanderson’s ‘Isles of the Emberdark’ Ending Explained
Aubrey Plaza Says This Miles Teller Horror Movie Defined Her Grief After Husband’s Death
Tobey Maguire And Andrew Garfield’s Spider-Man Era Dies In 2027: Reports
George Lucas vs. Steven Spielberg: The Ultimate Showdown of Hollywood’s Richest Directors
Good Boy Filmmaker Reacts To Keanu Reeves’ Film While His Trailer Triggers Odd Query
Harry Potter TV Series on HBO: Who Are the New Weasleys? Details Inside
Bethesda Game StudiosStarfieldTodd Howard
