Would A Smaller Starfield Have Been A Better Game?

03.11.2023 - 20:33 / screenrant.com / Todd Howard / Bruce Nesmith

is a massive game, touting over 100 different star systems and 1,000 planets in its enormous scope. Sadly, since the game launched, many have complained that while expansive, the Settled Systems in feel empty, making its thousand planets far less appealing and impressive. Recently, however, it's been revealed by an ex-Bethesda employee that early in the game's development, conversations took place that may have resulted in a completely different game.

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Specifically, could have had far fewer systems and planets, but as a result, each planet would have much more content-filled, vibrant worlds. This revelation is an interesting concept that leaves some wondering whether a smaller universe may have resulted in a superior title.

In a MinnMax interview, ex-Bethesda employee and lead designer of, Bruce Nesmith, claimed that at one point early in the game's development, conversations about 's massive scope were at the center of conversations. Nesmith says, "" Later, he would lightly criticize Todd Howard by claiming that the 100 solar systems in was a number ""

Though there's a ton to do within the procedurally generated spaces of the universe, many detractors of the title have claimed that the game feels vacant and empty, even with the 1,000 planets in the Settled Systems. Part of this is due to the game's procedural generation and the nature of planets within space generally, as the vast majority can't sustain living organisms. Or, at least, that's the reasoning that Bethesda has given as to why some of the procedurally generated elements of certain planets feel barren and lifeless.

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That being said, the goal of astrological accuracy should never come in conflict with having a fun space exploration title, and other games have been able to accomplish this, even within procedurally generated landscapes. The most obvious of which would be 2016's, which was initially lambasted for poor optimization and lacking many features that were promised pre-launch. This would come to affect the British development company behind the title, Hello Games, though today, the game has largely redeemed itself and has been praised by both critics and players alike for its updates.

No Man's Sky boasts 4.2 billion regions using its procedural generation system.

A lesser-known but equally expansive title,, boasts over 400 billion star systems within its procedurally generated universe. Though that game has space travel that enables the seamless landing on planets visited throughout the universe, it also has a multitude of empty planets, albeit — usually with more interesting terrain. Though the game