In the world of video games, few names are as well-known and valued as Todd Howard’s. As the Game Director and Executive Producer at Bethesda Game Studios, he is renowned for creating games that feature innovative storytelling and expansive worlds. With the release of Starfield, another one of his ambitious works, he has once again pushed the boundaries of the medium.
However, despite how ambitious his desires are, he tried his best to steer the project away from the glossy aesthetics of classic sci-fi franchises and instead aimed to bring authenticity and reality. In an interview, he even mentioned that he loves sci-fi but doesn’t want his work to go beyond reality, as it often does in Star Trek.
In an interview, Todd Howard shared some insights on his motivation behind creating Starfield. He explained his fascination with space exploration is deeply personal (his brother was born on the day of the Apollo moon landing). So when discussing Starfield, he emphasized the importance of making the game feel real and utilitarian.
Howard wanted to create a game that resonates with players on a practical level, unlike Star Trek, which often presents a polished, utopian vision of the future. He always wanted to achieve the opposite of the TV series with the game, aiming to evoke a sense of wear and realism in players. He said:
You’re an explorer, who is arriving on this planet.
The spaceships and technology within the game are designed to feel as though they have a history (visuals of wearing down) and purpose, reinforcing the idea that they are tools for exploration rather than just some fantastical vehicles.
This approach reflects a broader trend in modern gaming, where developers are now seeking to create immersive worlds that feel more lived-in and real, rather than some sci-fi fantasy. By prioritizing utility and realism, Starfield offers players an experience that is both vast and relatable. His exact words were:
The ship needs to be one that has traveled around. It has some age on it. […] but not like really glossy science fiction. Not like Star Trek. It has to feel like it has utility.
By taking this realism-based approach, the game wants players to experience not only space battles and explore distant planets but also to reflect on their actions and their significance in the grander scheme of existence.
This narrative depth is the stark contrast from the often idealistic portrayals found in series like Star Trek, highlighting that the game is not just a fictional virtual world. Instead, it suggests that, in the future, humans might truly explore the universe as depicted in the game.
At first, the fans were not excited about the procedurally generated world of Starfield as it doesn’t feel the same as Bethesda’s other title, where everything was handcrafted with love and care to provide an exceptional experience. However, fans are gradually realising that this game is completely different from other series.
Now, fans adore the ambitious scope and innovative gameplay of the game. This appreciation is thanks to Howard’s dedication to carve out a unique identity for the game, one that stands apart in the crowded landscape of sci-fi entertainment.
As players prepare themselves to embark on their epic journey through the universe of Starfield, they are invited to explore not just the stars, but also the intricacies of human experience. Even though the world is procedurally generated, the world feels authentic and purposeful, ensuring that this exploration is as meaningful as it is exhilarating.
With Starfield, Howard has once again proven himself by fusing the wonder of space exploration with a grounded narrative that resonates with players. By simply prioritizing utility and realism over fictional fantasies, he has created a game that not only entertains but also provokes adventurers to think deeply about their journey.
In the end, as players enjoy the game’s new DLC Shattered Space, they are hoping to see how Howard will work his magic on his next ambitious project.
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