Starfield gets some new info and other musings in an interview with Todd Howard. He talks about many points, both old and new.

Starfield: More Info Surfaces in Kinda Funny Todd Howard Interview

Todd Howard, renowned game developer and director at Bethesda Game Studios, recently shared details on the process of creating the highly anticipated game, Starfield. In an over 40 minute interview, Howard discussed the challenges and decisions involved in showcasing a game of such magnitude within a limited timeframe.

While we do gloss over a lot of information that was previously shown off in the recent deep dive, there’s still a lot to unpack and appreciate in the interview. We’ve condensed the major points here. 

An Amazing Scope of the Stars

Reflecting on previous experiences, Howard highlighted the team’s expertise in delivering captivating demos. He cited Fallout 4 and a sizeable Starfield demo from the previous year’s Xbox Showcase. The positive response from fans served as a driving force for the team. 

With Starfield being a new IP and an ambitious project, the team eagerly embraced the opportunity to provide a deep dive into the game during the Starfield Direct presentation.

Emphasizing the team’s pride in the presentation, Howard expressed satisfaction in being able to showcase previously unseen team members who have poured their passion into the game. While only a fraction of the team could be featured, their collective dedication and contributions have infused Starfield with immense potential, leaving Howard hopeful that players will share the team’s love for the game.

Creating Yourself

Howard also provided insights into Starfield’s character creation systems, focusing on the significance of backgrounds and traits. Backgrounds offer players a chance to make meaningful choices right from the start, allowing for immersive role-playing experiences. Meanwhile, traits, reminiscent of those found in Fallout, bring positive and negative effects to the gameplay, offering fresh ways to approach the game on subsequent playthroughs.

As the conversation delved into the skill tree and character progression, Howard shed light on the flexibility offered to players. The skill tree’s tiered structure grants players the freedom to focus on specific areas of expertise, with badges and patches unlocking as progress is made. This design choice encourages players to discover and share unique character builds.

Things to See and Do in Starfield

Moving on to gameplay specifics, Howard touched on the exploration and discovery aspect of Starfield. He reveals the ability for players to engage in activities outside of the main story, such as becoming a space pirate or smuggler. These additional roles have been carefully integrated into the game to ensure a seamless experience, with players encountering factions like the Crimson Fleet and facing contraband scans and other immersive systems during their journeys.

The interview took an amusing turn as Howard was asked about the possibility of fishing and engaging with alien creatures. While Howard left the door open for surprises, he humorously acknowledged the challenges of meeting all expectations. He reiterated the team’s commitment to striking a balance between hand-crafted and procedural content, assuring players that the thousand planets in Starfield will offer worthwhile experiences, even if certain activities remain technologically out of reach.

Howard further discussed the diversity of biomes, hazards, and planet sizes, noting that careful attention has been paid to ensure each planet’s unique characteristics and challenges. Weather patterns, radiation levels, and temperature variations influence gameplay, necessitating suitable preparations and adding another layer to the exploration aspect. However, Howard made it clear that spacefaring activities are prioritized over land vehicles. He highlights the exhilarating experience of using the boost pack and traversing low-gravity planets. 

In Space, Nobody Can Hear You Scream

Addressing companions and crew members, Howard detailed the depth of their interactions. As expected, we’ll have the option to embark on individual questlines and romances with the main Constellation companions. He also confirmed that companions would respect personal boundaries, while still evolving based on player decisions. While the Constellation companions were given extensive development, Howard suggested that romances with other companions might not be as involved.

Howard was also asked about Steam Deck compatibility. However, he deferred the topic for future discussions. This left the handheld’s fans eager for more details to come.

Lastly, Howard discussed the integration of music in Starfield, emphasizing its role in setting the game’s mood. Collaborating with renowned composer Inon Zur, the team has crafted another high-impact soundtrack. This dynamic score adapts to the game’s current state. It thus seamlessly transitions between tracks to heighten immersion during pivotal moments.

Standby for Planetfall

Todd Howard’s interview offered fans a deeper understanding of the thought and effort invested in Starfield’s development. With its focus on player agency, the expansive 1000-planet universe, and immersive gameplay elements, Starfield aims to deliver an unparalleled NASA-punk experience when it launches in the near future. 

Starfield launches worldwide on September 6, 2023. However, purchasers of the Premium and Collector’s editions will be able to play 5 days early. It is exclusive to the Microsoft ecosystem, dropping only on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Be sure to jump on over to the Starfield Wiki for more info on the game. 

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