Former Bethesda developer quits Starfield
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Former Bethesda Developer Quits Starfield

Former Bethesda developer quits Starfield due to too many meetings and large team size. Discover why Nate Purkeypile left to start his solo project

By David Ware Updated 12 December 2024 1 min read
Image: Just Purkey Games

A prominent former Bethesda developer quits Starfield, citing an overload of meetings and a desire for creative freedom. Nate Purkeypile, known for his work on Fallout 3, Skyrim, and Fallout 76, has left Bethesda to start his studio.

Overwhelming Meetings at Bethesda

Too Many Meetings Hindered Development

Purkeypile revealed that the number of meetings at Bethesda became overwhelming. The former Bethesda developer quit due to the constant meetings that weren't his preferred way to build games.

Large Team Size Caused Coordination Issues

With Starfield's development involving around 500 people across multiple studios, coordination became challenging. Purkeypile felt that the massive team size impeded efficient game development.

Transition to Solo Projects

Founding Just Purkey Games

After the former Bethesda developer quits Starfield, he founded his studio, Just Purkey Games. This move allowed him to focus on game creation without bureaucratic obstacles.

Developing The Axis Unseen

Purkeypile's first solo project, The Axis Unseen, is a heavy metal bowhunting horror game. It combines elements of Skyrim's stealth archer gameplay with a unique horror twist.

Insights from Other Former Bethesda Developers

Challenges in a Growing Company

Other developers, like Will Shen and Daryl Brigner, echoed similar sentiments. They discussed how Bethesda's growth made coordination complicated tasks.

The Need for Streamlined Development

These developers' experiences highlight the challenges in large-scale game development. The former Bethesda developer quit Starfield to seek a more streamlined and creative process.

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David Ware
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David Ware

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1,025 articlesWriting for iGame since 2024

David Ware is the Founder and Managing Editor of iGame Magazine. Since 2024 he has built igamemag.com into a trusted online destination for gamers and tech enthusiasts, covering the latest gaming news, in-depth game reviews, hardware and tech breakdowns, and practical guides.

How we write: every article is researched from official sources, such as developer posts, store pages and press releases, then fact-checked and edited by David Ware before it's published. We use AI tools to help with research and drafting.

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