Former Bethesda Developer Quits Starfield
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 difficult and simple tasks complicated.
The Need for Streamlined Development
The experiences of these developers highlight the challenges in large-scale game development. The former Bethesda developer quits Starfield to seek a more streamlined and creative process.