The relationship between creatives and their audiences is always complex. More often than not, it’s full of tension. Emil Pagliarulo, the design lead of Bethesda’s much-criticized space epic, Starfield, recently went on X to voice his thoughts on this dynamic, particularly focusing on the criticism the game has received from the public. Pagliarulo’s comments highlight the often misunderstood and underappreciated challenges of game development, while also revealing a growing disconnect between game developers and their audience.
Interestingly enough, Pagliarulo likened the understanding of game development by most critics to guessing what’s the process of making a Hostess Twinkie without working in the factory. His analogy underscores the complexity and often unseen efforts that go into creating a video game. He acknowledges the right of consumers to voice their opinions in a game they bought, but also points out the lack of understanding about the intricacies of game development among harsh naysayers.
The Starfield lead emphasized that making games is a long, challenging, and arduous process, involving a multitude of decisions, constraints, and often, concessions. Pagliarulo’s long-standing career in the industry has given him the sort of rare insight that escapes most people as he has first-hand experience into the myriad of struggles developers face – from managing shifting resources and looming deadlines to grappling with creative decisions. He stressed that the final product is a result of numerous compromises and tough choices, often dictated by external factors such as technology limitations and team dynamics.
Loooong🧵 (1/15) Funny how disconnected some players are from the realities of game development, and yet they speak with complete authority. I mean, I can guess what it takes to make a Hostess Twinkie, but I don't work in the factory, so what the hell do I really know? Not a lot.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
Pagliarulo’s remarks come at a time when criticism of video games, particularly those from major studios like Bethesda, is rampant on the internet.
Critics often focus on various aspects of games, from gameplay mechanics to narrative quality. The argument exists that Bethesda should have designed Starfield differently to make it a better game, pointing out areas like its combat system, the loading times, and visual elements that could have been improved. However, Pagliarulo’s comments also help draw attention to a significant aspect often overlooked in the discourse around video games: the creators’ intentions and the harsh realities of game development. He insists that no developer sets out to make a bad game and that a majority of them are incredibly talented, even if the final product doesn’t meet everyone’s expectations. Pagliarulo’s perspective is a reminder that video game development is an intricate process, often constrained by factors beyond the developers’ control.
Nevertheless, this hasn’t stopped the criticism of Starfield. If anything, it only adds fuel to the “hate train”. But, while Pagliarulo does raise certain points about how the internet can get carried away with off-handed comments, Starfield isn’t without its fair share of glaringly disappointing faults.
From its weak writing and narrative structure, to the quests, which lack coherence, and a universe that feels unfinished as well as the general absence of compelling sci-fi elements, Starfield falls way short of expectations, especially as it’s a game from a storied developer like Bethesda.
Ironically, majority of the criticism aimed at Starfield targets the storytelling, an element featuring direct involvement from Pagliarulo, the game’s design lead.
It’s clear that the target audience for Starfield seek immersive experiences with deep narratives and engaging gameplay – something that Starfield appears to lack.
Pagliarulo’s comments also touch on a larger issue within the gaming industry – the tendency to blame the consumers for high expectations. With the increasing hype surrounding AAA titles, players’ expectations are often set extremely high. When these expectations aren’t met, it creates a chasm between the developers and the audience. Pagliarulo’s view that the game is a miracle calls for better understanding.
Ultimately, Emil Pagliarulo’s remarks about the criticism of Starfield open a window into the complexities of video game development and the often challenging relationship between game creators and their audience. His comments serve as a reminder of the hard work and difficult decisions that go into creating a video game, and a call for a more nuanced understanding of the process by the gaming community.
While criticism is a natural and necessary part of the industry, it is also important for it to be informed and constructive, taking into account the realities of game development.
With Bethesda promising bigger things for Starfield, perhaps the best has yet to come.
