Starfield sandwiches prove the technical complexity of Bethesda’s game.
Since the confirmation that Starfield will be limited to 30 fps in its Xbox version To “maintain consistency”, the controversy has taken over the networks fearing that we are facing a new case of unfinished game, as happened to Redfall. Although, unlike the Arkane Austin game, there could be compelling technical reasons in this Bethesda decision that can really condition the operation of the game, and the best example of this is some sandwiches.
Sandwiches have become a Starfield icon since that first teaser trailer where it could be seen a half-eaten sandwich next to a thermos of coffee inside the ship that was about to start engines for takeoff. Today they serve to explain the operation of some of the most demanding Starfield systems.
The complexity of the food of the future
That Starfield teaser sandwich became so popular that during the Starfield Direct, where an in-depth look at its playable options was shared, the sandwiches once again had their moment of glory. This innocent clip could be seen as a simple joke, but hides a technical complexity which can condition the entire game and whether or not it works at 30 fps on Xbox Series X | S.
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Jamie: Hold my sandwich 🥪 pic.twitter.com/nCdRcahaXv
— Starfield (@StarfieldGame) June 14, 2023
Like other Bethesda games, Starfield allows pick up items, carry them in your inventory and drop them on the spot what you want. This simple function, which a priori seems unimportant, implies that Starfield records in real time the location and position of hundreds or even thousands of these physical objects within the game world. and we talk about a gigantic open world with hundreds of planets, cities and all kinds of environments. According to John Linneman, from Digital Foundry, this could be one of the clear examples of why starfield needs to be capped at 30fps on consoles.
While it’s used as a gag in the video, this sandwich pirate concept highlights on reason why 60 fps would be tough to achieve. Like prior BGS titles, it seems that Starfield tracks the location and position of arbitrary items in the world. Given the scope… https://t.co/ym37nIqf1n
—John Linneman (@dark1x) June 12, 2023
To this we must add other factors such as dozens of NPCs with their own AIs, resolution, post-processing effects, etc. In other words, a very complex technical section that required sacrifices to be able to reach those 60 stable fps on consoles. As explained by Dannie Carlone, environment designer at Sony Santa Monica, creators of God of War.
Game dev here, big fan btw. Wanted to clarify It’s not a sign of an unfinished game. It’s a choice. 60fps on this scale would be a large hit to the visual fidelity. My guess is they want to go for a seamless look and less “pop in”. And of course your right to dislike the choice
—Dannie Carlone (@Corgiboltz) June 12, 2023
Be that as it may, Starfield will hit stores next September 6 exclusively for Xbox Series X|S and PC consoles with one of the largest and most ambitious bets that we have seen in recent years. And with some faces familiar to Bethesda fans.