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Emil Pagliarulo suggests that many outspoken critics lack a true understanding of the intricacies of game development.
Starfield received mixed feedback, prompting people to share their thoughts. Design director Emil Pagliarulo then considered how certain critics confidently judged the game despite being disconnected from the actual development process.
Pagliarulo shared on Twitter his thoughts about the irony of players being disconnected from the realities of game development while confidently expressing opinions on the subject. To illustrate this point, he drew a parallel by stating: “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.”
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 mentioned two reasons why he restrains himself from being overly critical. First, he understands the difficulty of game development and respects those involved in the process. Second, he believes expressing unprofessional or uncool opinions goes against his principles. He recalled a time when he used to be a game reviewer and freely shared his thoughts, whether positive or negative.
(3/15) I don’t complain about games on social for two main reasons: 1.) I know how hard it is to make games, and have too much respect for my fellow devs. 2.) I work for a game studio, and it would be uncool and unprofessional for me to do so. But sometimes I want to. Oh boy.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(5/15) When I was writing game reviews for the Adrenaline Vault forever ago, I was absolutely that person who would say whatever I wanted about a game, good or bad. Sometimes the good was over-enthusiastically too good. And sometimes the bad was me being a sarcastic asshat.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(7/15) This isn’t me complaining about my job. I’ve experienced all these things, and will again. It’s the nature of AAA game development. But I also have a great position, and am still gainfully employed after 21+ years. A blessing considering the thousands of layoffs this year.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(9/15) See, I never knew this before, but if nothing else, video game development is a series of concessions and tough decisions. There’s that perfect game you WANT to make… and then there’s the game you CAN make. Sometimes, if the gods smile on you, those two are very close.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(11/15) And “team” is absolutely the operative word there. Lots and lots of folks doing lots of lots of work. Writing, level building, making character models, coding game systems, trying to schedule it all so it can get done and folks don’t burn out, and on and on.
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(13/15) Chances are, unless you’ve made a game yourself, you don’t know who made certain decisions; who did specific work; how many people were actually available to do that work; any time challenges faced; or how often you had to overcome technology itself (this one is HUGE).
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
(15/15) But… just know that the game you’re playing is in some ways a freaking miracle in and of itself. Normal people have come together to work FOR YEARS for one goal – to bring you fun and happiness. So it helps to remember that… and them! 🤓♥️
— Emil Pagliarulo (@Dezinuh) December 13, 2023
Bethesda remains committed to improving the game. The studio has announced plans for future updates in 2024, promising “all new ways of traveling” within the game, along with various fixes and enhancements.
