Starfield Ship Creator’s 4,000-Hour Passion Project
Starfield offers players an expansive universe, filled with countless planets, factions, and cities, where they can craft their own stellar adventures. Our choices, from character creation to our actions, shape this cosmic narrative. Central to this exploration are the ships. As described by Ryan Sears, lead ships artist, in a Starfield event last June, a ship feels “like an additional character or home you can personalize”. In Bethesda’s upcoming RPG, ship customization, including building, modifying, and crew assignment, stands out as a major feature.
Recent gameplay insights showed extensive ship customization options, even allowing designs reminiscent of Optimus Prime. Fan-made ship concepts, leading up to the game’s release, amplify the anticipation. Michael Thomas (known as Its_All_Pixels on Reddit) showcased a Starfield-inspired ship model on Blender that even got Bethesda’s nod.
Thomas shared, “I’ve devoted three months to this version, working on it daily outside my job. It’s a passion project I cherish. I’m now working on its interior, aiming for a complete ship animation. I’ve logged over 4,400 hours in Blender 3D on Steam, with even more prior to its Steam release.”
“NASA punk”
Custom Starfield inspired ship built in Blender, 99% of exterior textures complete but had to take some beauty shots
by u/Its_all_pixels in Starfield
After Bethesda showcased Starfield’s videos and concept art last year, Thomas was inspired to craft his own ship design. “Blender 3D was my tool, and what captured my attention about Starfield’s ships was their modular and realistic nature. Most sci-fi ships lack this edge of realism and modular aspect,” Thomas notes.
Bethesda’s “Nasa-punk” aesthetic with a retro, analogue feel, portraying equipment as “worn and lived-in”, influenced Thomas’ design. I was drawn to the minor details in his ship — the scratches on the exhaust panels, hinting at its utility and wear. It’s clear why his intricate design has garnered acclaim from both the studio and fans.
Using PureRef, Thomas consolidated all Starfield’s concept arts and videos for reference. Studying these, he understood how the design elements could mesh. “Embracing the modular concept, I envisioned a main cockpit linked to a hull, with cargo modules leading to engines,” he elaborates.
Thomas emphasizes the importance of creating sequentially: design, then texture, then detail. “My aim was a ship that felt real yet remained unmistakably sci-fi, with huge engines and interconnecting parts.”
While drawing inspiration from Bethesda’s ships, Thomas aimed for originality, especially with components like landing gear pods. “My designs, such as the rear air lock and ramp, are unique and functional. The engineering is grounded in realism,” he adds.
Lastly, Thomas gives a nod to fellow Blender user, Markom3D. “Markom3D’s tutorials and Discord community shaped my Blender journey, helping me with animations and textures. His foundational textures enabled me to add my creative spin,” he appreciates.
Take flight
When questioned about his expectations for ship customization in Starfield, Thomas expresses his anticipation for the depth of customization, particularly how modifying a section can alter the ship’s interior ambiance. Thomas is eager to discover the range of ship varieties Bethesda’s universe will offer.
His Starfield-inspired ship has generated significant buzz on Reddit, even earning Bethesda’s acknowledgment on Twitter. Thomas reflects, “The feedback has been overwhelming. What began as a short-term project evolved into a passionate endeavor. I’ve poured my heart into refining and perfecting every detail, constantly seeking feedback and striving for excellence.”
Recounting the many revisions, he mentions, “I reworked the landing gear multiple times for that perfect sci-fi touch. The appreciation on Reddit was heartwarming, and Bethesda’s endorsement was simply astounding. Sharing one’s creation and witnessing the reception is truly rewarding. Now, I’m more motivated to realize the final design for this ship and share it with those who have appreciated it.”
The creative wave that Starfield’s ship features have set into motion pre-launch is commendable. With enthusiasts like Thomas showcasing brilliant concepts, the anticipation for the community’s in-game creations is palpable, especially with Starfield’s imminent release this September.
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