Why Bethesda Passed the Torch: The Story Behind Fallout: New Vegas
Bethesda didn’t make Fallout: New Vegas because they were deeply immersed in developing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. With Skyrim slated for release just three years later and poised to become a monumental success, Bethesda chose to delegate the project to Obsidian Entertainment, providing them with the Fallout 3 engine and assets. This strategic move allowed Bethesda to focus on their flagship franchise while still benefiting from a new Fallout title, effectively outsourcing development and guaranteeing profits.
The Circumstances Surrounding New Vegas’ Development
Bethesda’s decision wasn’t simply about outsourcing work. It was a calculated business move that allowed them to maximize their resources. While internally they had their plates full with Skyrim, a game that demanded a large team and significant resources, the allure of expanding the Fallout universe was undeniable. Bethesda acquired the rights to Fallout in 2007 and after the success of Fallout 3, they had no plans to abandon the series.
Obsidian Entertainment, known for its strong narrative focus and RPG expertise (evident in titles like Knights of the Old Republic II), was a logical choice. Bethesda gave Obsidian “everything” they had on Fallout 3, which meant the engine, art assets, and established world. Obsidian was tasked with creating a new story, characters, and location within the Fallout universe.
This arrangement was beneficial for both parties. Bethesda could maintain focus on Skyrim, ensuring its quality and timely release, while simultaneously profiting from a new Fallout installment. Obsidian received a valuable project and the opportunity to work within a beloved franchise. This is a fairly common practice in the gaming industry, allowing companies to keep a pipeline of games in development while maintaining control over their core franchises. It’s not dissimilar to how the Call of Duty franchise has multiple developers working on a rotating schedule.
Bethesda’s Focus: Skyrim Takes Priority
The development of Skyrim was a massive undertaking, and Bethesda dedicated a significant portion of its resources to this project. Skyrim represented a leap forward in open-world RPG design and required significant development time. This focus on a core title meant they didn’t have the capacity to manage another Fallout title concurrently.
Obsidian’s Narrative Prowess
Obsidian Entertainment excelled at crafting compelling narratives and character-driven experiences. Fallout, with its rich lore and potential for complex storylines, was a perfect fit for Obsidian’s strengths. Bethesda recognised this and trusted Obsidian to deliver a narrative experience that would resonate with fans. The team at Obsidian was familiar with the type of games players were looking for from the franchise. Further exploration of the narrative elements in video games can be found at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Financial Considerations
Bethesda also benefited financially from this arrangement. By outsourcing development to Obsidian, Bethesda reduced their upfront costs and guaranteed a revenue stream from the game’s sales. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement that allowed both companies to leverage their strengths. Additionally, if Obsidian met a set benchmark in the game’s reception, they would earn a bonus. This bonus system has been disputed, as Obsidian did not meet the benchmark and therefore did not earn the bonus.
Fallout: New Vegas: A Unique Entry in the Fallout Universe
While Bethesda published Fallout: New Vegas, Obsidian brought their distinct design philosophies to the game. This led to several key differences between New Vegas and other Fallout titles, contributing to its unique appeal.
Fallout: New Vegas is often praised for its strong narrative, player choice, and complex factions. Obsidian created a world where player actions had meaningful consequences, shaping the story and the fate of the Mojave Wasteland. This emphasis on player agency and reactivity is a hallmark of Obsidian’s design philosophy.
The Legacy of New Vegas
Despite not being developed directly by Bethesda, Fallout: New Vegas has become a fan favorite, and is considered by many to be the best Fallout game. Its enduring popularity speaks to the quality of Obsidian’s work and the enduring appeal of the Fallout universe. The legacy of New Vegas can be seen in the continued calls for a sequel and the lasting influence it has had on the franchise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Bethesda make Fallout: New Vegas?
No, Fallout: New Vegas was developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks. Bethesda provided Obsidian with the Fallout 3 engine and assets.
2. Why did Bethesda let Obsidian make New Vegas?
Bethesda was focused on developing The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and chose to delegate the Fallout project to Obsidian. This allowed them to focus on their core franchise while still benefiting from a new Fallout title.
3. Is Fallout 4 not as good as New Vegas?
This is subjective, but many fans prefer Fallout: New Vegas due to its stronger narrative, deeper RPG elements, and more meaningful player choices. Fallout 4 has its merits, including updated gameplay mechanics and base-building features, but the story and character development are sometimes viewed as less compelling.
4. Is Fallout 3 worse than New Vegas?
Both games have their strengths. Fallout 3’s Capital Wasteland is often praised for its exploration and atmosphere, while Fallout: New Vegas excels in gameplay mechanics and engaging missions. Ultimately, the “better” game depends on individual preferences.
5. Why does Bethesda ignore Fallout New Vegas?
Bethesda doesn’t necessarily “ignore” Fallout: New Vegas. However, it’s not Bethesda’s creation, and they primarily focus on developing and promoting their own Fallout titles. The game continues to be popular among fans.
6. Is Fallout: New Vegas the best game ever made?
While subjective, Fallout: New Vegas is often regarded as one of the best games ever made due to its compelling storytelling, meaningful player choices, and rich world-building.
7. Is Fallout: New Vegas 2 a thing?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a Fallout: New Vegas sequel. Obsidian Entertainment is currently focused on other projects, but fans continue to express their desire for a follow-up.
8. How many years between Fallout 4 and New Vegas?
In terms of the in-game timeline, Fallout 4 takes place six years after Fallout: New Vegas.
9. Has Fallout: New Vegas 2 been confirmed?
No, Obsidian Entertainment has confirmed that they are not currently working on a Fallout: New Vegas sequel.
10. What is the point of Fallout: New Vegas?
The main point of Fallout: New Vegas is for the player, as Courier Six, to seek revenge on those who wronged them while shaping the future of the Mojave Wasteland through their choices and actions.
11. Did Obsidian get paid for New Vegas?
Yes, Obsidian got paid for developing Fallout: New Vegas. They were also offered a bonus based on the game’s Metacritic score, but they didn’t meet the criteria to receive it.
12. Does Obsidian still have rights to Fallout?
Bethesda owns the rights to the Fallout franchise. Obsidian developed Fallout: New Vegas under a contract with Bethesda.
13. Is Fallout 3 mentioned in New Vegas?
Yes, Fallout 3 is referenced in Fallout: New Vegas, but only in passing due to the geographical distance between the two games.
14. Did Fallout 3 happen before New Vegas?
Yes, the events of Fallout 3 take place before the events of Fallout: New Vegas in the timeline.
15. What was the most successful Fallout game?
Fallout 4 is often considered the most commercially successful Fallout game based on sales numbers.