Among all of gaming, the Fallout series holds a special place in the heart of the gaming community. Its post-apocalyptic world has captured the community’s attention with intricate storytelling, engaging world-building, and moral choices.
The two titles that stand heads and shoulders above the rest are Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Both games offer players unique and innovative perspectives on the wasteland and its survivors. Josh Sawyer, Director of New Vegas, was also close to being part of Fallout 3 but lost the opportunity.
Sawyer’s Role in Fallout 3: A Missed Opportunity
In an interview, Josh Sawyer shed some light on his involvement in the franchise. He also shared the circumstances that led to his departure from Fallout 3 (Codenamed Van Buren). Despite having a pivotal role in crafting one of the best games in the series, New Vegas, his journey within the franchise was filled with challenges.
Sawyer revealed that he was given the opportunity to lead Van Buren‘s development after Bethesda acquired the rights to the franchise. However, due to creative differences and organizational dysfunction, he resigned from the studio and missed his opportunity to work on the game.
It was a dream of mine. Losing that hurt.
Todd Howard recognized Sawyer’s talent and capability but was unable to utilize his creative genius. However, as fate would have it, Sawyer then went on to work for Obsidian Entertainment and got to work on New Vegas. The game’s success showed why he would have been the right choice for Fallout 3.
Losing Sawyer’s involvement in the third iteration may have been a missed opportunity by Howard. As every fan still tries to imagine what if he had been allowed to leave his mark, where would that game be.
Community’s Debate: Fallout 3 vs. New Vegas
The gaming community is no stranger to the discussion surrounding what the best game is between Fallout 3 and New Vegas. Many believe that Fallout 3 is the only title in the series that comes close to or has the capability to surpass New Vegas.
It introduced players to the post-apocalyptic city of Washington D.C. where they could explore the open world and observe its immersive yet intense atmosphere. However, New Vegas took the series to new heights with its deep narrative and branching questlines.
As the Fallout universe continues to expand with the television series adaptation and future installments in the series, fans can only speculate on the road not taken and the games that might have been.
