The Fallout universe has experienced a healthy boost in popularity due to the success of the recent Amazon series. Player counts have been significantly rising across entries like Fallout 4, Fallout 76, and even Fallout New Vegas, with many clamoring for a full-fledged Fallout 5.
Bethesda has timed the release of Fallout 4‘s next-gen update to coincide with this wave of popularity, but the newfound excitement for the post-apocalyptic series clashes with the harsh reality of a lengthy wait for the next entry, which is nearly a decade away.
Bethesda Currently Has Too Much On Its Plate With TES6
Fans are eager to explore the world of Fallout again, but Bethesda Game Studios, the franchise’s current developer, is currently busy with Starfield‘s upcoming Shattered Space DLC, and then The Elder Scrolls 6, which is already years from completion, with a speculated release window of 2028.
Bethesda has always taken their time with game development, and if 6–7 years is the norm, then Fallout 5 won’t be hitting the market before 2034-2035. This delay has incited a debate among the Fallout fanbase: outsource the IP to a different developer and prioritize a faster release, or wait for a potentially superior Bethesda-made Fallout 5 in ten years?
The recent Fallout 4 next-gen update did little to quell fan frustration, as it released with issues across all platforms (typical Bethesda). This, coupled with the franchise’s current boom, puts Bethesda owner Xbox in a tight spot.
Another Studio Could Develop Fallout 5, And Xbox Has The Perfect One
According to notable Microsoft insider Jez Corden on a recent episode of the Xbox Two podcast, Xbox is acutely aware of the rampant Fallout fever and the potential commercial goldmine Fallout 5 will be. However, the hype is bound to fizzle out at some point, and Xbox wants to get ahead of it.
With Bethesda’s packed schedule, the only way to expedite development on a new Fallout game might be an unorthodox move: taking the IP away from them entirely and giving it to a new developer.
This isn’t a new practice, of course, as the cult-classic Fallout: New Vegas was developed by Obsidian Entertainment in 2010. Bethesda has been the sole steward of the Fallout IP since then, but it seems that if they want to capitalize on the heightened interest in the series, they’d have to hand the reins to a new studio once again.
However, there are significant risks with this strategy. A new developer, unfamiliar with the franchise’s intricate lore and hallmark gameplay mechanics, might struggle to capture the essence of what makes a Fallout game special. The combat, crafting, and storytelling that define the Fallout experience could be compromised and potentially do more harm than good.
On the other hand, these concerns are pretty much eradicated when you realize Xbox owns Obsidian, the developers of Fallout: New Vegas, as well. Shifting the IP to Obsidian would be easy, and there’s a chance we could see a continuation of New Vegas instead of Fallout 5, which would be just as desirable for fans.
However, Obsidian also has several games in the works, so their plans may not be able to accommodate such a huge project. With that in mind, many fans advocate for patience, trusting Bethesda’s experience with the franchise to deliver a polished and lore-compliant Fallout 5, even if it takes longer. It’s Xbox’s decision ultimately, but the prospect of a New Vegas 2 is quite exciting.
