Summary
- Developers are hesitant to move Fallout outside the US due to its uniquely American setting.
- The 1950s American aesthetic is a significant reason why Fallout stands out.
- While not impossible, it's unlikely Fallout will leave the US anytime soon.
Bethesda developers have commented on the possibility of the Fallout franchise leaving the United States setting behind in future iterations. Every previous Fallout game has been set in the US, although some believe it's time to make the move abroad.
All the way back to the 1997 original, Fallout has been steeped in a uniquely American setting. The series' entire aesthetic is based on 1950s America, albeit with a nuclear, futuristic twist. It is arguably the most significant reason that Fallout has always stood out among even the best post-apocalyptic settings. It is no surprise then that no developer on the series so far has been willing to move it out of the United States, as it isn't clear how well it would translate when set in another country.
Series Creator Tim Cain Has Bad News For Fallout 1 and 2 Fans
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain recently discussed the first two entries of the franchise on his YouTube channel and gave fans a disappointing update.
Speaking to Insider Gaming at the Summer Game Fest, Bethesda Game Studios creative director Jonathan Rush and lead producer Bill LaCoste gave their take on whether Fallout could ever leave the United States. According to Rush, "I would never say never, but I will say, probably not... A big part of the spirit of Fallout is that sense of America. That’s kind of pulsing through all the stories and the scenery and the set dressing. If a story like Fallout was to be taken out of the United States, I think a big challenge with that would be kind of expressing that same tone and that same feel."
Bethesda Says 'Never Say Never' to Fallout Leaving the United States
LaCoste had a similar take, stating, "I think being told through our lids, is what keeps people very mystified about what else is happening across the world, because what we’re telling is from our perspective of it, and I think that will always be a bit of a mystery." So while it isn't impossible to see Fallout move away from the U.S.A., it's certainly not likely any time soon. It's worth mentioning that last year's Fallout: London mod was an enormous hit, showing that it is possible to capture a similar vibe in a different setting. Still, creating a mod and a game are two completely different beasts, so it's hard to compare the two.
I would never say never, but I will say, probably not.
It has been ten years since Fallout 4 was released now, and a sequel doesn't seem to be on the way anytime soon. Bethesda remains occupied with the development of The Elder Scrolls 6, and the studio has typically only worked on one game at a time in the past. It would take a change in direction for fans to get Fallout 5 in the near future. Given the long wait already, hopefully it's sooner rather than later.
Fallout 4
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