Over on the Kiwi Talkz YouTube channel (via GamesRadar), veteran developer Jonah Lobe, who has worked on the Fallout series for nearly 10 years, has a different idea of how Fallout 5 will play out.
Could Fallout 5 Be Made Outside Of Bethesda?
It’s Been Done Before
With all expectations squarely on Bethesda to deliver multiple franchises (while updating Starfield along the way), Lobe thinks the studio may shift its strategy drastically.
Here’s what Lobe had to say on the matter: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Bethesda gave Fallout 5 to a different production studio…I think that they’re doing more and more of that already, they’re bigger and bigger than ever. I feel like The Elder Scrolls 6, the expectations are already beyond the screen here, and they already have their hands full with that.”
He makes a great point about The Elder Scrolls 6. Bethesda showed it off way too early, and now there are too many eyes on it. Since Skyrim was a massive success, the follow-up needs to actually meet those expectations as well. As for Bethesda getting another studio to handle it, there is a precedent.
Fallout: New Vegas, one of the most celebrated Fallout games to date, was developed by Obsidian Software, and published by Bethesda in 2010. Given the strong reaction to New Vegas from fans, some folks want another studio to take a crack at the franchise.
Chiming in, senior Fallout designer Bruce Nesmith also thinks it’s possible: “I wasn’t necessarily with you before, but when you say that, I totally agree. Having the game come out while the show is either still running, or still very fresh, would be a huge advantage.”
Fallout Fans Aren’t Entirely Convinced
Bethesda Could Still Come Through
Over on the Bethesda subreddit, many fans are divided on if this will even play out, and how Fallout 5 would turn out under a different studio. One is happy, but skeptical: “While, yes, for example having Obsidian do another would be good for fans. With that said, i don’t see it happening.”
Another user writes that either way, it’s going to take a while: “I mean, the wait for it is going to be totally unacceptable if they do make it. Like, Skyrim came out 15 years ago… and there isn’t even a date yet for ES6. Even Fallout 4 already came out 11 years ago, and it’s totally insane to think about the gap between them being so small.”
A hopeful fan explains their dream scenario: ” I don’t understand why Fallout 5 can’t be a joint project between Bethesda, Obsidian and InExile. All 3 studios owned by Microsoft, all 3 combined you basically have an elite roster, most of the idea men behind the original Fallout, and Bethesda too.”
Since we know Fallout 5 is in development, its future is at least secure. How it will turn out is anyone’s guess until we see more from Bethesda.