Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment should take over the series for the next installment, Fallout 5, to save us from a long wait.
Obsidian Entertainment, the team behind Fallout: New Vegas, should take over the entire Fallout series for the next installment, Fallout 5, to save us from a long wait. With Bethesda’s development timeline seemingly stuck in the sand, and the next game seemingly years away, the talented Obsidian team could provide a solution.
Of course, we’d all love to see Bethesda take another crack at the next Fallout game, but with the likes of Starfield and Elder Scrolls 6 on the horizon, it’s understandable that the developer would want to focus its time on other projects. It’s also not a bad thing that Fallout 4 took Bethesda a while to develop, as it gave the team time to experiment and improve. But Fallout 4 disappointed many fans, and the current state of Fallout 5 is uncertain. So, what if Obsidian took the reins?
We’ve already heard from Bethesda that Obsidian – known for their expertise in RPGs – is interested in creating a sequel to New Vegas, but that shouldn’t be the end of it. Bethesda’s current development trajectory has led to a decline in meaningful dialogue, and Fallout 5 doesn’t need to be a massive, open-world game for Obsidian to inject its expertise; it just needs well-developed characters and engaging dialogue.
Fallout is at its best when politics and choices are at the forefront. The series is unique in that it doesn’t just let you choose how to approach a problem, but lets you completely change the landscape of an area, which then has an impact on its inhabitants. Fallout: New Vegas was strong because it allowed for unique playthroughs, with branching narratives and impactful choices. In contrast, Fallout 4 had limited endings and lacked organic storytelling.
Obsidian’s return to the series would be a breath of fresh air, bringing back the depth and complexity that fans appreciate. Bethesda’s current workload makes it sensible to hand over the reins, as it means we could potentially see a new Fallout game sooner, rather than later.
Alternatively, we may have to wait until the 2030s to play the next Fallout game, which, given the disappointment with Fallout 4, is something I’m not sure I’d be willing to do. Sure, I’m excited to see what Bethesda can do with the series once they spend time refining the game, but at this point, given the long wait and the mixed reception to Fallout 4, I’m not sure I’m willing to put my faith in it.
If you want to check out Fallout: New Vegas for yourself, you can read our guide on how to get a New Vegas tattoo. Alternatively, if you want to play some of the other best PC games, here’s our list of the best MMORPGs.
