Exclusive Insider Interview: Unveiling the Epic Creation Process Behind Fallout 76's Spectacular Once in a Blue Moon Update
Game Rant interviews Fallout 76 art director Jon Rush on the highly anticipated Once in a Blue Moon update, delving into the new content and design aspects of the game
Fallout 76's latest update, Once in a Blue Moon, continues Bethesda's tradition of expanding on the unconventional aspects of the franchise's lore. Along with introducing new Events, bosses, and collectible items, the update offers unique weapons, outfits, a cute turtle plush, and a Hollywood sound stage. As players eagerly anticipate the Atlantic City Expedition, Jon Rush, the art director for Fallout 76 at Bethesda's Austin-based studio, discusses the new content and gameplay balancing in an edited transcript for clarity and brevity.
Q: What factors influenced the selection and creation process of new cryptids such as the Blue Devil and Ogua in Fallout 76?
A: Prior to working on Fallout 76, I was not fully familiar with the concept of "cryptids". Although I was aware of creatures like the Mothman and Sheepsquatch, I didn't realize the vast variety of cryptids that exist, particularly in the West Virginia region.
Researching the different types of local cryptids was an enjoyable and fruitful task. Our goal was to select cryptids that would bring a unique and captivating experience to our current cast.
One particular cryptid that had caught the attention of our Design teams for some time was the Ogua. It was only a matter of time before this mysterious creature emerged from the shadows. When considering the Blue Devil on a conceptual level, it seemed like the perfect mythical creature to haunt our unsuspecting Blue Ridge Caravan, evoking a similar feeling of fear as a werewolf.
Q: What was the decision to tie together so many side quests for the Costa Business capstone like? How do you hope players respond?
Content:
A: Since the release of Wild Appalachia, we have been gradually introducing smaller stories to provide closure to lingering mysteries. Our Design team aimed to give players a sense of completion. Unlike our usual approach of locking content behind multiple releases, we are eagerly anticipating the players' response to this unique concept.
Q: What was the inspiration behind Season 13 and its Hollywood-themed rewards? The Fallout universe has seldom explored the "pre-war Hollywood" theme before.
When brainstorming a fresh seasonal theme, we search for an immersive experience that will captivate our players and provide them with high-quality thematic items to enhance their gameplay.
As an example, this season introduces a brand-new shelter space in the form of a "movie set" for our players' camps. This addition greatly increases the possibilities for our players to express their creativity by creating their own stories through images or even player-made movies. One outstanding aspect of this shelter is that players have complete control over the lighting, adding to the uniqueness of their gameplay experience.
A: We have made significant quality-of-life enhancements to Expeditions, making them more accessible and reducing the cost of rewards. We made this decision in order to encourage more players to participate and enjoy the new content and its exciting rewards.
That entailed removing the obstacles for entry and enhancing the rewards players receive from completing the events. The elimination of the fuel requirement to join an Expedition is the greatest advantage for our players, allowing them to participate freely. This shift in direction aligns with our forthcoming plans to develop fresh and captivating methods for players to explore these distinctive locations.
Content: The world of Appalachia is ever-evolving, including our equipment. We closely monitor player trends and assess how our items function within the game world. Our team has applied this same approach to the "Two-Shot" mod, aiming to integrate it smoothly with the new content and ensure its relevance in the meta going forward.
Q: Which aspect of the Once in a Blue Moon update are you most eager to see players interact with?
A: Definitely the Ogua and the Blue Devil! Boss battles are always a hit. Personally, I enjoy being right there alongside our players, witnessing their excitement during these epic encounters.
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Fallout 76 is available now for PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
