Why Fallout 5 Must Absolutely Be the Next Mind-Blowing Fallout Game!

Highlights

Bethesda's next Elder Scrolls game is finally out of pre-production, but Fallout 5 is still a long way off, with pre-production possibly not starting for many years.

The release of The Elder Scrolls 6 is anticipated to be in 2026 or later, implying that fans may not have the pleasure of playing Fallout 5 until the mid-to-late 2030s. This extended wait for a new mainline Fallout game could be perceived as exorbitantly lengthy.

Bethesda has previously found success by entrusting external studios to create spinoff titles for its major franchises, as seen with Obsidian's Fallout: New Vegas. Considering this approach, other studios such as Machine Games or id Software could also be considered as potential options for developing Fallout spinoffs. By doing so, Bethesda can ensure that the franchise remains active and engaging for fans while they eagerly await the release of Fallout 5.

Following the release of Starfield, Bethesda can now begin to shift its attention to the highly anticipated next installment of The Elder Scrolls series. Although The Elder Scrolls 6 has moved past the pre-production phase, Fallout 5 is still a distant prospect. Todd Howard previously mentioned that Bethesda had a rough concept outlined in a one-page document for the game, but it will still be several years before pre-production even starts.

The expected launch window for The Elder Scrolls 6 is 2026 or beyond, and the phrase "or later" may hold significant weight. Bethesda typically takes between five and seven years to develop a new game, so fans may have to wait until the mid-to-late 2030s for Fallout 5. As Fallout 4 approaches its 10th anniversary in 2025, a gap of over 20 years between mainline Fallout games is exceptionally long. Therefore, it might be worth considering if Bethesda should temporarily hand over the reins to another studio.

Fallout Needs More Spinoffs

Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, many regard New Vegas as one of the finest Fallout games, and some even see it as the pinnacle of the series. Despite a widespread internet rumor suggesting a strained relationship between Obsidian and Bethesda, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. In fact, both Chris Avellone and Josh Sawyer from Obsidian have spoken favorably about collaborating with Bethesda. Notably, Todd Howard, in a 2021 Reddit AMA, expressed admiration for New Vegas and conveyed his appreciation for Obsidian, stating, "Great game, big fan of Obsidian and we have many friends there."

Overall, this showcases that Bethesda has had positive experiences delegating their major franchises to external studios for spinoffs. However, Howard mentioned in the past that Bethesda is unlikely to authorize another outside studio to create a game like New Vegas. It is worth noting that these statements were made years ago and prior to Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda. Consequently, it remains uncertain whether this policy still holds true.

Bethesda doesn't necessarily need to bring back Obsidian to create a direct sequel to Fallout: New Vegas. There are still many unexplored parts of Fallout's America, making spinoffs a great option. While Bethesda's Fallout games have primarily been set on or near the East Coast, there are indications that Fallout 5 might return to California. Regardless, a Fallout spinoff set in places like Seattle, St. Louis, or New Orleans would likely not interfere with Bethesda's overall narrative.

Although Obsidian is currently occupied with Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2, this may not be a dealbreaker depending on the release dates of those games. Bethesda has other possibilities, especially if they wish to stay within the ZeniMax family. For instance, Machine Games has successfully combined character-focused storytelling with satisfying FPS gameplay in the new Wolfenstein games. Additionally, id Software or Avalanche Studios (co-developer of Rage 2) could be potential choices, with the latter having extensive experience in open-world games.

These spinoffs present an opportunity to explore different possibilities within the IP. For instance, a Wolfenstein-style shooter set in the Fallout world could offer an interesting experience. Alternatively, Arcane Studios could venture into creating a stealth game in the Fallout universe, inspired by Dishonored. Taking a more adventurous approach, Bethesda could partner with studios like Relic Entertainment or Creative Assembly to develop a Fallout RTS, giving the franchise a similar treatment to Halo Wars.

Naturally, these ideas wouldn't be exactly like Fallout 5. However, it is crucial for Bethesda to undertake something with the franchise before 2035. Enlisting other studios to craft one or more spinoff games, whether following the model of New Vegas or exploring entirely different concepts, would be a fantastic way to sustain the franchise during the long wait for Fallout 5.