Obsidian Working on New Fallout Game
Entity Definition: Obsidian Entertainment and the Reported New Fallout Game
Obsidian Entertainment is the American video game developer known for creating Fallout: New Vegas (2010), a critically acclaimed role-playing game set in the Fallout universe. According to a report from The Jeff Grubb show (via Windows Central), Obsidian is reportedly working on a new Fallout game. However, because Microsoft acquired Obsidian in 2018 and also owns Bethesda Softworks (the Fallout IP holder), this upcoming title is expected to be exclusive to Xbox and PC, skipping PlayStation. This development is described as bittersweet for fans who have long awaited Obsidian’s return to the franchise but now face platform restrictions.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Developer | Obsidian Entertainment |
| Publisher (likely) | Bethesda Softworks / Xbox Game Studios |
| Franchise | Fallout |
| Status | Reportedly in early development (as of March 2025) |
| Previous Obsidian Fallout title | Fallout: New Vegas (2010) |
| Parent company | Microsoft (acquired 2018) |
| IP owner | Bethesda Softworks (Microsoft subsidiary) |
| Expected platforms | Xbox Series X|S and PC (PlayStation likely excluded) |
| Source of report | The Jeff Grubb show, corroborated by Windows Central’s Jez Corden |
What Is the Reported New Fallout Game?
The reported new Fallout game is a project allegedly in early development at Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the beloved Fallout: New Vegas. According to journalist Jeff Grubb, Obsidian is working on a new entry in the Fallout series, though details remain scarce. The game would be the first Fallout title developed by Obsidian since 2010, and the first under Microsoft’s ownership. The report indicates the project is “very early” and may not be announced for years.
Grubb stated on his show: “Obsidian is working on a new Fallout game, but it’s very early.” This aligns with previous hints from Obsidian staff about interest in returning to the franchise. The game would join other Fallout projects in development at Bethesda Game Studios, including a potential Fallout 5.
“Obsidian is working on a new Fallout game, but it’s very early.” — Jeff Grubb, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun
Why Is This News Bittersweet?
The bittersweet nature stems from the fact that Obsidian’s return to Fallout comes under Microsoft ownership, which almost certainly means the game will skip PlayStation consoles. Rock Paper Shotgun’s article explicitly calls it “news I’ve waited half my life for… taste this bitter.” Many fans consider Fallout: New Vegas the pinnacle of the series, and a new Obsidian Fallout has been a long-standing wish. However, Microsoft’s platform exclusivity strategy means PlayStation owners—who made up a significant portion of the original New Vegas audience—will likely be unable to play it.
The article notes that only Microsoft could make this happen, because they own both Obsidian and Bethesda, removing the licensing hurdles that previously prevented a second studio from working on Fallout. Yet the same corporate structure forces exclusivity. The author writes: “news I’ve waited half my life for… taste this bitter.”
“News I’ve waited half my life for… taste this bitter.” — Rock Paper Shotgun editorial
What Platforms Will the Game Release On?
Based on Microsoft’s current strategy for first-party titles, the new Obsidian Fallout game is expected to launch exclusively on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with no PlayStation release. Microsoft has consistently made its acquired studios’ games exclusive to its ecosystems, as seen with Starfield and Redfall. While no official announcement has been made, industry analysts and the reporting from Windows Central’s Jez Corden strongly suggest PlayStation will be excluded.
The Rock Paper Shotgun article emphasizes that “only Microsoft could make” this game happen, but also that “this RPG may skip PlayStation.” The exclusivity is a direct consequence of Microsoft’s ownership of both the developer and the IP.
“Only Microsoft could make news I’ve waited half my life for taste this bitter.” — Rock Paper Shotgun
How Does This Compare to Fallout: New Vegas?
Unlike Fallout: New Vegas, which was published by Bethesda and released on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC, the new Obsidian Fallout is expected to be an Xbox/PC exclusive. New Vegas was developed under a one-off licensing deal between Obsidian and Bethesda, allowing multi-platform release. Today, Obsidian is a first-party Microsoft studio, and Bethesda is also owned by Microsoft, so the new game will likely follow Microsoft’s exclusive release model. The scope and style remain unknown, but Obsidian’s reputation for deep narrative and player choice suggests a similar RPG focus.
According to the report, the project is “very early,” so no gameplay details or release window exist. The bittersweet contrast is that the same corporate consolidation that enables the project also restricts its audience.
“The same corporate consolidation that enables the project also restricts its audience.”
Who Is This News For?
This news is primarily for fans of Fallout: New Vegas and role-playing game enthusiasts who have long hoped Obsidian would return to the Fallout universe. It also matters to Xbox and PC gamers who will gain an exclusive title, and to PlayStation owners who may feel excluded. The announcement is particularly relevant to those following Microsoft’s acquisition strategy and its impact on game availability. The bittersweet tone of the reporting reflects the divided audience: celebration for some, disappointment for others.
Common Questions
Is Obsidian definitely making a new Fallout game?
No official confirmation has been made. The report comes from journalist Jeff Grubb and is supported by Windows Central’s Jez Corden, but Obsidian and Bethesda have not commented. The project is described as “very early,” so plans could change.
Will the game be on PlayStation?
Almost certainly not. Microsoft owns both Obsidian and Bethesda, and has consistently made first-party titles exclusive to Xbox and PC. No PlayStation release is expected based on current corporate strategy.
When will the new Obsidian Fallout be released?
No release date or window has been reported. The project is in very early development, meaning it could be several years away. Obsidian is currently working on other titles such as Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Rock Paper Shotgun report titled “New Vegas devs Obsidian are reportedly working on a new Fallout game, and only Microsoft could make news I’ve waited half my life for taste this bitter” (published March 2025). The report cites The Jeff Grubb show and Windows Central’s Jez Corden as primary sources. No direct interviews were conducted; all information is derived from the cited article and publicly available statements. This article was last updated on March 25, 2025.