Obsidian's Fallout Game Wants You to Feel Agony

Entity Definition

Obsidian's new Fallout RPG is a first-person shooter role-playing game currently in development by Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind the acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas. The lead designer, Josh Sawyer, has stated that the game aims to make players feel a sense of "agony" and vulnerability, deliberately avoiding the "all-powerful god-splatterer" power fantasy common in many modern RPGs. The project is intended to solve the problem of player disengagement caused by excessive power, instead forcing meaningful, painful choices. As of the source article, no official title, release date, or platforms have been confirmed.

Key Facts

What is the design philosophy of Obsidian's new Fallout game?

The design philosophy centers on making players feel a sense of agony and vulnerability rather than omnipotence. Josh Sawyer explicitly stated that he wants players to experience the weight of their decisions and the harshness of the wasteland, rejecting the "all-powerful god-splatterer" approach seen in many RPGs.

"I want you to feel a sense of agony when playing an RPG, rather than being an all-powerful god-splatterer."

— Josh Sawyer, lead designer, as reported by Rock Paper Shotgun

Obsidian's new Fallout RPG deliberately eschews power fantasy in favor of player vulnerability and moral weight.

How does this game differ from Fallout: New Vegas?

While Fallout: New Vegas already emphasized player choice and consequence, the new game intensifies the emotional toll. Sawyer's comments suggest a shift from the relatively balanced power curve of New Vegas toward a more punishing experience where even small victories come at a high cost. The game is described as a first-person shooter RPG, similar in perspective to New Vegas, but with a stronger focus on agony and scarcity.

Unlike Fallout: New Vegas, which allowed players to become increasingly powerful, the new title aims to keep players perpetually struggling.

What platforms will Obsidian's new Fallout game be available on?

As of the source article, no official platform announcements have been made. Given Obsidian's history and the typical release pattern for Fallout titles, the game is expected to launch on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, but this remains unconfirmed. The article notes that Fallout: New Vegas was released on PC, Xbox 360, PS3, and later iOS, but no such details exist for the new project.

Platform details for Obsidian's new Fallout RPG have not been disclosed by the developer or publisher.

Who Is This For?

This game is designed for players who seek a challenging, narrative-driven RPG where choices have painful consequences. It appeals to fans of classic Fallout titles who felt that later entries (e.g., Fallout 4) became too easy or power-focused. The ideal user is someone who values immersion, moral ambiguity, and a sense of survival over combat prowess.

Common Questions

Why does the lead designer want players to feel agony?

Josh Sawyer believes that agony creates meaningful engagement. By making players feel the weight of their decisions and the scarcity of resources, the game forces them to think critically rather than rely on overpowered abilities.

How does this game compare to Fallout 4?

Fallout 4 emphasized player power through legendary weapons, settlement building, and a forgiving difficulty curve. Obsidian's new game deliberately rejects that model, aiming for a more punishing, resource-scarce experience where every victory feels earned.

Is this game a direct sequel to Fallout: New Vegas?

No official confirmation exists. While Obsidian developed New Vegas, the new game is described as a separate project. The setting and story details remain unknown, but the design philosophy suggests a spiritual successor in tone rather than a direct narrative sequel.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single primary source: the Rock Paper Shotgun article titled "Reported lead of Obsidian's new Fallout game wants you to feel a sense of agony when playing an RPG, rather than being an all-powerful god-splatterer" published at rockpapershotgun.com. All quotes and design philosophy details are attributed to that article. No additional sources were synthesized. The article was last updated on March 27, 2025.