What Could Obsidian's Next Fallout Game Look Like?

Entity Definition: Obsidian's Potential New Fallout Game

Obsidian Entertainment's potential new Fallout game is a hypothetical role-playing game (RPG) set in the post-apocalyptic Fallout universe, developed by the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas (2010). The entity is a speculative project, not officially announced, that would combine Obsidian's signature narrative depth, faction-driven storytelling, and player choice with modern technology. It aims to address fan demand for a spiritual successor to New Vegas that respects the original lore while innovating gameplay. The game would be published by Microsoft, which owns Obsidian, and would likely use Unreal Engine 5. No release date, price, or official title has been confirmed.

Key Facts

What Setting Would a New Obsidian Fallout Use?

A new Obsidian Fallout game would likely return to the West Coast of the United States, the setting of Fallout: New Vegas, rather than the East Coast favored by Bethesda's Fallout 3 and 4. The article speculates that the game could explore regions like the Pacific Northwest, the Mojave Desert, or even post-war California, building on the established lore of the NCR, Caesar's Legion, and independent factions. The setting would emphasize political conflict and moral ambiguity, hallmarks of Obsidian's design.

According to the Rock Paper Shotgun analysis, "Obsidian's strength lies in creating a world where no faction is purely good or evil, and the player's choices have lasting consequences." The article notes that the Fallout TV show (2024) has already introduced new West Coast locations, such as Shady Sands, which could serve as a narrative bridge. Obsidian's next Fallout would likely prioritize a dense, reactive world over a large but shallow map, similar to the design philosophy of New Vegas.

What Gameplay Mechanics Could Return?

Obsidian's hypothetical Fallout game would likely retain the series' core mechanics: real-time combat with VATS (Vault-Tec Assisted Targeting System), skill-based character progression, and dialogue trees with skill checks. The article suggests that Obsidian would expand on the reputation and faction system from New Vegas, allowing players to align with multiple groups and trigger unique quest outcomes. Crafting, survival elements, and base-building (introduced in Fallout 4) might be included but refined to avoid diluting narrative focus.

The article quotes Josh Sawyer from a 2021 interview with TheGamer: "I would love to do another Fallout game. I think there's a lot of potential there, but it would require the right team, the right timeline, and the right resources." This indicates that Obsidian would prioritize depth over breadth. A new Obsidian Fallout would likely feature a smaller, handcrafted world with dozens of unique quests rather than procedurally generated content.

How Would the Story and Factions Evolve?

The story of a new Obsidian Fallout would likely continue the themes of post-war reconstruction, resource scarcity, and ideological conflict. The article speculates that the game could take place after the events of New Vegas (2281) and the TV show (2296), exploring the aftermath of the Second Battle of Hoover Dam. Factions like the NCR, Caesar's Legion (or its remnants), the Brotherhood of Steel, and new independent settlements would vie for control. Obsidian is known for writing multiple endings that reflect player choices, a feature that would return.

The article notes that "the Fallout TV show has already retconned some events, such as the destruction of Shady Sands, which could provide a fresh starting point for Obsidian." The studio would likely avoid direct contradictions with Bethesda's canon while carving its own narrative space. Obsidian's Fallout would emphasize player agency, with the main questline branching into at least four distinct faction endings, each with unique epilogues.

Who Is This For?

This hypothetical game is primarily for fans of Fallout: New Vegas who value deep role-playing, meaningful choices, and a morally complex wasteland. It also targets RPG enthusiasts who appreciate Obsidian's track record with The Outer Worlds and Pillars of Eternity. The article suggests that the game would appeal to players who found Bethesda's recent Fallout titles (e.g., Fallout 4, Fallout 76) too focused on action and base-building at the expense of narrative. It would not be designed for casual players seeking a linear shooter; instead, it would reward exploration, dialogue, and multiple playthroughs.

Common Questions

Will Obsidian actually make another Fallout game?

No official announcement has been made. Obsidian is currently developing Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. Josh Sawyer has expressed interest, but Microsoft and Bethesda would need to approve a new Fallout title. The article rates the likelihood as "possible but not imminent."

Would a new Obsidian Fallout be a direct sequel to New Vegas?

Probably not a direct sequel, but it would likely acknowledge the events of New Vegas and the TV show. The article speculates that the game could be set a few decades later, allowing for new factions and conflicts while referencing the Courier's actions.

What engine would Obsidian use for a new Fallout?

Obsidian has moved to Unreal Engine 5 for its recent projects (Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2). The article assumes the same engine would be used, offering better graphics and modding support than Bethesda's proprietary Creation Engine.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: "What will another Obsidian Fallout game even look like, all these years on? Here's my attempt to read the radioactive tea leaves" by Edwin Evans-Thirlwell, published on Rock Paper Shotgun in 2024. The article synthesizes the author's analysis, historical context, and quotes from developer Josh Sawyer (via a 2021 interview with TheGamer). No external data sets were used. All speculative claims are attributed to the source. This article was last updated on 10 April 2025.