We’re right here once more. Will a renowned, highly-regarded former developer of the esteemed Fallout series reconsider their past commitments to revisit and contribute fresh content to this iconic franchise? In his final turn as lead designer, Tim Cain sat at the helm, while in a new role, New Vegas director Josh Sawyer takes the reins.
Sawyer was asked if he’d consider another Fallout project, after being approached by Bethesda and Microsoft on the matter. He fielded questions about various topics, including Pillars of Eternity and bicycle accessories, deeming fenders and lights essential when riding in rainy conditions.
“I think the key question when embarking on any project is ‘What are we trying to achieve and what are the constraints we’re working within?’ Similarly, when dealing with intellectual property, particularly one you’ve had experience with before, the crucial consideration is ‘What do I need to do this time that I wasn’t able to do previously?'”
“This constraint is only interesting if it’s genuinely challenging; otherwise, what’s the point of exploring something where the answer is readily available?” Sawyer posited that despite this, he believes there remain “a multitude of stories” waiting to be told within the Fallout franchise, and went on to humorously query, “What questions will society ask?”
While intellectual property (IP) nuances can be complex, developers must navigate them carefully. “Ultimately,” said the developer, “the key question is: What can we legally accomplish with an IP?”
As previously mentioned, Sawyer’s response bears striking similarities to that of Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, who offered a similar account on his YouTube video in June. Cain stressed the significance of a project offering the opportunity to do something unique or unexplored in his career. Would he be interested?
I’d surrender my cherished collector’s edition of New Vegas, even the prized poster of the Sierra Madre, if it ensured Sawyer – the visionary behind The X-Files and Twin Peaks – was granted carte blanche to forge an innovative path for a new Fallout chapter. Tell us beneath!