“Don’t do this, because we’re going to do this in Fallout 5,” Todd Howard talks Fallout TV show in this exclusive interview
The Fallout series, with its vibrant yet post-apocalyptic rendition of a nuclear fallout scenario, has captivated gamers worldwide for decades. Stemming from a retro-futuristic vision where the aesthetics of the 1950s clash with nuclear-age technology, Fallout has become synonymous with rich storytelling, intense gameplay, and a unique brand of dark humor. Originally branching out from the 1988 classic, Wasteland, the Fallout universe has since flourished under various ownerships, now residing with Microsoft after its acquisition of both Bethesda and InXile Entertainment.
While fans have been ardently awaiting the arrival of Fallout 5 following the 2015 release of Fallout 4, Bethesda has diverted its energies toward other ambitious projects like the space-exploration RPG Starfield and the community-driven Fallout 76. Moreover, with Bethesda’s commitment to The Elder Scrolls VI, speculations suggest that Fallout 5 might not grace our gaming consoles anytime soon. However, in the meanwhile, excitement brews around the upcoming Fallout TV adaptation slated for release on Amazon Prime, promising viewers a fresh narrative within the beloved universe.
Amidst anticipation and speculation, Todd Howard, executive producer at Bethesda, sheds light on the interplay between the Fallout series and its television counterpart. According to Howard, the TV show will not tread on the narrative earmarked for Fallout 5, but it will offer its unique tale, anchored in the Fallout universe. This collaboration between Bethesda and the show’s creators, including Jonathan Nolan of Westworld fame, ensures a narrative autonomy that respects the game franchise’s future direction.
Howard’s dialogue with creators was candid, ensuring specific plot points and thematic elements were reserved for the gaming franchise. “There were some things where I said, ‘Don’t do this because we are going to do that in Fallout 5,'” Howard remarked. Such exchanges highlight the strategic planning behind both the television adaptation and the eventual game sequel, striving for a harmonious coexistence that amplifies the overall Fallout experience.
The television adaptation doesn’t merely extend the Fallout universe but enriches it by introducing new characters and setting their adventures against unexplored backdrops within this sprawling world. This initiative promises to weave together the finesse of Bethesda’s storytelling with the creative freedom afforded by a television format, opening up a new front for immersive tales in the Fallout saga.
The excitement around Fallout 5, albeit tempered by the reality of development timelines, remains undampened. Fans of the franchise continue to speculate and dream about the next big single-player installment. The introduction of Fallout 76 and the mobile game Fallout Shelter demonstrated Fallout’s versatility, appealing to a broader audience while keeping the core essence of the franchise alive. With the upcoming TV show poised to further captivate fans, the Fallout universe promises to expand in exciting new directions.
While Bethesda juggles a portfolio of epic proportions, the anticipation for Fallout 5 persists. The nuanced collaboration between the gaming and television production teams reveals a carefully curated future for the franchise, offering not just a bridge over the waiting period but also a glimpse into the expansive storytelling potential within the Fallout universe. As Howard hints at the deliberate planning underway for Fallout 5, fans may find solace in knowing that the journey through the wasteland is far from over—it’s just taking a detour through our television screens.
