Summary
Bethesda developers have commented on the possibility of theFalloutfranchise leaving the United States setting behind in future iterations. Every previousFalloutgame has been set in the US, although some believe it’s time to make the move abroad.
All the way back to the 1997 original,Fallouthas been steeped in a uniquely American setting. The series' entire aesthetic is based on 1950s America, albeit with a nuclear, futuristic twist. It is arguably the most significant reason thatFallouthas always stood out among even thebest post-apocalyptic settings. It is no surprise then that no developer on the series so far has been willing to move it out of the United States, as it isn’t clear how well it would translate when set in another country.
Speaking toInsider Gamingat the Summer Game Fest, Bethesda Game Studios creative director Jonathan Rush and lead producer Bill LaCoste gave their take onwhetherFalloutcould ever leave the United States. According to Rush, “I would never say never, but I will say, probably not… A big part of the spirit of Fallout is that sense of America. That’s kind of pulsing through all the stories and the scenery and the set dressing. If a story like Fallout was to be taken out of the United States, I think a big challenge with that would be kind of expressing that same tone and that same feel.”
Bethesda Says ‘Never Say Never’ to Fallout Leaving the United States
LaCoste had a similar take, stating, “I think being told through our lids, is what keeps people very mystified about what else is happening across the world, because what we’re telling is from our perspective of it, and I think that will always be a bit of a mystery.” So while it isn’t impossible to seeFalloutmove away from the U.S.A., it’s certainly not likely any time soon. It’s worth mentioning that last year’sFallout: Londonmod was an enormous hit, showing that it is possible to capture a similar vibe in a different setting. Still, creating a mod and a game are two completely different beasts, so it’s hard to compare the two.
I would never say never, but I will say, probably not.
It has been ten years sinceFallout 4was released now, and a sequel doesn’t seem to be on the way anytime soon. Bethesda remains occupied with thedevelopment ofThe Elder Scrolls 6, and the studio has typically only worked on one game at a time in the past. It would take a change in direction for fans to getFallout 5in the near future. Given the long wait already, hopefully it’s sooner rather than later.
