Introduction

The development of the Fallout series by Obsidian Entertainment ended with the release of Fallout: New Vegas. This article explores the reasons behind this decision and analyzes the key factors that influenced the fate of the Fallout franchise for Obsidian Entertainment.

Business Decisions and Licensing

The primary reason for Obsidian Entertainment's departure from the Fallout series is the ownership and licensing. Bethesda Game Studios owns the Fallout franchise and has been responsible for its development and subsequent titles. When Obsidian Entertainment worked on Fallout: New Vegas, it did so under a license agreement with Bethesda, meaning they did not have full creative control over the franchise.

Development Resources

After completing Fallout: New Vegas, Obsidian Entertainment shifted its focus to developing their own intellectual properties. One such example is the critically acclaimed Pillars of Eternity. By focusing on original titles, Obsidian Entertainment could allocate their resources to projects that align with their creative vision and expertise in storytelling and RPG mechanics.

Complex Business Relationships

Despite the success of Fallout: New Vegas, the dynamics between Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda Game Studios were not always smooth. Obsidian Entertainment faced issues with meeting the deadlines set by Bethesda, while Bethesda imposed restrictive creative conditions that hindered the development process.

Creative Freedom and Future Prospects

Obsidian Entertainment has often preferred projects that offer more creative freedom. After Fallout: New Vegas, they decided to focus on their own game development rather than taking over the Fallout franchise. However, with both Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda Game Studios falling under the umbrella of Microsoft, there is potential for a change in the dynamics of their relationship. This shift could potentially open new possibilities for the development of Follow-Up and Remakes of the OG Fallout games.

Conclusion

The decision to allow Obsidian Entertainment to continue developing the Fallout series was never a foregone conclusion. The interplay of business decisions, licensing agreements, and creative freedom ultimately led to the conclusion that Obsidian Entertainment should focus on their own intellectual properties. However, with the consolidation of Bethesda Game Studios and Obsidian Entertainment under Microsoft, there may be renewed interest and opportunity for collaboration in the future.