Todd Howard Explains Why Bethesda Plans to Keep Fallout Set in the U.S.
For years, Fallout fans have wondered if a video game in the franchise would ever venture beyond the United States. The lore of the Fallout series suggests that the nuclear war of 2077 wasn’t confined to the U.S., but was a global event. So, the idea of exploring post-apocalyptic London or even Canada has been a common topic among fans.
Bethesda’s Focus on Americana
In a recent interview with Kinda Funny Games, Bethesda’s development boss, Todd Howard, confirmed that Fallout will remain set in the U.S. He stated that the studio is focused on the “Americana naivete” that is a defining characteristic of the Fallout universe. Fallout is set in a retro-futuristic post-apocalypse where players encounter remnants of everything from evil American corporations to factions inspired by real-world U.S. entities. The series satirizes American exceptionalism while offering a vast open-world playground.
Howard further emphasized that Fallout is, in his words, “a schtick on Americana naivete.” He explained, “For us right now, it’s OK to acknowledge some of those other areas. But our plan is to predominantly keep it in the U.S.”
The Appeal of Mystery
Howard also highlighted the importance of preserving mystery in Fallout’s world. “I also like in any sort of world, I don’t feel the need to answer. It’s OK to leave mystery or questions: what is happening here? What is happening here? I think those are good things. In Elder Scrolls, everybody wants to go to these other, mysterious lands. The worst thing you could do to mysterious lands is remove the mysteriousness. Keep mysterious lands mysterious!”
Exploring the U.S.
The Fallout series has primarily focused on the West and East Coasts of the United States, with California, Nevada, Washington, D.C., and Boston recreated in various games. Fallout 76, the latest mainline installment, takes place in Appalachia, a representation of West Virginia. The upcoming Fallout TV show is set in post-apocalyptic Los Angeles.
While Bethesda may explore new regions within the U.S. with Fallout 5, fans shouldn’t expect to see a change in the franchise’s geographical setting. The focus remains on the unique blend of American culture and post-apocalyptic storytelling that defines the Fallout experience.
Fallout: London
Despite Bethesda’s decision, the Fallout: London mod is a testament to the community’s desire for international adventures. This fan-created mod is designed to bring players to a post-apocalyptic version of London, offering a fresh perspective on the Fallout universe. However, the release date remains uncertain after the recent Fallout 4 next-gen update disrupted key third-party mods for the game.
Bethesda’s Other Projects
The interview with Howard also unveiled other exciting projects from Bethesda. The studio plans to launch Starfield’s expansion in the fall, and there are hints of two unannounced Fallout projects in the works. Bethesda continues to explore the possibilities of cross-play for Fallout 76, though the game was not originally designed with this feature in mind.
The future of Fallout remains bright with new adventures on the horizon. While the series will continue to be set within the U.S., the vastness of the American landscape and the depth of the Fallout universe ensures that there will be plenty of stories to tell and worlds to explore. Fans will have to wait and see what surprises Bethesda has in store, but one thing is certain: the future of Fallout is packed with possibilities.
Leave a Reply