Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer and several other Fallout developers have expressed a strong desire to contribute to a new Fallout game. However, their participation hinges on a crucial factor: creative freedom.
Creative Constraints: The Key to Participation
Sawyer, in a recent YouTube Q&A, stated his willingness to develop another Fallout title, but only if given sufficient creative leeway. He emphasized the importance of exploring new ideas and not being constrained by restrictive limitations. "Any project depends on 'what are we doing, what are the boundaries, what am I allowed to do and not allowed to do?'" he explained. Without the freedom to innovate, the project loses its appeal.
This sentiment is echoed by Fallout co-creators Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, who expressed interest in a New Vegas remaster last year. Cain highlighted the need for novelty: "Every RPG I've ever made offered me something new...If someone came to me and said, 'You want to make a Fallout game?' My answer is 'Well, what's new?'" The allure of a new Fallout project rests on the opportunity to introduce fresh and innovative elements.
Obsidian's Current Focus and Future Hopes
Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart also voiced his enthusiasm for another Fallout project, should the opportunity arise. However, he clarified in a January 2023 interview that there are currently no plans for a new Fallout game, as Obsidian is fully committed to Avowed, Grounded, and Outer Worlds 2. While a future Fallout game remains a possibility, Urquhart's focus remains on Obsidian's current slate of projects. He expressed hope that a new Fallout title could materialize before his retirement, but admitted that remains uncertain.
In short, while the talent and desire are present, the development of a new Fallout game depends entirely on whether developers are granted the creative freedom to forge a truly innovative and engaging experience.