The Fallout franchise has seen a massive surge in popularity recently thanks to the success of the Fallout TV show drawing more eyes to the video games. Bethesda Game Studios recently launched a next-gen update for Fallout 4 which was perfect timing. However, while fans enjoy the older games, Fallout 5 is still seemingly years away from release. Realising the potential of the IP, Microsoft reportedly now wants another studio to begin making the fifth installment.
The report originates from Windows Central journalist Jez Corden who recently spoke on the Xbox Two podcast about the status of Fallout 5. According to Corden, Microsoft is fully aware of the demand for Fallout 5 as everyone is also acutely aware how successful the next title in the franchise will be. Since Bethesda Game Studios is working on The Elder Scrolls 6 first, one of the avenues Microsoft is reportedly exploring is expediting the development of Fallout 5 to another studio.
This will make it the first Fallout game to not be developed by Bethesda Game Studios since 2010’s Fallout: New Vegas, which was developed by Obsidian Entertainment (largely made up of veteran staff at the time that worked on the first two Fallout games).
Whether Microsoft actually goes through with this and outsources Fallout 5 to another developer or not is another story. Alternatively, fans suggest that a spin-off in the vein of Fallout: New Vegas could also be developed while we wait for Fallout 5. This will allow Bethesda Game Studios to finish The Elder Scrolls 6 – which is still at least 3-4 years away from release – and begin work on the fifth Fallout game afterwards without fans waiting a decade for a new game in the series.
The popular choice for a developer is, of course, Obsidian Entertainment which is currently busy with its upcoming fantasy RPG, Avowed as well as The Outer Worlds 2. A simple remake or next-gen port of New Vegas might also do the trick. Fans are also recommending inXile Entertainment, the developers of the Wasteland series, to do remakes/remasters of the first two Fallout games.
Source: Jez Corden
