Fallout: New Vegas unveiled

By Ellie Gibson Published 20 April, 2009

It's coming to PC, PS3 and Xbox 360.

Bethesda Softworks has unveiled a new Fallout title at a press event in London and said it will be developed by Obsidian.

Called Fallout: New Vegas, it's in development for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360. It's not a sequel to Fallout 3, but will be set in the Fallout universe.

Bethesda plans to show off the game later this year, with a release pencilled in for 2010. Expect more news as soon as we get it.

"It's not a sequel to Fallout 3, it's just another game in the universe, and it has no impact whatsoever on whatever Todd Howard and his team are working on," said Pete Hines.

"We approached Obsidian and they were, like, yeah. That was a pretty easy conversation. It's not Fallout Tactics, it's not Brotherhood of Steel; it's another RPG."

Picture of Ellie.

About Ellie Gibson

Since joining Eurogamer in the mid 2000s, Ellie has written about subjects as diverse as the fall of Gizmondo, the rise of Hollyoaks actresses in Red Alert games and the noise a bear makes under NSFW circumstances.

Read more articles from Ellie by visiting the Ellie Gibson archive page.

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Comments (52) Latest comment 8 months ago

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  • bluem4gic #1 3 years ago

    Fallout Tree

    I hope obsidan entertainment don't fuck up this one

  • PearOfAnguish #2 3 years ago

    Hurrah! More Fallout is good.

  • Skandalle #3 3 years ago

    The DLC for fallouts been a bit....meh...for me. Hopefully this new direction will be worth a look!
    More atom bomb action also please!

  • Ignatius_Cheese #4 3 years ago

    So this is the same Obsidian that cocked up Knights of the Old Republic, huh? Hmmmm...

  • Eraysor #5 3 years ago

    Well that was a surprise.

    So Bethesda...Elder Scrolls V?

  • Evolution #6 3 years ago

    @Ignatius_Cheese

    If by cocked up, you mean made a substantially more engrossing game in a year than Bioware could do with 3, then yes.

  • Hunam #7 3 years ago

    Holy fucking god.

  • Paleface #8 3 years ago

    "It's not a sequel to Fallout 3, it's just another game in the universe, and it has no impact whatsoever on whatever Todd Howard and his team are working on,"

    Oh no. It's clearly going to be... Post Apocalytpic Casino Minigames.

    "It's the Dead Or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball to the original franchise's DOA, if you like," a Bethesda spokesman later explained.

  • Bits #9 3 years ago

    @Evolution KoToR 2 was an unfinished mess, it was so inconsistent and made hardly any sense at times. KoToR1 was far superior.

  • Baranga #10 3 years ago

    Yay for Feargus.

  • Razzajazz #11 3 years ago

    @Bits: I seem to recall that it was much more Lucasarts' fault that KOTOR 2 was a complete mess. I can't remember the details exactly, but I'm pretty certain that Obsidian actually made it much less of a car crash than it was going to be. Anyway, they're clearly not a terrible studio, and more Fallout can only be a good thing, really. :)
    Edited by 1 at 20/04/09 @ 15:04

  • dsmx #12 3 years ago

    vegas sounds like a good choice a lot of weapons testing happened in the nevada desert.

  • Moribundman #13 3 years ago

    @Paleface I share your trepidation...

  • DoctorZoidberg #14 3 years ago

    Classic IP (even further) down the shitter shocker....

    P.S - Having played Fallout 3, i did enjoy it, but lets all be honest that the only link was the name.



  • metallicorphan #15 3 years ago

    more fallout games is great,but very weary about Obsidian doing it...yes KOTOR2 was terrible,and as said was a mess,especially the ending...i think i heard Lucasarts rushed Obsidian,but still....they have done about 6 games altogether(if that)..3 of those are neverwinternights 2,1 game cancelled/put on hold(aliens),1 in development(alpha protocol) and Kotor 2...yup,consider me nervous

  • Zachm #16 3 years ago

    Classic IP (even further) down the shitter shocker....

    P.S - Having played Fallout 3, i did enjoy it, but lets all be honest that the only link was the name.

    One of the designer of Fallout 2, Chris Avellone, works for Obsidian who are making this new game.

  • Rodchenko #17 3 years ago

    Same almost happened to me, Nick, but I was able to undig a save from just before the point of no return... the in-game hints that you better made a backup before engaging in the last battle are rather 'subtle'...

  • Evolution #18 3 years ago

    @Bits

    This is because they had less than a year to develop it. Inspite of that, it had much better story and characters than the first game. Bioware only have so many notes they can play, and if you've played one of their games you have played them all frankly (having played many of them myself). Chris Avellone (Black Isle, Obsidian) writes well consistantly.

    @metallicorphan

    I don't really understand your point, you are nervous because they have developed 6 games?

  • Inigo #19 3 years ago

    I was just reading the Chris Avellone interview in edge about his time writing Fallout 1/2. Seems quite interesting.

  • mkreku #20 3 years ago

    The writing and the quests (choice and consequence) can only be better with Obsidian by the rudders! Obsidian's problems so far have been the technology. They've had to work with Bioware's old engines (patchworks) for both KotOR2 and Neverwinter Nights 2. Their writing, however, has been top notch throughout.

    Since they are (probably) using the Fallout 3 engine (collaboration with Bethesda) they'll get the tech help they need AND the opportunity to focus on the assets. It's a win-win in my eyes!

  • mkreku #21 3 years ago

    Also, read this, nonbelievers:

    http://ms nuktech.spaces.live.com/blog/cn...

  • Cyclone #22 3 years ago

    A Fallout game, possibly using the Fallout 3 engine, by members of the Fallout 1 and 2 teams. This is great news. It's also a hell of a lot better than having to wait for two to three years after the Elder Scrolls 5 to get a new Fallout game, like most people assumed we would.

  • Wrestlevania #23 3 years ago

    I really hope, for everyone's sake, Paleface is horribly, <em>horribly</em> wrong...

    Next week: "<em>Fallout: New Vegas</em> is DSi exclusive!" /facepalm

  • ps3owner #24 3 years ago

    manchester? never heard of that...

  • Wash #25 3 years ago

    I'll take an obsidian fallout over a Bethesda every day of the week.

  • metalangel #26 3 years ago

    Good thing brahmin have giant udders, for the milking has commenced. Frankly, this is doomed as everyone will just compare (unfavourably) it to the legendary New Reno in Fallout 2.

  • Nithron #27 3 years ago

    I'm pretty sure Kotor 2 was a horrible mess because it was rushed by the publisher; not because Obsidian suck.

    In fact, the only problems with Kotor 2 were the kind of crap that happens when a game gets rushed, if i recall...

  • Spence1115 #28 3 years ago

    beemoh

    Don't forget Cardiff, international tourist hotspot for alien visitors!

  • PlugMonkey #29 3 years ago

    "@mrmrc84: to be fair, UK Television hasn't heard of anywhere in the UK that isn't either London or Manchester... "

    I can't work out if you only watch Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, or if you only watch Eastenders and Coronation Street....


    3 of those are neverwinternights 2,1 game cancelled/put on hold(aliens),1 in development(alpha protocol) and Kotor 2...yup,consider me nervous

    I enjoyed NWN2. And KOTOR2. I'm not going to get overly concerned about this just because they've had one game delayed.


  • Katsumoto #30 3 years ago

    Rather than bleat about KoToR 2 we should concentrate on the fact that many of the guys from Fallout 2 work for Obsidian! This could be a return to a "proper" (and of course I liked Fallout 3) Fallout with decent voice acting and dialogue for all we know. Best to be optimistic.

  • Discalceaterabbit #31 3 years ago

    Wether or not the massive cock up that was KOTOR2 was the fault of Obsidian or the publishers is an argument that will run and run.
    However the cocking up of Neverwinter Nights 2 was all Obsidian.

  • UncleLou #32 3 years ago

    So this is the same Obsidian that cocked up Knights of the Old Republic, huh? Hmmmm...

    No, that was Bioware.

    Obidian made the basically much better sequel that suffered greatly from a lack of devtime.

  • beckyh #33 3 years ago

    New Vegas sounds more modern. I would love to see an RPG like Fallout set in the modern world - one that has not been destroyed.

  • Silvervein #34 3 years ago

    @CountFapula

    I'm not sure I agree. Kotor 2 might have been much better game should obsidian had more time. Writing there is pretty good. But as for fallout, beth should have never even started working on a game called fallout, much less releasing shallow gorefest which is a sequal to redneck rampage, and not fallout. After playing kotor2 and neverwinter nights 2, I'm carefully optimistic about this game.
    I'll have to check obsidian forums for more info.
    Edited by 1 at 20/04/09 @ 20:25

  • metalangel #35 3 years ago

    *deludes himself, then*

  • qoobah #36 3 years ago

    *deludes himself, then*

    *does so as well*

    Let me cliche you to death with repeating "tech ain't all that matters".

    Also, it's true that BioWare has shown only so many design patterns along the years since KOTOR, but they delivered them with such high production values, that I really can't see Obsidian coming anywhere near it. Mass Effect is the prime example, up until now. Writing for KOTOR2 was interesting but it really wasn't along the lines of SW feel (or my view of it), something that BioWare nailed spot on.

  • chrisola #37 3 years ago

    go back and give us the most epic isometric RPG ever!

  • Spekingur #38 3 years ago

    CSI: Fallout!!!

    I want to see a Fallout game with some part of Europe as background, tyvm. Those United Statians in Americaland sometimes get on my nerves when it comes to a background setting. If they could they'd make the whole WW2 happen in the US.

  • Katsumoto #39 3 years ago

    *also deludes self*

    So Fallout 3 is better than Fallout 1 & 2 by virtue of it being fully 3D? Some of the most immersive experiences in gaming are delivered via an isometric viewpoint. If you prefer F3 fair enough but that seems like a silly reason. Many of my favourite games are isometric and I think it's a tragedy that so few games use that approach at the moment, believing that it's got to be 3D FPS or why bother.
    Edited by 1 at 20/04/09 @ 23:13

  • the_mtfr #40 3 years ago

    Finally it's going to someone who I imagine will know how to bring Fallout again to its original feeling and proper dialogues.

    I sometimes shed a tear when I remember the Van Buren demo. It was so perfect... oh here comes another tear.

  • UncleLou #41 3 years ago

    Every bad game ''might have been better'' given more time. But you know what you end up with then? Duke Nukem forever, that's what.

    Read about the development of Kotor 2. Better luck with your next comment on the issue.

    And a hearty ''MEGALOLZ'' to anyone that GENUINELY thinks that fallout and fallout 2, isometric rpgs, are better than the colossal, fully 3D world that is fallout 3....come on guys, quit deluding yourselves.

    CAPITALISING doesn't make you right, you know. Fully 3d doesn't mean something is better, or more immersive. Two Worlds has a colosal, fully 3d world. Planescape: Torment hasn't.

    And no, I am not comparing Fallout 3 to Two Worlds. But your argument is non-sensical.
    Edited by 2 at 21/04/09 @ 00:35

  • Silvervein #42 3 years ago

    @the_mtfr

    There there buddy, have a tissue.. :)

    Seriously though, obsidian has best chance (of currently operating companies) to make a proper fallout game. Of course, their task has been made much easier by beth, since it's hard to make a game that would be less fallout than what they did.

  • Evolution #43 3 years ago

    *joins the deluding crowd*

    ...they also fucked up an aliens title.

    Eh? You are accusing them of messing up a project with so little released information, which may or may not have been cancelled by the publisher for reasons unknown at this time. Nice.

  • Wash #44 3 years ago

    I'm sure Beth would want to keep the successful relaunch of FALLOUT on track and not rls a game that sullies the good grace it has gatherd through critical and commercial success.

    Outside of Bioware, there wouldnt be many other choices outside of obsidian for this, troika if they were still around.

    Hopefully it gets the financial and development time it needs.

    Fallout 1&2 > Fallout 3, altho its hard to say that as they're completely different games.

  • SleepyMagpie #45 3 years ago

    Obsidian seems to be Bethesda's half-wit cousin, somewhat like Infinity Ward's Treyarch... Here's hoping the muses guide them and we get something good, but I'm not sure about this one.

  • Evolution #46 3 years ago

    Count, my point is that you have no idea what the situation is, so acting like what you're saying are the facts is just ridiculous. For all we know it is still in production, and if it isn't then the reason isn't always as simplistic as "Obsidian are shit lol".

  • SleepyMagpie #47 3 years ago

    Nobody's taking my bait? Sigh. Slow day at work, blue skies outside..

    Seriously though, are Obsidian still comprised of the same people that made Fallout 1 & 2? And are we sure we'd get the same kick out of them today?

    Kotor2/NWN2: These did not rock my boat.

  • metalangel #48 3 years ago

    How's this for common sense: the old Sierra Manhunter games used their grotty old low res EGA AGI engine even though the higher res SCI one was available. The chunky graphics and resultant roughness of the looks really helped convey the decaying cities and ragged inhabitants in a way higher res wouldn't have.

  • dacicus #49 3 years ago

    Okay! It's Obsidian bashing, right?!
    But, Obsidian had ONE YEAR to come out with KOTOR2. For a modern game and for an RPG it's short with at least 2 years. An RPG it's not a shooter. A shooter can use a licensed engine (Unreal, Half Life, just to name the most popular graphic engine for shooters). An RPG must come out with a new wngine almost every time, due to the new implemented gameplay mechanics. So, no, the only people who s.rewed up were the guys from Lucas who didn't gave them an extra year.
    For NWN2, NWN2: Original Campaign was developped by Bioware, so again, not Obsidian's fault. When Obsidian came into play, you've seen a better story and generally a better gameplay, voice acting and such. Mask of the Betrayer? Was an excellent expansion. Storm of Zehir, was not...Mainly because Bioware left the boat to go in the EA's big transatlantic (not sure if it's called Titanic) and ATARI came with its " looksie, we have ideas". As some might know, ATARI has the rights for D&D videogames. Everything must be preapproved by them. Not exactly much space left for creativity, right???
    As some might know, Obsidian is still an independent company, so it's forced to pretty much do whatever it takes to survive.
    Alien RPG, was not an RPG that was Obsidian's Intelectual Property. Sega was funding the project and Sega decided to put it on hold, just like it did with the Alien shooter developped at GearBox. Sega owns the rights for Alien games and Sega decided to cancel both.
    Alpha Protocol is another game that was commisioned by Sega to Obsidian. Also its fate it's unsure.
    Do you see a pattern? Obsidian doesn't have its own Intelectual Properties to work with. They are subcontractors for big publishers and they are forced to dance the dance or to disappear. Despite that, it's still one of the biggest indie studios left out there.
    And let's not forget the fact that at Obsidian are people who worked on the original Fallouts, Planescape Torment, Baldur's Gate (this was a joint title with Bioware) and Icewind Dale.

  • rajaat9 #50 3 years ago

    A few things.

    Fallout 1 and 2 were great games, we can all agree. Fallout 3 is a very different game than the first two...and yet, it is still Fallout. Yes, the gameplay is different, it's first person, it's 3d, but the world is the same. If fallout 1 was designed as a first person shooter, it would play much like fallout 3 does. People need to appreciate it for what it is. It's still a fallout, it just has some first person shooter gameplay. And so what? If you hate FPS titles, that's your loss. "Fallout" isn't a bunch of code defining how a game is to be played. Fallout is the writing behind the code. If Bethesda, or Obsidian, or whoever is licenced to create new fallout IP decided to write a novel based in the fallout world, I'd read it. Hell, it would probably be better than the games!

    I have never played KoToR 2, but from what I'm hearing, the game was well written and flawed technically. Love it or hate it, Fallout 3 already has a fully developed, working engine and it's very unlikely they're going to make another one, thus, New Vegas should play exactly like fallout 3, but with more (well written, by members of the original fallout team!) content. This is how games should be created, leave the various aspects to the people that do them best. Get a great software team from one firm and fantastic writers from another, and you'll create a great game.

  • Grayvern #51 3 years ago

    Obsidian havent yet had chance to release their own IP yet it is stupid to judge them untill after Alpha Protocall.

  • MurfPD #52 8 months ago

    This really made my day and players could finally re-enter and rule the Hardcore Wasteland. We could also wonder how much the level cap will increase, and whats new in this like the perks, enemies to kill, and the new weapons in which so many are looking forward except for the storyline. The new things to collect and we will be obsess by it. Murfreesboro Pediatric Dentist