The post-apocalyptic wasteland of Bethesda’s beloved game series, Fallout, is a captivating world filled with remnants of Earthly landmarks. So, it’s no wonder that the idea of incorporating elements of the Capitol Wasteland in Starfield, Bethesda’s upcoming sci-fi game, was considered. However, in an interview with The Washington Post, creative director Todd Howard revealed that this enticing concept didn’t come to fruition, despite being discussed along with many other ideas.
A Narrative Challenge
One of the main reasons why the connection between Fallout and Starfield was abandoned was due to the narrative challenges it posed. Starfield takes place in the year 2330, only 40 years after the events of Fallout 4. During this period, humanity was still struggling to rebuild in the aftermath of the Great War. While it would have been possible to shift the timeline back several centuries to allow for recovery, the stark contrast between the dark, ironic setting of Fallout and the more optimistic, “NASA-punk” approach of Starfield would have clashed.
Apart from the narrative obstacles, practical considerations also played a role in the decision-making process. Starfield experienced multiple delays, and the development process was heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sudden shift to remote work further compounded the challenges faced by the development team. Given these circumstances, it’s understandable that integrating a meaningful connection between the two game series would have been a significant undertaking and potentially affected the timely release of Starfield.
The decision not to intertwine the Fallout and Starfield universes may disappoint fans who were eager to explore the Earth’s wasteland in the context of Starfield’s interstellar setting. The opportunity to discover iconic landmarks such as the Shard in London and the Empire State Building in New York City within the context of Starfield’s vast universe could have been a game-changer. However, it seems that the complexities and practicalities outweighed the potential benefits.
Looking Forward
Although the connection between Fallout and Starfield may have been left on the cutting-room floor for now, it doesn’t mean that future opportunities for crossovers or references are completely off the table. Bethesda has a history of weaving intricate narratives and surprising fans with unexpected connections. Perhaps, in a future installment of either franchise, the Earth’s wasteland and the vast expanse of space will finally collide, offering players a truly unique and immersive gaming experience.
While the idea of exploring the Earth’s wasteland in Starfield may have been a missed opportunity, it’s important to recognize the challenges and limitations faced by game developers. Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda considered hundreds of ideas but ultimately had to make tough decisions to ensure the successful development and release of Starfield. As fans eagerly await the arrival of Bethesda’s highly anticipated sci-fi game, they can rest assured that even without the Fallout connection, an exciting and immersive experience awaits them in the unexplored reaches of space.
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