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Fallout (series)

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Fallout (series)
TitleFallout
DeveloperInterplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, Bethesda Game Studios, Obsidian Entertainment
PublisherInterplay Entertainment, Bethesda Softworks
CreatorTim Cain, Leonard Boyarsky
PlatformsMicrosoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation, PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
First release versionFallout
First release dateOctober 10, 1997
Latest release versionFallout 76
Latest release dateNovember 14, 2018

Fallout (series). The series is a renowned collection of post-apocalyptic role-playing games set in a retro-futuristic world shaped by Atomic Age aesthetics and Cold War anxieties. Beginning with the 1997 release of the original title developed by Interplay Entertainment, the franchise has expanded through multiple acclaimed sequels and spin-offs developed by studios like Black Isle Studios, Bethesda Game Studios, and Obsidian Entertainment. Its narrative explores the aftermath of a global nuclear war in an alternate history timeline, focusing on the struggles of survivors across a devastated United States.

Overview

The core series primarily consists of single-player narrative-driven experiences, including the seminal titles Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4. These games are celebrated for their deep world-building, player choice, and darkly satirical tone. The franchise also includes the multiplayer-focused Fallout 76 and several earlier tactical spin-offs. The intellectual property is currently owned by Bethesda Softworks, a subsidiary of Microsoft following its acquisition of ZeniMax Media. The setting is distinguished by its iconic Vault-Tec corporation, Power Armor, and myriad mutated creatures like Deathclaws and Super Mutants.

Gameplay

Gameplay has evolved from the turn-based, isometric perspective and SPECIAL character system featured in the original Fallout and Fallout 2. With Fallout 3, the series transitioned to a first/third-person action role-playing game format utilizing the Creation Engine, while retaining elements like V.A.T.S. and extensive dialogue trees. Players explore vast open worlds such as the Capital Wasteland, the Mojave Wasteland, and the Commonwealth, engaging in combat, completing quests for factions like the Brotherhood of Steel or the New California Republic, and managing intricate crafting and settlement systems. The SPECIAL system remains foundational for character development and perk selection.

Setting and themes

The series is set in a divergent timeline where retro-futuristic technology developed alongside 1950s American culture, leading to a Great War in 2077 between the United States and China. The aftermath leaves continents scarred into irradiated wastelands. Central themes include the futility of war, the dangers of unchecked nationalism and corporatism—embodied by entities like Vault-Tec and RobCo Industries—and the philosophical struggle between various ideologies of reconstruction. Recurring locations include Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, and Boston, each reimagined as a hostile, atom-punk landscape. The tone often blends grim survival with dark humor and satire.

Development history

The original Fallout was developed by Interplay Entertainment under the direction of Tim Cain and Leonard Boyarsky, drawing inspiration from earlier games like Wasteland. Key sequels were developed by Black Isle Studios before financial troubles led Interplay Entertainment to sell the franchise to Bethesda Softworks in 2007. Bethesda Game Studios then rebooted the series with Fallout 3, directed by Todd Howard. Obsidian Entertainment, staffed by former Black Isle Studios developers, created the critically praised Fallout: New Vegas. Subsequent mainline titles and the online experiment Fallout 76 have been produced internally by Bethesda Game Studios.

Reception and legacy

The series has received widespread critical acclaim and substantial commercial success, with particular praise directed at Fallout: New Vegas and Fallout 4 for their writing and world design. It has profoundly influenced the role-playing video game genre, popularizing open-world post-apocalyptic settings and complex moral choice systems. The franchise has cultivated a massive, dedicated fanbase and a significant presence in gaming culture, supported by extensive modding communities. It has also been recognized with numerous awards from institutions like the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences and publications such as Game Informer.

Beyond the main RPGs, the franchise includes titles like the tactical combat games Fallout Tactics: Brotherhood of Steel and Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel. A highly anticipated television adaptation, Fallout, was produced by Amazon MGM Studios and Kilter Films with involvement from Bethesda Game Studios. Other related media encompasses a wide range of merchandise, novelizations, tabletop games such as Fallout: Wasteland Warfare, and a mobile game, Fallout Shelter. These extensions have further solidified the series' status as a multimedia powerhouse.

Category:Video game franchises Category:Post-apocalyptic video games Category:Bethesda Softworks franchises