April’s biggest video game isn’t a new release like Tales of Kenzera: Zau or Stellar Blade. Instead, it’s a series that hasn’t received a new entry in years.
Fallout is currently gaining mainstream attention with its Amazon TV adaptation. Both returning players and new fans are revisiting classics like Fallout 4 and New Vegas. However, Bethesda faces a challenge in capitalizing on this moment due to its development timelines.
Fallout 5 is not expected to release soon, with The Elder Scrolls 6 being Bethesda’s priority. This delay may result in missing the opportunity to align with the popularity of Amazon’s series.
Losing flexibility
Amazon’s Fallout series has sparked a resurgence of interest in the franchise’s games. While this is positive news, the current available titles are several years old, with Fallout 4 being the most accessible option.
Traditionally, Bethesda would fast-track a new game in such a scenario, but their current development pace does not allow for quick releases. The company spends years developing massive open-world games like Starfield and The Elder Scrolls 6, making a prompt Fallout 5 unlikely.
While Bethesda is not obligated to release a new game, there is a considerable demand for it. The studio’s rigid development timelines may lead to missing the perfect opportunity to capitalize on the franchise’s popularity.
In the current trend of TV adaptations, studios like Bethesda may struggle to align game releases with show success. The delay in delivering sequels may result in audiences experiencing them first on television.
Bethesda could consider remasters of older titles or enhancing Fallout 76 with show-related updates to maintain interest. However, the ultimate solution lies in developing a new mainline title, which may require reevaluating their project scope.
There may be a lesson to be learned about the challenges of modern game development. Prioritizing massive projects may not always yield the desired results, as seen with Starfield. Embracing more agile development approaches could provide studios with the flexibility to adapt to audience demands.
For fans eagerly awaiting new Fallout content, the wait may be extended until the show’s second season. Bethesda’s ability to align with the show’s success remains uncertain.
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