Howard dismisses rivalry rumors, reveals bethesda-obsidian collaboration plans
Todd Howard is forcefully quashing persistent speculation about a simmering feud between bethesdaGame Studios and Obsidian Entertainment, labeling it ‘fan chatter’ and dismissing it as baseless.
A decade of mutual respect, according to howard
Despite years of whispers fueled by Obsidian’s acclaimed Fallout: New Vegas, Howard insists that the relationship between the two studios has always been one of profound collaboration and mutual trust. He points to a 2019 interview with IGN, where he stated, “BGS has always had a great relationship with them, and there’s only one group that we really trust to do this, and it was awesome. For me, it was either this group or nobody.”
That sentiment echoes in recent statements, delivered to Windows Central just weeks after a significant Xbox layoff wave and the announcement of Obsidian’s return to the Fallout universe. Howard expressed genuine excitement about the potential for a joint project, highlighting “a huge amount of mutual respect” between the teams, and a constant willingness to explore collaborative opportunities – a sentiment underscored by a ‘note’ revealing Bethesda’s roadmap, which confirms pre-production on Fallout 5 and remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas.
However, the situation isn’t entirely clear. Obsidian’s recent struggles, including the cancellation of Avowed 2 amidst CEO Asha Sharma’s strategic shift towards core franchises like The Elder Scrolls VI, raise questions about the scope and timeline of any potential collaboration. Despite these challenges, Howard remains optimistic, stating, “We’re super excited about the opportunity, working together.”
Bethesda’s renewed focus on Fallout is undeniable, with Fallout 76 continuing to boast a devoted player base and a substantial slate of free updates, including the upcoming Raven Rock expansion. The enduring popularity of Fallout 4, celebrating its 10-year anniversary with over 35 million copies sold, further solidifies the franchise’s position. And beyond the mainline titles, Fallout Shelter continues to thrive, boasting over 250 million players, with new Seasons and an unscripted television project in development with Amazon Studios.
Looking ahead, Bethesda is planning a special 30th-anniversary celebration for Fallout in 2027, scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C. – a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic franchise. The future, for now, appears firmly rooted in collaboration and continued innovation.