Fallout 5 Officially Greenlit, Development Confirmed
▼ Summary
– Fallout 5 has been officially greenlit, but the development studio remains unknown, as Bethesda’s core teams are focused on Starfield DLC and The Elder Scrolls VI.
– Microsoft canceled ZeniMax Online’s unannounced MMO, codenamed Blackbird, to reallocate resources toward Fallout 5, prioritizing an established IP over a risky new project.
– Project Blackbird was a sci-fi MMO in pre-production since 2018, using a new engine, but was deemed too costly to compete with existing MMOs like World of Warcraft.
– Fallout 5’s release is likely years away, but a Fallout 3 remaster is reportedly in development and could arrive sooner.
– Interest in the Fallout franchise surged after Amazon’s 2024 TV show, with Season 2 updates recently shared by actor Walton Goggins.
The highly anticipated Fallout 5 has officially entered development, marking the next chapter in Bethesda’s beloved post-apocalyptic franchise. While excitement builds around the project, key details, including which studio will helm the game, remain shrouded in mystery.
Insights from the Xbox Two Podcast reveal that Microsoft has shifted resources toward expanding the Fallout universe, prioritizing it over other projects. Jez Corden of Windows Central noted that Bethesda’s core teams are currently tied up with Starfield expansions and The Elder Scrolls VI, leaving questions about who will take the reins for Fallout 5.
Interestingly, the push for Fallout 5 reportedly came at the cost of another ambitious project. ZeniMax Online’s unannounced sci-fi MMO, codenamed Blackbird, was canceled as part of Microsoft’s recent restructuring. Corden suggested the decision stemmed from the challenges of breaking into the competitive MMO market, dominated by giants like World of Warcraft and The Elder Scrolls Online. Instead, Microsoft opted to funnel resources into Fallout, a proven franchise with a built-in fanbase.
Blackbird had been in pre-production since 2018, running on a new engine, and was reportedly gaining momentum before its abrupt cancellation. While the project showed promise, executives ultimately deemed Fallout 5 a safer investment.
Despite the greenlight, fans shouldn’t expect Fallout 5 anytime soon. Development is still in its early stages, meaning a release could be years away. In the meantime, rumors of a Fallout 3 remaster offer a potential stopgap for eager players. The franchise’s resurgence, fueled by Amazon’s hit Fallout TV series, has only amplified demand for new content.
Elsewhere in Bethesda’s pipeline, The Elder Scrolls VI remains a priority, with Todd Howard confirming active development despite recent remaster announcements. For now, the wasteland’s future looks bright, even if patience will be required before stepping back into its radioactive embrace.
(Source: GameSpot)
