Todd Howard dismisses rival rumors as new Fallout game begins

When developers talk about rivalry, they often conjure up drama. In the world of massive video game franchises like Fallout, however, there is a far more interesting narrative: one built on mutual respect and collaborative excitement.

Recently, some fan chatter suggested a simmering animosity between Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) and Obsidian Entertainment. The idea revolved around the legacy of Fallout: New Vegas, often hailed as one of the greatest entries in the series.

But industry leaders have taken a different approach. Todd Howard, a key figure at Bethesda, has actively dismissed these rumors, emphasizing that behind the scenes, the relationship between BGS and Obsidian is far from competitive—it’s rooted in deep, shared passion for the franchise.

In an earlier conversation regarding the acquisition of Obsidian by Microsoft, Howard openly stated that BGS had “always had a great relationship with them,” highlighting trust in the creative talent behind the games. He noted that for him, success was about finding the best creators, and he expressed confidence that they were the right group to handle pivotal moments in the Fallout saga.

This spirit of partnership continues to shine today as development teams look toward the future. In 2026, Howard expressed genuine excitement about BGS’s upcoming collaborations with Obsidian, including developers behind titles like Avowed, The Outer Worlds, Grounded, and Pentiment.

This shared excitement isn’t just about future projects; it’s about honoring the entire Fallout universe. Howard stressed that when considering new directions, he looks at the franchise as a whole—the history and potential of all the games contributing to the narrative.

The focus remains firmly on the main thread: Fallout. BGS is currently laser-focused on making Fallout 5 their long-range destination. Meanwhile, a host of other projects are actively in development, keeping the world of post-apocalyptic America alive and evolving.

Players can look forward to revisiting beloved classics with new polish. Efforts are underway on remasters for both Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, ensuring that generations can explore the history in new ways.

The ongoing commitment to the series also includes expanding the world of Fallout 76 with major content like the Raven Rock expansion and continuous updates for Fallout Shelter, which continues to attract over 250 million players.

As the franchise celebrates milestones, BGS is already planning grand celebrations, including a live Fallout Day broadcast in Washington, D.C., in 2027. It seems the future of Fallout isn’t about internal studio conflict, but about an exciting, shared journey for everyone who loves the wasteland.