Fallout creator hits back at angry fans over TV show lore changes: “Lore drift is inevitable in big IPs”

Each Fallout game has evolved in its own way, building upon its predecessors. The lore has naturally shifted with each installment, and this was evident when Fallout 2 made some alterations to Fallout 1. Such changes are to be expected.

Tim Cain, who had previously praised the Fallout live-action TV series, remains loyal to Bethesda’s interpretation of the Fallout lore after watching Amazon’s entire first season.

Despite the recent controversy surrounding the inclusion of Sandy Shades and New Vegas in the upcoming TV series, many fans continue to hold Fallout: New Vegas in high regard. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this installment is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise.

Despite receiving negative feedback about the possibility of Bethesda altering established canon lore, Fallout creator Tim Cain casually acknowledges these concerns in his review of the Fallout TV show.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bFBLAbwMA0

Despite being a game-to-TV adaptation, Fallout successfully captures the attention of a wide audience with its captivating storyline and accurate representation of the original series. The show maintains its unique “Fallout feel”without compromising its appeal to a broader audience, a feat that is not easily achieved. As Tim notes, it is challenging to create a post-apocalyptic world that stays true to the Fallout universe, but the creators have managed to do so seamlessly.

One common complaint among fans is that the timeline used in the series may deviate from the established timeline of the games. This observation is also acknowledged by Tim Cain, who remarks, “There is no definitive timeline that we can rely on. Perhaps the characters are simply unreliable narrators. Throughout the Fallout games, it is not uncommon for characters to provide false information.”

A major concern is determining the canon endings for each Fallout game within the larger scope of the franchise, as each game offers multiple endings based on player choices. Tim is unsure of how the TV show will approach this issue, but he is eagerly anticipating the future. “I often discuss the importance of selecting a canon ending for a sequel. It remains to be seen which ending the creators have chosen for the timeline of the Fallout TV show. I am eager to learn more.”

Although Tim praises the series’ storytelling, noting the lack of exposition and absence of a narrator, he does acknowledge the challenge for viewers who have not played the games to understand the Fallout show: “There may be a learning curve for those unfamiliar with the games, but I believe it is something that can be figured out.”

Tim reiterates to fans in his final statement that Bethesda holds the ultimate authority over Fallout lore, not him, not the fans, and not just the older games. He emphasizes, “I am no longer in control of this, and neither are you. Any decisions made by Bethesda moving forward will be considered canon.”