It seems like fate that Larian Studios, the minds behind the sword-and-sorceryDivinity: Original Sinfranchise, found its way intoBaldur’s Gate, but it could have easily been a completely different fan-favorite franchise:Fallout.
Speaking withEdge Magazine, Larian Studios CEO Swen Vincke revealed thatBaldur’s Gate IIIwas one of only a handful of titles it considered at the time. However, it also considered making pitches for a newUltimaorFallout.
Ultimately, Larian went withBaldur’s Gate III, as the franchise was languishing following the closure of Black Isle Studios. Svicke tells Edge it was a franchise he knew would get plenty of traction, sayingBaldur’s Gatewas “one of those IPs that you know a lot of people will want to work on.”
Still, it is bittersweet to imagine a world where Larian could apply that same love and careBaldur’s Gategot to a newFallout. As I write this, I am on the cusp of finishingBaldur’s Gate III(finally!), and I am losing my mind thinking about how great this world-building would be for aFalloutgame.Baldur’s Gatenailed exploration, world-building, and party dynamics in a way that fans have been beggingFalloutto for years.
Tapping the people who made the biggest RPG in the world to create a newFalloutseems like a no-brainer. The franchise is bigger than ever thanks to the success ofthe Prime Video series, and it sure sounds likeFallout 5is a very, very long way away. Given all the ways Microsoft is struggling to justify raising prices and creatingnew Game Pass tiers, a newFalloutwould go a long way to earning back some goodwill.
Unfortunately, we’re not likely to get something as majestic as a Larian Studios-developedFallout. The previous third-party swing at aFalloutgame,Fallout: New Vegas, is hailed as one of the best entries in the storied franchise, but Bethesda seems reluctant to let another company work onFalloutagain. It came to light just last year thatBethesda had rejected multiple pitchesfor spin-offs for bothFalloutandThe Elder ScrollsfromNew Vegasdev Obsidian Entertainment.
For now, you’ll have to make do with the various fan projects, likeFallout: London(assuming it isn’t broken again by an update) or this gorgeous concept forFalloutin Unreal Engine 5. That, or hopemoddersslap a coat ofFalloutpaint onBaldur’s Gate.
