Obsidian's Full Plate: Why A New Fallout Game From Them Is A Distant Dream

Let's be real for a minute, fellow gamers. How many of us have spent the last decade hoping, praying, and occasionally yelling into the void for Obsidian to make another Fallout game? I know I have. Fallout: New Vegas wasn't just a game; it was a masterpiece of player choice, dark humor, and world-building that felt truly alive (or as alive as a post-apocalyptic wasteland can feel). It's the gold standard for many RPG fans, myself included. But here's the hard truth I had to swallow in 2025: wishing for another Obsidian Fallout is like waiting for a legendary weapon drop with a 0.001% chance—possible, but you'd be waiting a very, very long time.

So, why is the studio behind one of the most beloved Fallout games seemingly ignoring our collective pleas? The answer isn't a lack of love for the franchise. It's simple: Obsidian Entertainment is busier than a vault dweller trying to survive a Deathclaw attack with a pool cue. They've evolved and expanded in incredible ways, and their current project slate is absolutely stacked.

Let's break down what's on their plate right now, shall you see how packed their schedule is?

Obsidian's Current & Upcoming Projects Rundown (2025 Edition):

Just look at that list! Each one of these isn't just a small side project. They are major, resource-intensive endeavors.

Take Grounded, for instance. This isn't a "set it and forget it" live service game. Maintaining a successful multiplayer survival title in 2025 means constant updates, new content, bug fixes, and community engagement. That requires a dedicated team working on it full-time, even years after launch.

Then there are the two massive RPGs on the horizon. First up is Avowed. Rumors have been swirling for years, but the anticipation is real. It's Obsidian's take on a first-person fantasy RPG set in the rich world of Eora from Pillars of Eternity. Think of it as their answer to The Elder Scrolls. Creating a vast, open fantasy world from the ground up? That's a monumental task that likely consumes a huge chunk of the studio's creative and technical talent.

And we can't forget The Outer Worlds 2. The first game was a brilliant, satirical romp through corporate-controlled space that proved Obsidian's signature RPG style could work in a brand-new IP. A sequel has the potential to be even bigger and better. Building upon that foundation, expanding the universe, and refining the gameplay? That's another massive undertaking that will command significant resources for years to come.

This brings me back to our beloved Fallout: New Vegas. Its legacy is undeniable. It took the foundation Bethesda built and infused it with a sharper wit, more consequential choices, and a setting that felt uniquely its own. The cultural reappraisal it's received over the years is well-deserved. But its development was also famously rushed. Imagine what Obsidian could do with a modern Fallout project and proper time and resources? It's a dream scenario.

But dreams have to face reality. Developing a AAA Fallout game in today's landscape is a 5-7 year commitment for a major portion of a studio. With Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 already in the pipeline, Obsidian's creative and development bandwidth is completely maxed out. They are, in the best way possible, victims of their own success and ambition.

So, while my heart will always hold out hope to one day see another Obsidian-made Fallout—a true New Vegas 2—my brain knows the truth. In 2025, with the incredible projects they have cooking, it's simply not in the cards. And you know what? That's okay. Because if there's one thing Obsidian has proven, it's that whether they're in the Mojave, a backyard, or a new fantasy realm, they know how to craft unforgettable RPG experiences. I'd rather they focus and deliver masterpieces on their current path than stretch themselves thin trying to revisit the past. But hey, a gamer can still dream, right?