Fallout's Unexpected Origins: A Hidden Link to Wasteland
Brian Fargo, the co-founder of Interplay Entertainment, has shed light on a little-known piece of gaming history: the original Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game was initially conceived not just as a spiritual successor, but as a direct sequel to the iconic 1980s RPG, Wasteland. According to Fargo, development was already several months in when the studio was forced to pivot due to legal risks – the rights to Wasteland were then held by Electronic Arts.
“Many people don't know that [Fallout] was a sequel to Wasteland,” Fargo stated. “People don't know what was behind it. It all started with tunnels and trolls, then we needed a system – with mercenaries, spies and private detectives – that's how the skill system in Wasteland appeared, and then it moved into Fallout.”
He elaborated on the early stages, explaining how core mechanics, including the skill system, directly evolved from Wasteland's design. However, the legal threat from EA loomed large. “We actually worked on it for a while, but after a few months we had to turn away from that path,” Fargo continued. He specifically recalled how what were then called “Shadow Claws” in early development became the fearsome “Deathclaws” in the final Fallout, a direct consequence of their efforts to avoid legal action. “We did everything we could so Electronic Arts wouldn't sue us – we tried not to go too far.”
Indeed, the two series share a striking number of similarities. In Wasteland, players battled mutants and AI seeking to replace humanity, encountered fanatical guardians of ancient technology, and explored radioactive ruins, including a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas – a setting that appeared in Wasteland long before Fallout: New Vegas brought it to the fore.
Ultimately, while Interplay never managed to acquire the rights to the Wasteland name, this unexpected detour proved to be a blessing in disguise for Fallout. The necessity to change course allowed the game's concept to evolve into something distinct and unique. What began as an unofficial continuation transformed into one of the genre's most prominent symbols. Today, it's hard to imagine the gaming world without iconic elements like the Brotherhood of Steel, Ghouls, or the New California Republic. Under Bethesda's stewardship, the Fallout series has soared in popularity, reaching a truly massive audience and cementing its legacy as a beloved RPG.
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