Bethesda Confirms 3 Fallout Projects, Taps Obsidian for New Game
Updated
Updated · Yahoo · Jul 17
Bethesda Confirms 3 Fallout Projects, Taps Obsidian for New Game
3 articles · Updated · Yahoo · Jul 17
Summary
Bethesda’s latest Fallout update made three moves official: an Obsidian-led new Fallout, remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 5 entering pre-production.
Todd Howard said Obsidian was “the only choice” when Bethesda looked for an outside studio, framing the partnership as the result of long-running mutual respect rather than fan-rumored friction.
Howard used the announcement to push back again on speculation that he resented New Vegas or wanted the Fallout TV series to erase it, saying he appreciates the “fan chatter.”
The Fallout roadmap lands just hours after Howard said Fallout 5 was in pre-production and The Elder Scrolls 6 remained Bethesda Game Studios’ main development focus despite Xbox layoffs.
With morale shattered by layoffs, is Bethesda's ambitious roadmap a genuine plan or a desperate fantasy?
As Xbox's gaming division falters, can its flagship studios still deliver on their biggest promises?
Bethesda at a Crossroads: The Impact of Xbox’s 2026 Layoffs, Centralized Strategy, and Franchise Prioritization
Overview
In 2026, Xbox faced major restructuring after internal assessments revealed low business margins and underperforming Game Pass and multi-platform strategies. This led to a severe hardware crisis and a strategic reset, resulting in 3,200 layoffs across the Xbox division, with 1,600 in early July alone. Bethesda Game Studios and its parent company ZeniMax were hit hard, losing key staff and leadership. These cuts created uncertainty for ongoing projects like The Elder Scrolls VI and Fallout 76, raised concerns about developer morale, and sparked union-led protests. Xbox’s new centralized strategy now focuses on established blockbuster franchises, reshaping Bethesda’s future direction.