Fallout: New Vegas FAQ

What is Fallout: New Vegas?
Fallout: New Vegas is a futuristic post-apocalyptic RPG set in an alternate universe based on 50s sci-fi pulp fiction, as if the world had stopped during the optimistic 50s and found itself in a dystopian post-apocalyptic reality. It will make use of the gameplay style of Bethesda Softworks' Fallout 3, however, with a brand new story and setting.

Is it Fallout 4?
No, Fallout 4 will be a separate future project that will likely be developed by Bethesda Game Studios itself. For more information, see: Fallout 4 FAQ.

Will it be a MMORPG?
No, it will be a Single-Player game, like previous Fallouts. However, Interplay licensed the rights to a Fallout MMORPG from Bethesda in 2007 and is currently developing it under the codename Project V13. Bethesda recently moved to rescind the Fallout MMORPG license, claiming that Interplay is in breach of the licensing agreement. Interplay disputes these claims.

For more details, see: Fallout Online FAQ.

Is it some kind of add-on?
No, unlike the add-on packs, it will be a standalone game.

Will it feature exclusive add-ons/DLC, like Fallout 3?
It is not known at this time.

Will it use the Fallout 3 engine?
Yes. J.E. Sawyer says:
 * We have the GECK as well as all art source and code source. We coordinate the viability of any given addition/change with Bethesda since they have a decade-ish of experience with the technology base.

Who is making and publishing Fallout: New Vegas?
Fallout: New Vegas is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks.

What is Fallout: New Vegas rated?
To be announced. However, Fallout 3 was rated M (Mature) by the ESRB in the United States and 18 in the UK, and New Vegas will likely have the same rating.

When will it be released?
The game will be released in the Fall of 2010.

What platforms will it be released for?
Like Fallout 3, the game will be released for the PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

Will it require Windows Vista?
Fallout: New Vegas will work on PCs running either Windows XP, Vista or Windows 7.

Is it being made by people who made previous Fallouts?
Yes, it is being developed by Obsidian Entertainment, which was founded by some of the people who worked on Fallout, Fallout 2 and Van Buren at Interplay/Black Isle Studios.

Who is on the team?
J.E. Sawyer, who previously worked on Van Buren, is the project director and lead designer. Chris Avellone, who worked on Fallout 2, Van Buren and wrote the Fallout Bible is a senior designer. For the full list of known developers see: Fallout: New Vegas developers.

Other people at Obsidian who worked on previous Fallout games include Feargus Urquhart, Chris Jones, Chris Parker and Darren Monahan. At least some of them are likely to be on the New Vegas team.

Is the combat turn-based or real-time?
The combat will likely be real-time, with the active pause VATS system, similar to Fallout 3.

Is first or third perspective used?
While nothing has been officially announced, given that it has been announced to be the same style of game as Fallout 3, it will likely allow you to use both first and third-person perspective.

Will there be any changes to gameplay mechanics?
There will likely be some changes, as J.E. Sawyer mentioned rebalancing weapon stats and possibly reintroducing Damage Threshold on his Twitter.