Fallout co-creator Tim Cain has revealed the challenges preventing remasters of the original Fallout games. The first game debuted in 1997, followed by a sequel in 1998, both establishing the franchise’s distinct retro-futuristic, post-apocalyptic style. Despite ongoing fan interest in remastered versions, Cain shared in a YouTube video that a major roadblock is the lack of access to the original source code, which he believed Bethesda might possess. However, legal and licensing complications make it difficult to proceed. Meanwhile, Bethesda continues to prioritize keeping the original Fallout titles playable on modern PCs rather than modernizing them. As fans await Fallout 5, they can look forward to new content in Fallout 76, including the Season 21 update “Gone Fishing” launching June 3, which will introduce fishing mechanics, new gear, and themed items.
Fallout co-creator Tim Cain Reveals Why Remastering the Original Fallout Games Is Difficult
The original Fallout is considered one of the classic RPGs deserving a remaster, alongside titles like Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind, and Planescape: Torment—especially after Bethesda unexpectedly released a remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Tim Cain’s recent YouTube comments sparked strong reactions from the Fallout fanbase, with some suggesting a collaboration between Cain and Todd Howard could make a remaster possible, pointing to the Amazon live-action series as proof of a faithful adaptation done right. One fan lamented the possible loss of the original games’ intuitive mouse controls if they don’t make it to modern consoles.
Meanwhile, talk of a Fallout 3 remaster continues, with designer Bruce Nesmith emphasizing the need to improve gunplay in any future version. Although Bethesda hasn’t confirmed such a project, fan demand remains high. Still, past leaks caution fans not to expect a remaster anytime soon.