Fallout: New Vegas Remains Firmly Canonical, Affirms Bethesda Design Director

In the wake of the highly anticipated arrival of Prime TV's Fallout series, a ripple of concern has spread through the dedicated fanbase. While the show's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, a contingent of devoted followers has raised concerns about its potential repercussions on the established Fallout lore, particularly regarding the beloved Fallout: New Vegas installment.

The crux of the matter lies in a pivotal revelation midway through the series, where the date of a significant event sparks debates about its alignment with the New Vegas timeline. This has led some fans to speculate that the show might be retconning the storyline of Fallout: New Vegas, effectively excising it from the canonical lore. Compounding these worries are conflicting details that have raised eyebrows about the potential decanonization of Fallout 1 and 2 as well.

Amidst the swirling rumors and apprehensions, a voice of authority has emerged to quell the mounting unease. Emil Pagliarulo, the esteemed design director at Bethesda Game Studios and the lead designer and writer behind Fallout 3 and Fallout 4 took to Twitter to share a comprehensive Fallout timeline. At the same time, this initial effort fell short of fully addressing the concerns, a direct inquiry from a fan cut through the confusion.

When posed with the poignant question, "So is New Vegas canon or not?" Pagliarulo's response was unequivocal: "Of course it is. We've never suggested otherwise." These eight words reverberated through the Fallout community, offering a resounding affirmation that Fallout: New Vegas remains an integral part of the franchise's canon.

Pagliarulo's authoritative reassurance should provide solace to those who had harbored doubts about the status of New Vegas within the Fallout mythos. While the show's handling of specific details could have been more precise, potentially avoiding the ensuing confusion, the design director's statement serves as a definitive declaration that Obsidian Entertainment's acclaimed entry remains firmly entrenched in the narrative tapestry woven by the series.