Fallout 5 Is In Preproduction, Todd Howard Says

Todd Howard released an extensive briefing outlining Bethesda Game Studios’ direction after recent layoffs across Xbox. He detailed several fresh and ongoing projects, notably four Fallout titles: remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas, an undisclosed Fallout collaboration with Obsidian, and Fallout 5, now in preproduction.

Howard emphasized Bethesda’s intensified focus on the Fallout franchise. Fallout 76 will receive a substantial expansion called Raven Rock next year, serving as a prequel to Fallout 3. He also confirmed that remasters of Fallout 3 and New Vegas are underway, though their progress remains unspecified. Fallout Shelter continues to be supported, and an unscripted television adaptation of the mobile game is being developed with Amazon and Kilter Films, while season three of the current Fallout series remains in production.

Howard also revealed that Obsidian is collaborating with Bethesda on a new Fallout title that had been previously rumored. The partnership fills the gap left by the cancellation of an Avowed sequel, following the loss of about a quarter of Obsidian’s workforce to Xbox layoffs.

Howard concluded with remarks about Starfield, noting that The Elder Scrolls VI remains the studio’s priority, yet Fallout 5 is already in preproduction using Creation Engine 3—a more advanced engine than that powering Starfield. He has consistently highlighted Fallout 5, citing it as early as 2018 and again last December.