How long was Fallout New Vegas in development?
The development of Fallout New Vegas, an open-world role-playing video game developed by Obsidian Entertainment and published by Bethesda Softworks, was a lengthy process that spanned over six years. This post-apocalyptic game, which was released in October 2010, was officially announced in 2007, but its roots can be traced back even further.
The concept for Fallout New Vegas was initially formed in the late 1990s, when Obsidian Entertainment was working on a cancelled game called Van Buren. The developers had always envisioned a follow-up to the critically acclaimed Fallout 2, but the project was repeatedly delayed and eventually canceled due to various reasons, including budget constraints and changes in the gaming industry.
In 2003,Obsidian Entertainment was approached by Interplay Entertainment, the original publisher of the Fallout series, to develop a new Fallout game. This new project was to be set in the Mojave Wasteland, a vast desert region that had never been explored in the Fallout universe. However, Interplay’s financial troubles led to the cancellation of the project once again.
It wasn’t until 2006 that the project was resurrected, this time with Obsidian Entertainment being acquired by Atari. The new studio, now called Obsidian Entertainment, was tasked with bringing the game to life. The development process was not without its challenges, as the team had to navigate through various technical and creative obstacles.
The game’s development timeline can be broken down as follows:
– Concept and design phase (1990s): The initial idea for a Fallout game set in the Mojave Wasteland was formed.
– Development phase (2003-2006): The game was canceled multiple times before being resurrected with Interplay and later Atari.
– Acquisition by Bethesda Softworks (2006): Obsidian Entertainment was acquired by Atari, which was later purchased by ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Softworks.
– Development of Van Buren (2006-2007): The team worked on the cancelled game Van Buren, which served as the foundation for Fallout New Vegas.
– Development of Fallout New Vegas (2007-2010): The game was officially announced, and the development process began in earnest.
Throughout this extensive development period, the team faced numerous challenges, including a shifting game engine, budget cuts, and the loss of key staff members. Despite these obstacles, Obsidian Entertainment managed to deliver a game that was well-received by both critics and players alike. Fallout New Vegas has since become a fan favorite in the Fallout series, with its rich story, engaging gameplay, and immersive world.
