Bethesda Under Attack Following Fallout: New Vegas Source Code Dispute

This is a moment when Bethesda is far from having everything going for it. Not only has Bethesda’s brand name been tarnished, but also the quality of its more recent games is not generating much faith in its ability to deliver quality entertainment.

Now, the controversy surrounding Bethesda’s alleged loss of the source code for Fallout: New Vegas threatens to pile even more pressure on a troubled studio that desperately needs a shot in the arm, but this is just the start. Even if Bethesda were able to get hold of the source code for the critically-acclaimed game, there is some doubt that it would know what to do with it.

This is even though Chris Avellone, a senior designer on New Vegas, has openly questioned whether Bethesda has the engineering capability to pull off a proper remaster. He did not seem to deliver his remarks subtly. According to him, the technical feat would be difficult, and he even hinted that the studio might not be able to pull it off.

Such an outlook can be traced to a larger story that you must have observed unfolding. The reputation of Bethesda in the industry does not appear to be as solid as it used to be. There is a sense that many people, both within and outside the studio, are growing bolder about voicing their opinions as the studio's power dwindles. When a firm holds its ground in the market, everyone keeps quiet. But when such power fades, everything changes.

The situation also connects to Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda. The deal was valued at under $10 billion, and expectations were high. Nevertheless, the outcome does not meet the initial investment. Even if Starfield was a considerable success, it didn't receive unanimous praise, which would have been enough to justify the cost. For you, it seems obvious that Microsoft will reconsider its decision and reflect on what it has gained from its collaboration with Bethesda, as the latter continues to face growing disapproval from the gaming community.

This change in perception also affects the leaders' position. Todd Howard remains a prominent figure in the gaming industry, but his status shifts from respected leader to accused. In such a case, many might conclude it's time to rethink the company's management team.

Avellone's opinion also reflects the problems associated with the game itself. 

According to him, Obsidian never handed over the full source code at the end of project development. The last deadline came after what apparently was a very small amount of money, $10,000, that Obsidian CEO Feargus Urquhart opted not to take. Now, that choice might have a very large impact on whether Bethesda has access to the full system behind the game.

It is unusual from a business practices perspective. In general, when commissioning a product like a game, one expects that the contractor would provide all required future maintenance by default. That indicates just how differently business transactions in the game industry can be conducted compared to other sectors. And it might indicate that the working relations between Bethesda and Obsidian were somewhat strained at the time.

This is further demonstrated by more anecdotes. According to Avellone, there were several times when communication broke down, such as when he claimed the game would run at 30 frames per second, only to get in trouble for making the announcement. This suggests that his frustrations were not simply with the game but with the underlying technology.

This frustration clearly connects to some of Bethesda’s past criticisms, which have revolved around the same technical aspects of their games. From the frequent crashes to poor performance, many players have had to endure years of these issues. Fixing those issues has often been about reducing them rather than eliminating them.

The relationship between the two studios didn’t improve after the release either. 

After Obsidian completed its New Vegas DLCs, Bethesda reportedly presented a breakdown of what it believed Obsidian had done wrong. The criticism, particularly in this form, did not come off as constructive. Rather, it solidified the notion that the two parties were diverging further.

This DLC has remained successful to date. The expansion pack in question has always been cherished by gamers, and to date, Dead Money is still being referenced and repeated decades after its creation. The success of this expansion pack proves that the alleged shortcomings were not applicable since the reception was positive.

On the flip side, hopes that Obsidian and Bethesda would reunite to work on another game under Microsoft ownership have yet to come to fruition. Despite being under the same umbrella, the two studios’ futures have remained on different trajectories. Instead of returning to the Fallout series, Obsidian has opted to develop its own titles, such as The Outer Worlds.

Obsidian’s decision to prioritize its own IP underscores the likelihood of a near-term collaboration.

Instead of reflecting on their past together, it seems each side will go its own way. From your perspective, this decision further demonstrates that the problems that have plagued them for so long have never actually been resolved.

As far as what’s in store for the future of Fallout, the situation is still very much up in the air. While there have been whispers that Obsidian might be willing to take on a new project along the lines of New Vegas, that notion isn’t without its fair share of controversy.

When comparing recent releases, the results don’t clearly favor one studio over the other. Starfield, The Outer Worlds, and newer titles like Avowed all have their strengths and weaknesses, but none of them have fully captured the same level of impact that New Vegas once had. You find yourself in a situation where both Bethesda and Obsidian come across as options that cannot be taken for granted to carry on that tradition.

The whole story revolves around the constraints of technology, business considerations, and troubled relationships. The problem with the New Vegas code is only one element in a much bigger story. More and more people within the industry will start to speak out over time, and this seems unlikely to change anytime soon.