Fallout Icon Tim Cain Rejoining Obsidian for Secret Project
Gaming industry veteran Tim Cain, a pivotal creative force behind the original Fallout, has officially rejoined Xbox's acclaimed developer, Obsidian Entertainment. Cain is now a full-time staff member, embarking on a top-secret project that he insists fans won't be able to guess, fueling immense speculation across the RPG landscape.
Tim Cain's Full-Time Return Ignites RPG Speculation
In a recent video shared on his personal YouTube channel—a platform he frequently uses to recount fascinating tales from the development of the inaugural Fallout game—Cain confirmed his new full-time role at Obsidian. This marks a significant shift from his previous contractor status, indicating a deeper commitment to the studio. He explicitly stated that the specifics of his new project are strictly under Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA), urging fans to refrain from guessing. "Don't bother guessing. You're not going to guess right," Cain emphasized, adding that he is "a lot less retired now" than he previously considered himself.
Cain's distinguished history with Obsidian includes full-time contributions to critically acclaimed titles like Pillars of Eternity and The Outer Worlds. More recently, he provided contract work on The Outer Worlds 2. While he has another game set for future release with his name attached, his current focus is exclusively on this undisclosed Obsidian endeavor.
Obsidian's Prolific Output and Fallout Legacy
Obsidian Entertainment, now an Xbox Game Studio, continues its prolific development streak. The studio has recently seen the release of The Outer Worlds 2, Grounded 2, and the fantasy RPG Avowed, all reportedly arriving this year, following last year's unique title, Pentiment. While fans frequently voice their hopes for a sequel to the much-loved 2010 RPG Fallout: New Vegas—a title Obsidian developed—the studio's developers are known to appreciate their ability to continuously forge new intellectual properties and deliver successful sequels to those new franchises.
Despite being owned by Microsoft, the parent company of Bethesda (the current stewards of the Fallout franchise), Obsidian has consistently prioritized original creations. This strategy underscores their commitment to innovation, even amidst ongoing fan demand for a return to the Mojave Wasteland.
Broader Fallout Universe Buzz
Beyond Obsidian's walls, the Fallout universe is experiencing a surge in popularity. Fallout Season 2 is slated to premiere on Prime Video this December, further amplifying interest. Bethesda itself is capitalizing on this momentum with a new Fallout: New Vegas bundle. However, there has been no official announcement regarding a Fallout remaster or a direct Fallout: New Vegas 2 from Bethesda to leverage the franchise's renewed public interest.
Reports from VGC, responding to Todd Howard's comments in GQ about The Elder Scrolls 6 being distant and "some other things we're doing" with Fallout, suggest that a remaster of Fallout 3—initially leaked in 2023—remains in development. This potential remaster is speculated to follow a similar approach to the rumored The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, aligning with growing fan expectations for Bethesda to revisit older titles while players await future major releases.