Fallout: New Vegas Confirmed as Canon by Todd Howard for Amazon's Fallout

Bethesda's Todd Howard has recently reaffirmed that Amazon Prime Video's "Fallout: The Series" is a canonical addition to the Fallout game universe. Howard, alongside Jonathan Nolan, one of the show's co-creators, discussed how the series fits into the existing Fallout timeline. "Fallout: The Series" takes place in the year 2296, positioning it less than a decade after the events of Fallout 4 and 25 years subsequent to Fallout: New Vegas. The adaptation's events are poised to influence the lore of the games significantly, exemplified by a pivotal moment: the destruction of Shady Sands, the capital of New California Republic, a well-known location from earlier titles.

The decision surrounding the fate of Shady Sands was suggested by showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet, a twist that initially surprised Howard. He later recognized it as an impactful story moment that could serve as a narrative anchor while remaining true to the game's history. This staunch approach to the timeline ensures that the series does not stray into alternative universe territory, contributing meaningfully to the franchise's story arc. Everyone involved exercised careful handling of Fallout's lore, preserving the consistency of the universe throughout the games and now, the television adaptation. Moreover, for fans feeling the urge to revisit the wastelands, a next-gen update for Fallout 4 is set to release later this month for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S.

Yes, Season One of "Fallout: The Series" is now available in its entirety on Prime Video.

"Fallout: The Series" joins a growing trend of video game adaptations into film and television, with the Fallout franchise itself offering a rich source of storytelling potential. The original game debuted in 1997, and since then, the series has expanded with multiple main entries and spin-offs, including the acclaimed "Fallout: New Vegas." The franchise is revered for its open-world exploration, post-apocalyptic setting, detailed lore, and choice-driven narrative, elements that have been carefully integrated into the television series to maintain its authentic feel and connection to the games. The show thus becomes a critical piece of the Fallout narrative tapestry and is anticipated to be received warmly by gaming and television audiences alike.