Todd Howard reveals favorite Fallout faction and shares story of iconic slogan's near absence from TV series

Howard's Favorite Faction and the Near-Demise of a Slogan

Todd Howard, the visionary behind Bethesda Game Studios, recently unveiled his personal favorite faction within the beloved Fallout universe. In a candid interview with PC Gamer, Howard revealed a surprising inclination towards the Brotherhood of Steel, citing their superior arsenal and the undeniable allure of donning power armor. "Usually I say 'Brotherhood ,' because they have the best toys. I feel like I could use some power armor. ... Like all factions, they have their issues with how they see the world, but they have the best equipment. So yeah, I'd go that route," he mused. This choice, while understandable from a practical standpoint, might raise eyebrows among the game's dedicated fanbase, many of whom might find the Brotherhood's often morally ambiguous actions and technological obsession less appealing than the philosophical complexities of other groups.

Howard, however, seems to embrace the very diversity of opinion that fuels passionate discussions within the Fallout community. He expressed genuine pleasure that players champion different entries in the franchise, whether it be the original titles, Fallout 3, Fallout 4, Fallout: New Vegas, or even Fallout 76. "I think it's great that there can be many factions, and fans say, 'Oh, I like the first, second, third, fourth, or Vegas or 76,' so I think that's really great for the franchise where people can say which one they like the most." This sentiment underscores Bethesda's evolving relationship with its iconic IP, acknowledging the impact and acclaim of titles developed by external studios.

A Nod to Obsidian's Masterpiece

In a significant gesture of respect, Howard extended a special invitation to the original developers of Fallout: New Vegas, the acclaimed RPG crafted by Obsidian Entertainment. "Huge respect to the people at Obsidian. Invited them to the set to see it. They've had just an incredible year, looking at the year they've had," Howard stated. This acknowledgment highlights Bethesda's recognition of the profound impact New Vegas had on the franchise's legacy, and the studio's apparent lack of resentment over its popularity. "That's what we asked them to do, right? And they just did an incredible job on New Vegas." Howard further elaborated that Bethesda isn't bothered by the fact that many players consider New Vegas superior to Bethesda's own installments like Fallout 3 or 4, emphasizing that the very debate about which game reigns supreme is beneficial for the franchise's overall health and enduring appeal.

The Perilous Journey of "War Never Changes"

Beyond faction allegiances and inter-studio respect, Howard also shed light on a near-miss for one of Fallout's most iconic phrases. The series' quintessential opening line, "War never changes," almost didn't make it into the live-action Fallout series. The creative team debated its inclusion, wary that it might feel gratuitous or overly cliché. "We discussed it and decided we weren't sure if it was going to be in at all, because it can feel a little on the nose. So we thought, well, let's see if there's a good moment for it. ... You might think, 'Oh, it absolutely needs to be there.' Well, only if it makes sense, because it can sound like a cliché. And if you ask the actors who were supposed to say it – we didn't tell them it was an iconic line. Walton didn't know when he said it. To keep it authentic." The deliberate choice to keep the delivery natural, without burdening the actors with the weight of its legacy, allowed the phrase to land with genuine impact during its eventual, fitting placement in the first season, serving as a poignant reminder of the wasteland's perpetual, unchanging nature.