Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer believes the success of the Fallout TV series was partly due to its independence from a new game launch. Speaking at the Paley International Council Summit, Spencer suggested that avoiding a simultaneous release allowed for greater creative freedom.
"We didn't have a new game lined up for the launch. I actually think that gave us some creative liberty that we wouldn't have had if we tried to coordinate the production of two very different creative processes to land at the same time."
— Phil Spencer
He emphasized a long-term strategy rather than short-term sales boosts:
"The play is much more long term than trying to drive some gift buying."
— Phil Spencer
While older Fallout games saw increased sales after the show's premiere, Spencer's comments highlight the shift away from rushed game tie-ins, prioritizing quality and creative vision.
Series creator Jonathan Nolan also discussed season two, noting its increased use of flashbacks, a narrative technique more easily employed in television than video games.
"For the most part, in games, it’s a little harder grammatically to flashback...In a show, you can flashback and you can explore that world beforehand...It’s one of the things I love the most about season one and we will be doing more of that in season two."
— Jonathan Nolan
Filming for Fallout season two is set to begin soon in California.
