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Fallout 5 Greenlit: A New Era Without Bethesda?

featured image for GameEels article about the news of Fallout 5 greenlit without Bethesda

“Fallout 5 greenlit” has been circulating the Internet for a while now, but it’s not the biggest news that folks and gamers are getting wild about.

Hold onto your Pip-Boys, wasteland wanderers—there’s some seriously big news in the post-apocalyptic air! According to recent reports, Fallout 5 greenlit has become more than just a rumor—it’s a reality. But here’s the unexpected twist: this might be the first mainline Fallout game that doesn’t involve Bethesda Game Studios at the helm.

That’s right. The legendary developer who brought us Fallout 3, Fallout 4, and Fallout 76 may be passing the torch, and fans are both excited and nervous. So what exactly is happening with Fallout 5 greenlit, and who could be taking over the radioactive reins?

Fallout 5 Greenlit—But Not by Who You’d Expect

Sources close to Microsoft and Xbox insiders have reportedly confirmed that Fallout 5 greenlit is official. But rather than waiting for Bethesda to finish The Elder Scrolls VI (which could still be years away), the powers that be may be turning to a different developer to jumpstart production.

Bethesda, after all, is pretty booked. Between updates to Starfield, building out Elder Scrolls VI, and managing ongoing content for Fallout 76, they’ve got a lot on their plate. So, Microsoft stepping in to speed up the Fallout 5 greenlit process makes strategic sense.

Who Could Take the Reins?

The million-bottle-cap question: if not Bethesda, then who?

Several studios have been floated as potential developers:

  • Obsidian Entertainment– Best known for Fallout: New Vegas, arguably the most beloved entry in the franchise. Fans have long dreamed of Obsidian returning to the series, and the fact that Microsoft owns both Obsidian and Bethesda makes this a real possibility.
  • InXile Entertainment– Creators of the Wasteland series, which actually inspired the original Fallout. InXile’s pedigree in tactical RPGs and post-apocalyptic storytelling makes them a solid candidate.
  • id Software– While a long shot, id’s technical prowess (thanks to the DOOM series) could revolutionize combat mechanics in a Falloutworld.

Whichever way it plays out, the Fallout 5 greenlit news suggests that Microsoft is serious about keeping one of its most iconic franchises alive and thriving—even if it means shaking up tradition.

image of a Brotherhood of Steel Power Armor from the new Fallout 5 greenlit news
Brotherhood of Steel Power Armor | Photo from Glitched

Fan Reactions: Hype, Hope, and Hesitation

Gamers everywhere are buzzing with speculation. While excitement is sky-high that Fallout 5 greenlit has moved beyond vaporware status, some fans are understandably cautious without Bethesda. Fallout’s identity has been closely tied to Bethesda’s world-building style, from detailed settlements to branching quest lines.

Still, others are thrilled at the idea of new creative blood. After the mixed reception of Fallout 76, many believe the series could benefit from a fresh perspective—especially if Obsidian is involved. A New Vegas 2 or spiritual successor under their watch would be a dream come true for RPG lovers.

What Might Fallout 5 Look Like?

Since Fallout 5 greenlit news is still early days, there’s no official word on setting, characters, or gameplay. But fans are already speculating:

  • Could it explore a brand-new region, like Chicago or Texas?
  • Will it return to more hardcore RPG roots like Fallout: New Vegas?
  • Might it use the StarfieldCreation Engine 2, or a new engine entirely?

Regardless, the hope is that the game brings back deep choices, complex factions, and meaningful player consequences—all the hallmarks of a great Fallout game.

When Can We Expect It?

Even with Fallout 5 greenlit, don’t expect it to drop anytime soon. Game development cycles are long, and even if a new studio is jumping in now, we’re probably looking at 2027 or later for a release.

Still, knowing that the game is officially moving forward—and not stuck in limbo—is enough to give fans a big morale boost. This was the same when fans found out news of a major Fallout 76 update.

What This Means for the Future of Fallout

The fact that Fallout 5 greenlit might come from outside Bethesda signals a new chapter for the franchise. It opens the door to faster development, more diverse storytelling styles, and potentially a return to RPG roots that older fans miss.

It also shows that Microsoft is keen on keeping its big IPs active and engaging—not letting them stagnate between mega-releases. If this gamble pays off, Fallout could become a more frequent and dynamic presence in the gaming landscape, rather than just a once-in-a-decade drop.

image of a potential cover art for the Fallout 5 greenlit news
Possible Fallout 5 cover art | Photo from Covert Voice

Final Thoughts: A Bright Future in the Wasteland?

In the end, Fallout 5 greenlit is the headline fans have waited years to hear. While questions remain—especially about who will develop it and how closely it will resemble its predecessors—there’s a strong sense of optimism in the community.

When it comes to a treasured franchise, change can be frightening. Despite being set within a post-nuclear dystopia, Fallout appears to have a fairly bright future thanks to Microsoft’s support and the chance for talent such as Obsidian or InXile to step in.

Be sure to read our other news articles to keep up with what’s hot and what’s not in the gaming world. We got some other news, as well, with Stardew Valley becoming the top Steam game, reaching GOATed status!

Stay tuned and catch the gaming current with GameEels!