http://nma-fallout.com/threads/chris-avellone-interview-mentions-obsidian-split.208087/http://sugarbombed.com/forums/threads/chris-avellone-interview-part-1.21018/CA: I doubt Bethesda worries much about what Obsidian is doing (Bethesda's likely way too busy on multiple fronts), but only they could speak to that, I have no idea.
From an outside perspective, however, it appears when Bethesda likes working with a studio or see their potential, they seem to buy them (Arkane). They didn't buy Obsidian, though, even though Obsidian is eager to be bought based on recent interviews. It might be for the best - I don't know what would happen to the devs if Obsidian was bought, but the upper management would likely come out okay with that exit strategy.
SB: Let’s say Bethesda goes and tries to fill the wait for Fallout 5 with a Fallout MMO by The Elder Scrolls Online developer Zenimax Online Studios. Do you see any potential in this idea?
CA: I think a Fallout MMO would do well. Yes, RPG Codex, light your torches, I'll send you a map to my house.
SB: One last Fallout 4 related question. Bethesda, specifically the lead BGS writer Emil Pagularo, have taken some heat for multiple lore inconsistencies found in Fallout 4. For example, according to Fallout 4, jet was available pre-war and not created by Myron in Fallout 2. Also, there is an Enclave Power Armor suit at Nuka World that was also made pre-war (when it explicitly states in the game it was created post war), among other inconsistencies. How much is making sure all the lore in your games adds up and is consistent something you focus on in your games? And do you take issue with Bethesda at all for these lore inconsistencies?
CA: Do I take issue with them? No. (And considering what jet was originally made from, that lore point should make a lot of players happy.)
Even so, when inheriting a franchise, sometimes I, too, take exception to previous decisions as well (talking deathclaws in F2, talking animals, ghosts, Wannamingoes that look like HR Giger knock-off monsters, etc, etc.), even stuff I've done that I realized later was the wrong decision for the sake of a cheap joke (esp. 4th wall-breaking jokes).
"CA: I think a Fallout MMO would do well. Yes, RPG Codex, light your torches, I'll send you a map to my house."
Silly little mention at FOnline! The reality is that -> the devs are jealous at what we've all accomplished, it's obvious. There's been no real reference to Fallout Online in over 3 years, guess everyone is waiting for wipe. EVERYBODY knows about FOnline!!!! Heh, Bethesda should just buy the rights and go mainstream with what we've done. Pay us a salary :p
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Let's break down the reference, shall we? Take it out of context!
-> "Yes."
Reference to FOnline's long lasting life!
-> "RPG Codex"
Reference to FOnline's game play and meta. User skill and dice rolls.
-> "light your torches"
Reference to FOnline's primitive, simple execution and reality, future meets post-apocalyptic. Cavemen with guns. FOnline community.
-> "I'll send you a map to my house"
Reference to FOnline's player housing and raiding bases.