Former Elder Scrolls designer Kurt Kuhlmann on Fallout: New Vegas diehards: 'I don't know that Todd wanted to create that situation again for The Elder Scrolls'
Former *Elder Scrolls* designer Kurt Kuhlmann reflects on fan perceptions of *Fallout: New Vegas* and Bethesda’s cautious approach to the *Elder Scrolls* series.
Kurt Kuhlmann, a former designer at Bethesda, discussed the lingering fan perception that Obsidian should have been entrusted with *Fallout* after *New Vegas*. He suggested Todd Howard’s protective stance toward *The Elder Scrolls* may have been influenced by this dynamic, aiming to avoid similar debates. Kuhlmann noted that *The Elder Scrolls Online* provided a continuous outlet for fans, shifting perceptions of the franchise toward an ongoing live-service experience rather than single-player RPGs.
Kuhlmann, who has worked on *The Elder Scrolls* and *Fallout* titles, shared his personal preferences, favoring *Fallout 1* and *New Vegas* while criticizing *Starfield*. He acknowledged Bethesda’s respect for Obsidian’s work but pushed back against online criticism targeting Howard and the studio. His remarks highlight the studio’s pride in its own projects while addressing external pressures from vocal fan communities.
The discussion also touched on the broader industry context, where Obsidian’s upcoming *Fallout* project is seen as a high-stakes endeavor amid widespread layoffs and studio closures under Xbox. Kuhlmann’s comments reflect concerns about the sustainability of major game development amid financial and operational challenges.
Kuhlmann’s observations underscore the tension between fan expectations and studio autonomy, particularly in how Bethesda navigates the legacy of its franchises. His perspective offers insight into the internal and external factors shaping the company’s decisions regarding *The Elder Scrolls* and *Fallout*.