Fallout Season 3 Is Already Influencing Bethesda’s Next Games, Todd Howard Says

Fallout season 2 just landed on Prime Video and seems to be hitting the mark. Meanwhile, Bethesda Game Studios boss (and frequent game director) Todd Howard is already treating season 3 like a testing ground for stuff that could migrate into the games.

Howard told Variety that the team isn't waiting around: he said, in plain terms, that "we're writing season 3 now." And the TV side isn't doing it in a silo. The writers are actively syncing with Bethesda about what could live in both worlds without feeling like a clumsy brand mash-up.

"We're having those conversations now of, what are we doing in season 3 for the TV show, and what elements can we bring into our games at that time when it comes out that don't feel forced or fake."

My read on how this actually shows up for players: expect Fallout 76 to get the first crack at any TV-to-game crossover. The live service cadence makes it the easiest place to slot in new characters and lore, and we literally saw that earlier this year when the Burning Springs update brought over Walton Goggins' character The Ghoul from the show.

There's chatter about a Fallout 3 remaster being in the works, but I wouldn't bet on Bethesda bolting a fresh TV storyline onto a nearly 20-year-old game. If the studio's approach to The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is any indication, the focus there is more about polishing what exists than wedging in new canon.

As for Fallout 5, temper expectations. Howard has said building a new Fallout is roughly a five-year project, and Bethesda is currently all-in on The Elder Scrolls 6. Translation: we'll be waiting a while.

So where could season 3 ideas show up?

• Fallout 76: Most likely target for near-term crossovers, just like the Burning Springs update that added Goggins' The Ghoul.
• Fallout 3 remaster (reportedly in development): Possible nods or cosmetic ties, but a big new storyline seems unlikely based on how Bethesda has handled remasters.
• Fallout 5: Don't hold your breath. A long runway and Elder Scrolls 6 focus make this the far-future option.

Bottom line: season 2 is live, season 3 is already being written, and Bethesda is mapping out which TV elements can hop the fence into the games without feeling tacky. If anything crosses over soon, look to 76. Anything bigger than that? We'll all look a little more ghoul-like by the time it arrives.