Behind the Scenes of the Fallout Universe, the Gaming World’s Most Unexpected Television Success

The post-apocalyptic TV show is back to Prime Video, and it's safe to say that fans were delightfully shocked by the caliber of its initial run. By illustrating the atomic-age, nuclear-ravaged United States through the eyes of three different characters, it managed to capture various facets of the player's journey.

We followed vault-dweller Lucy, striving to act with integrity and finding that the ruined world made that very difficult; Brotherhood initiate Max, the Brotherhood of Steel initiate, who starts doubting his cult's authority and creates plenty of trouble in robotic power armour; and Walton Goggins's character, a breakout character who has completely shed any sense of morality out in the irradiated wastes.

Building Anticipation for a New Chapter

The show's first season conclusion unveiled a major secret about those responsible for the atomic conflict that trapped a population in underground vaults for hundreds of years. It also left several enigmas open for the next installment – and, now, expectations are much greater.

“We'd gladly accept ‘pretty good’ – we should print that on merchandise,” remarks one of the series creators.

“Heading into the initial season, everyone’s like, ‘Just don't mess it up’,” comments the game director. “We’re over the moon with the feedback to the show, so now people are bringing more eagerness and different expectations.”

A New Vegas Vibe for Season Two

The second season is taking place in New Vegas, the location of the 2010’s game Fallout: New Vegas, which is widely regarded for having the best writing and personalities in the franchise, despite the fact that it was technically flawed at launch.

“It embodies a sun-baked feel, a Southwestern essence, that’s so key to that game,” says Nolan. “That parched, desolate Route 66 feeling of the game is so much rewarding to bring into the show.”

In the show's timeline, a significant amount of time has elapsed since the events of the New Vegas game by the time the protagonists arrive there. However, the creators suggest that it will honor the gamer's experience.

The Importance of Physical Sets

The Fallout TV series is praised for its tangible quality – its makers prioritized authentic items and sets were built, reflecting the improvised nature of the towns in the games.

“As a sci-fi fan, so many series I watch, I’m conscious that they’re all standing in front of a blue screen,” comments another of the showrunners. “The whole point of an translation, particularly of a interactive medium, is to seem like it’s authentic.”

In fact, almost every element you see on-screen is real, including the legendarily scary irradiated monsters known as the apex predators. In the show, they are portrayed by practical effects, and were by all accounts quite terrifying up close.

Made by Fans, for Fans

The Fallout series resonates because it is made by accomplished storytellers who are also longtime fans, in collaboration with the game developers behind the source material. This common understanding for the lore is clear in the final product.

The second season is being released on a episode-by-episode basis rather than as a binge-able batch, marking a change from the first season. This approach will create a different audience reaction, a dynamic the creators themselves are looking forward to witness.

“It's richer, it’s bigger, it’s wittier, it has a lot of revelations,” teases Howard. “I am excited to seeing what people think.”