“Could Fallout 5 Take Us to New Orleans? Former Bethesda Artist Envisions Southern Setting, Cautions Against Straying Too Far”

Nate Purkeypile, the lead artist for Fallout 76 and a seasoned veteran at Bethesda, has long envisioned the next installment in the Fallout series—specifically Fallout 5—set in the Deep South of the United States. The vibrant landscapes of Georgia or the mysterious bayous of Louisiana could offer a refreshing backdrop for the franchise, and the best part is, no passport is needed.

In a recent interview, Purkeypile expressed skepticism about Bethesda venturing outside the familiar American setting, suggesting that any international locations would likely be reserved for DLC. “They’re very tied into the whole Americana thing,” he noted. “Realistically, it is a business, and if you stray too far from what fans expect, it can backfire.”

His thoughts echo those of former Rockstar technical director Obbe Vermeij, who remarked on the Grand Theft Auto series, stating that setting the game in an unexpected location for the sake of novelty wouldn’t resonate with fans. “GTA: Toronto? It just wouldn’t work,” he said.

Purkeypile, drawing from his extensive experience with high-stakes projects at Bethesda, shares a similar sentiment. “I’ve always wanted to see what Fallout would be like in the Deep South. We’ve explored the East and West Coasts, but this region is rich in culture and has so many interesting places to discover.”

He added, “Fallout 5 in New Orleans? That would definitely get my vote.” However, he cautioned that while fans often crave innovation, they might not be ready for drastic changes within a beloved franchise.

The former lead artist also highlighted the challenges facing The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5, noting the immense pressure of living up to the legacy of titles like Skyrim, which is regarded as one of the greatest games of all time.