Prime Video's 'Fallout' based on video game will feature new, unique storyline while staying true to its origin
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Fallout', an upcoming action-adventure series that is set to release on Prime Video on Thursday, April 11, is based on the video game franchise of the same name by Interplay Entertainment, now owned by Bethesda Softworks.
The 'Fallout' video game series has achieved impressive sales records and earned numerous Game of the Year honors. Its mobile version, 'Fallout Shelter', boasts over 170 million downloads.
After extensive negotiations, Amazon Studios secured the rights to the 'Fallout' games in the summer of 2020. The project was entrusted to Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy for TV adaptation, leveraging their comprehensive deal with the streaming service and confirming the series' development.
The series is set in a world where a nuclear apocalypse has reshaped Earth, following a surge in nuclear advancements post-WWII. This era, marked by a unique blend of past and future technologies, led to intense global conflicts over resources.
To survive the nuclear devastation, humanity built protective shelters known as Vaults. Two centuries later, a young woman leaves the safety of Vault 33, embarking on a perilous journey through the desolate ruins of Los Angeles, now a fierce and unforgiving wasteland.
However, is 'Fallout' closely following its video game roots like 'The Last of Us', and 'The Witcher' known for capturing the games' essence in their series adaptation?
Navigating the challenges of video game adaptations with 'Fallout'
The 'Fallout' TV series introduces a crucial change in the timeline, different from the original video games. This shift is designed to dodge the usual snags of turning video games into shows or movies.
Adapting beloved games into screen versions often presents a challenge, especially in capturing the essence of characters and the game's world without losing originality.
This challenge is particularly noticeable with open-world role-playing games like 'Fallout', known for letting players embark on personalized journeys within a vast, explorable universe.
Directly converting any single game story could restrict the show's creativity. By making a deliberate adjustment to the series' timeline, 'Fallout' aims to refresh the familiar setting and characters while steering clear of the limitations set by the games' existing narratives.
The 'Fallout' series isn't based on a particular game from the franchise
The creators behind the 'Fallout' TV series have decided to set the story decades after the timeline of the original games.
This was confirmed by co-showrunner Graham Wagner after the debut of the show's trailer, stating that the series unfolds twenty-five years after the events in many of the games.
This timeline placement suggests the series exists within the same universe as the games but won't directly adapt any existing characters or plots into its main narrative.
The 'Fallout' TV series will draw inspiration from the unique setting and iconic factions of the 'Fallout' games to create its own storyline.
The show explores a post-apocalyptic world struggling to survive centuries after nuclear war devastated much of the planet, leaving it as a harsh wasteland.
While the games have featured memorable characters and stories, the decision not to directly adapt them for the TV series is a positive indication. Adapting 'Fallout' to its original form would be challenging due to its expansive and intricate nature, making this approach a smart move for the show's development.
'Fallout' will feature its own unique story
Fallout is carving out its own narrative path, drawing inspiration from the original games while crafting something entirely fresh. This decision grants the creators significant creative freedom.
Characters won't face direct comparisons with their game counterparts, a pitfall seen in adaptations like 'Halo' or 'Uncharted'. Their traits can evolve organically to suit the story rather than adhering rigidly to game plots.
This approach enables the show to weave together different narratives, reflecting the breadth of the franchise rather than one specific storyline.
Such flexibility allows 'Fallout' to scale its scope as desired. It can delve deeply into factions and corners of the universe, or keep its focus tight. This adaptability sets the stage for future seasons to explore diverse directions, drawing from the essence of the original games while forging its own path.
By leaping ahead in time and embracing the entirety of the franchise, 'Fallout' demonstrates a strong commitment to crafting a unique narrative beyond merely adapting a video game.
How to stream 'Fallout'?
'Fallout' will premiere on Thursday, April 11, on Prime Video. Don't have a Prime Video subscription? We've got you covered!
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'Fallout' trailer
