Fallout 5 Setting Sparks Debate Among Gamers

Bethesda confirms Fallout TV show events are canon, dividing fans on how it will impact the next game.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Bethesda has revealed that the events of the Prime Video Fallout TV series will be considered canon in the upcoming Fallout 5 video game. This decision has sparked fierce debate among fans, with some excited about the potential interconnectivity between the show and game, while others are concerned about inconsistencies with the established Fallout lore.

Why it matters

The Fallout franchise has a dedicated fanbase that is deeply invested in the lore and continuity of the games. Integrating the TV series into the canon could open up new storytelling possibilities, but also risks alienating long-time fans if not executed properly.

The details

In an interview, Bethesda's Todd Howard revealed that the Fallout TV series producer Jonathan Nolan is a huge fan of the games, and the two companies are working closely to ensure "authenticity" in how the stories are connected. Bethesda veteran Emil Pagliarulo stated that "everything that happens in the show happened in the games, or will happen in the games." This has led some fans to speculate that Fallout 5 may be set in San Francisco, as a potential connection to the show.

  • Fallout season one premiered on Prime Video in 2024 and was met with rave reviews.
  • Fallout was quickly renewed for a second and third season.

The players

Todd Howard

The head of Bethesda Game Studios, the developer behind the Fallout video game series.

Jonathan Nolan

The executive producer of the Fallout TV series, known for his work as co-writer on Interstellar and The Dark Knight trilogy.

Emil Pagliarulo

A veteran Bethesda developer who has worked on the Fallout games.

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What they’re saying

“For me personally, this adds more fuel to the fire that the location of 5 will likely be San Francisco.”

— Next_Historian8382, Reddit user (r/Fallout)

“This makes no sense when there are so many contrivances and inconsistencies when connecting back to the lore of the games. It also sandbags the story and future narrative.”

— Anonymous (Reddit)

What’s next

Fallout 5 is still a distant release, with Bethesda currently focused on The Elder Scrolls VI. Fans will have to wait and see how the TV series and game narratives ultimately connect.

The takeaway

Bethesda's decision to integrate the Fallout TV series into the game canon is a bold move that could open up new storytelling possibilities, but also risks alienating long-time fans if not executed carefully. The potential interconnectivity between the show and the next game has divided the Fallout community, highlighting the challenges of adapting a beloved franchise across multiple mediums.