<p>Emil Pagliarulo, a veteran lead writer at Bethesda, recently delved into the fundamental differences in narrative design between the studio's two pillars: <em>The Elder Scrolls</em> and <em>Fallout</em>. According to Pagliarulo, the post-apocalyptic world of <em>Fallout</em> often proves to be the more complex landscape to navigate from a writing perspective.</p>
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<p>In the expansive RPG worlds of Bethesda, players are frequently faced with pivotal choices. In titles like the Obsidian-developed <em>Fallout: New Vegas</em>, multiple factions compete for your loyalty, and the "correct" path for humanity is rarely crystal clear—save for perhaps the overtly villainous Caesar’s Legion.</p>
<p class="paywall">Speaking with GamesRadar+, Pagliarulo noted: "I think it's easier in a fantasy game like The Elder Scrolls, where a lot of fantasy tropes involve a 'big bad evil.' The distinction between good and evil is sometimes quite distinct." In contrast, he highlights that <em>Fallout</em> thrives within shades of gray, where moral absolute are harder to come by.</p>
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<p class="paywall">Pagliarulo points to <em>Fallout 4</em> as a prime example, specifically regarding the conflict between the Brotherhood of Steel and the Institute. "No matter what they do, you have to sit back and consider that they might have a point," he explains. Regarding the Institute, he poses the central philosophical question: "Are synths merely sophisticated toasters, or are they sentient beings that deserve freedom?" Similarly, while he describes the Brotherhood as "hard asses," he notes they raise valid concerns about whether humanity is responsible enough to wield the advanced technology it once used to destroy the world.</p>
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<p class="paywall">These deep-seated moral quandaries are exactly what keep the <em>Fallout</em> series so compelling, providing a perfect excuse for players to dive into their next dozen playthroughs.</p>
<p class="paywall"><u><em>Related: A former Bethesda developer reveals the surprising origin of Fallout's iconic "F*** You" easter egg.</em></u></p>
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Source: gamesradar.com
