In a fascinating revelation, Interplay co-founder Brian Fargo recently shared that the original Fallout game had completely different origins than most fans realize. What began as a sequel to the 1988 RPG Wasteland ultimately transformed into the groundbreaking franchise we know today.

The Wasteland series, which pioneered the post-nuclear apocalypse setting in video games, experienced renewed interest in the early 2020s with a remaster of the original title and the release of Wasteland 3. While both franchises share similar themes of survival in a devastated America, Fallout has undoubtedly become the more recognizable brand in popular culture.

During a conversation with MrMattyPlays, Fargo explained that development initially focused on creating Wasteland 2. However, after several months of work, the team made a crucial pivot that would change gaming history. "Many people don't realize Fallout began as a Wasteland sequel," Fargo revealed, expressing amazement at how the franchise has surpassed all his original expectations.

One of the most intriguing connections between the franchises involves the iconic Deathclaws. Originally conceived as "Shadowclaws" for the Wasteland sequel, the team modified the creatures significantly to differentiate them from Electronic Arts' intellectual property. Early concept art shows Deathclaws with a more werewolf-like appearance before evolving into the terrifying reptilian mutants familiar to Fallout players.

Tim Cain, another key figure in Fallout's development, has described the series as Wasteland's spiritual successor. Interestingly, the team had already begun developing unique concepts when they learned they wouldn't obtain the Wasteland license, allowing Fallout to establish its own identity. While Cain worked on Fallout and Fallout 2, Fargo would later return to the Wasteland franchise through inXile Entertainment, overseeing Wasteland 2 and 3.

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