Overview
- John Gonzalez, the lead writer for Fallout: New Vegas, has returned to Obsidian Entertainment.
- While Gonzalez confirmed his new role, he clarified that he will not be working on Fallout: New Vegas 2.
- As the newly appointed Creative Director, he is likely to oversee an upcoming, unannounced game project.
John Gonzalez, recognized for his pivotal role as the lead writer for Fallout: New Vegas, has rejoined Obsidian Entertainment after nearly 15 years. His departure came in February 2011, shortly after which he took a position at Monolith Productions, known for developing Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
The narrative quality of Fallout: New Vegas is highly praised within the gaming community, a testament to the impactful storytelling that Gonzalez championed. His contributions included not only the primary writing but also the creative direction of four significant DLCs: Dead Money, Honest Hearts, Old World Blues, and Lonesome Road.
Fast forward to January 2025, Gonzalez made his return public through an update on LinkedIn, taking on the title of Creative Director at Obsidian. He explicitly stated that he will not be part of the anticipated Fallout: New Vegas sequel, news that while disappointing, aligns with the skepticism surrounding the possibility of a direct sequel.
Gonzalez’s Potential Role in Obsidian’s New Project
Details about Gonzalez’s new responsibilities at Obsidian remain vague. The studio currently has two main projects in development: Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2. With both titles slated for release in 2025, it’s probable that Gonzalez might contribute to their downloadable content (DLC).However, given his high-ranking position, it seems more plausible that he is taking charge of a completely new game, potentially powered by the Unity engine. Job postings suggest this project has been gathering momentum since at least 2023.
John Gonzalez’s Game Development Portfolio
| Game | Developer | Release Year | Role(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alter Echo | Outrage Games | 2003 | Design, Level Scripting |
| Tom Clancy’s EndWar | ubisoft shanghai | 2009 | Story Director, Scriptwriter |
| Fallout: New Vegas | Obsidian Entertainment | 2010 | Lead Creative Designer, Lead Writer |
| F:NV – Dead Money | 2010 | Narrative Designer | |
| F:NV – Honest Hearts | 2011 | ||
| F:NV – Old World Blues | 2011 | ||
| F:NV – Lonesome Road | 2011 | ||
| Dungeon Siege 3 | 2011 | Writer | |
| Guardians of Middle-earth | Monolith Productions | 2013 | Writer |
| Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor | 2014 | Additional Story | |
| Horizon Zero Dawn | Guerrilla Games | 2017 | Narrative Director |
| Horizon Forbidden West | 2022 | Narrative Director, Writer |
Gonzalez’s return raises questions about the potential direction of Obsidian’s upcoming projects. While he could lead a different game, the current workload of the studio—employing around 300 staff—suggests that any new projects may face delays. The extended timelines typical of modern AAA game development indicate that any new game spearheaded by Gonzalez might not be released until 2030 or beyond.
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