Ex-Bethesda Dev Forecasts Refined Gunplay in Fallout 3 Remaster

Following the positive reception of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, many are wondering which Bethesda title will receive the remaster treatment next. With rumors and a 2023 leak pointing to a Fallout 3 remaster, how might Bethesda enhance its acclaimed 2008 post-apocalyptic RPG?

Bruce Nesmith, a lead designer on Fallout 3, has highlighted the game's "subpar" gunplay, an area he expects would be a focal point for improvement in a modern remaster.

In an interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith suggested that a remastered Fallout 3 would likely feature combat mechanics more aligned with the smoother shooting found in Fallout 4.

“Look at the changes implemented in Fallout 4; they indicate what the developers considered essential to refine from Fallout 3,” Nesmith explained.

“Significant effort was dedicated to overhauling the gunplay in Fallout 4 because Fallout 3 represented Bethesda's first attempt at a shooter-style game. The improvements made were, in my opinion, remarkable.”

The Oblivion Remaster, developed by Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, features a substantial list of visual and gameplay enhancements. Beyond the expected 4K resolution and 60 FPS performance, it introduces meaningful updates to leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and user interfaces. Additional dialogue, an improved third-person camera, and advanced lip-syncing technology have also been added. These comprehensive changes have led some fans to argue that the project is more akin to a full remake, though Bethesda has clarified its decision to label it a remaster.

Nesmith believes a Fallout 3 remaster would likely follow a similar path of extensive improvement, much like the Oblivion project.

“The combat in Fallout 3 didn't stand up well against other shooters of its era,” he noted. “It's an RPG with shooter elements, not a pure run-and-gun experience. The foundational work done for Fallout 4 was substantial, so I'd expect to see those advancements integrated into a remaster.”

He added, “The Oblivion remaster wasn't merely upgraded to match Skyrim's 2011 standards. On the surface, it appears to surpass even the most recent graphical updates for Skyrim.” Nesmith has gone so far as to call the project “Oblivion 2.0.”

Bethesda is currently managing a full slate of projects, including the development of The Elder Scrolls VI and potential expansions for Starfield. Combined with ongoing support for Fallout 76, new remasters, and the upcoming second season of the Fallout TV show set in New Vegas, fans have much to anticipate in the years ahead.

For an in-depth look at Oblivion Remastered, explore our comprehensive guides featuring an interactive map, complete walkthroughs for the main quest and all guild storylines, character-building tips, essential early-game activities, PC cheat codes, and more.

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