In a recent vlog on his YouTube channel, Tim Cain, the original lead of Fallout, shared some interesting insights into the background of the game’s vaults. He mentioned that the idea of there being 1,000 Vault Tec vaults in the US was purely an aesthetic choice, with no real logistical basis. The number was initially chosen to accommodate the design of the vault suits, as Leonard Boyarsky, the lead artist, wanted to know how many digits to include on the back.
Cain also revealed that the concept of “Vault Zero” was initially considered as part of the vault experiment, which was intended for long haul interstellar travel. This idea adds an intriguing layer to the Fallout lore, showing the depth of creativity and imagination that went into the game’s development.
Furthermore, Cain discussed the thirteen “commonwealths” in Fallout’s world, revealing that they were inspired by the design of a thirteen-star American flag created by the game’s artists. This detail showcases how artistic decisions can shape and influence the narrative and world-building in a game.
Despite the initial concept of 1,000 vaults in the US, Cain admitted that the actual number of vaults in the game is far fewer. He estimated that Vault Tec would have saved only a fraction of the US population, raising questions about the true extent of the vault experiment and the company’s intentions.
Looking at the density of vaults in the Fallout games, Cain pointed out that there are far fewer vaults in the games than one would expect based on the original concept. He suggested that Vault Tec may not have built all 1,000 vaults as planned, drawing parallels to real-life government contractors who underperform in public-private partnerships.
In total, the Fallout games and TV show have showcased around 41 vaults, according to the Fallout Wiki. This number falls significantly short of the original estimate of 1,000 vaults, indicating that there is still much of the Fallout universe left unexplored.
Overall, Tim Cain’s insights into the development and lore of Fallout provide a fascinating look behind the scenes of one of the most iconic RPGs in gaming history. His revelations shed light on the creative process and decision-making that shaped the world of Fallout, making it a truly immersive and engaging experience for players.
