What’s more exciting than hearing that one of the greatest minds in storytelling for video games is reuniting with the very studio that helped define their career? That’s exactly what’s happening as John Gonzalez, the lead writer behind Fallout: New Vegas and Horizon: Zero Dawn, has returned to Obsidian Entertainment. If you're a fan of RPGs and narrative-driven games, this news probably has you buzzing with excitement—and maybe a few questions.
But wait—before your mind starts racing with thoughts of a Fallout: New Vegas sequel, let’s set the record straight. Gonzalez himself has made it clear he’s not working on a follow-up to the post-apocalyptic classic. Still, his return to Obsidian sets the stage for something big, and fans can’t help but speculate about what this storytelling wizard will bring to the table next.
The Return of a Narrative Powerhouse
John Gonzalez is no stranger to crafting unforgettable stories. His work on Fallout: New Vegas gave us the morally complex world of the Mojave Wasteland, where every choice felt consequential. Remember having to decide between supporting the New California Republic, siding with Caesar’s Legion, or backing Mr. House in his Vegas vision? Gonzalez was one of the architects behind those agonizing choices.
Fast-forward a few years, and he stepped into an entirely different world with Horizon: Zero Dawn. As the narrative director, Gonzalez helped shape Aloy’s journey in a post-post-apocalyptic world filled with robotic dinosaurs and layers of mystery. The game’s story not only captivated players but also proved that blockbuster open-world games could have depth and emotional resonance.
So, when you hear that he’s back at Obsidian, it’s impossible not to get hyped. Obsidian has always been a studio known for its storytelling chops, with games like Pillars of Eternity, The Outer Worlds, and of course, Fallout: New Vegas. Gonzalez’s return feels like a reunion of old friends who just happen to be some of the best storytellers in the business.
Why Gonzalez’s Work Stands Out
What makes Gonzalez’s writing so memorable? It’s his ability to create worlds and characters that feel alive. In Fallout: New Vegas, the factions weren’t just cardboard cutouts—they had their own ideologies, motivations, and flaws. Caesar’s Legion wasn’t evil just for the sake of being evil; they had a philosophy rooted in strength and order, however brutal it might have been.
Similarly, in Horizon: Zero Dawn, Aloy wasn’t just a hero on a quest. She was an outcast searching for her identity while uncovering the secrets of a world long gone. The game’s story balanced personal stakes with larger-than-life mysteries, keeping players hooked from start to finish. Gonzalez has a knack for weaving these intricate narratives that challenge players to think beyond the surface level.
Let’s not forget the dialogue. Whether it’s the snarky wit of characters in Fallout: New Vegas or the heartfelt moments in Horizon: Zero Dawn, Gonzalez knows how to make words count. His writing doesn’t just tell a story—it immerses you in it, making you feel like your choices and actions truly matter.
Not a Fallout: New Vegas Sequel—So What’s Next?
Okay, so Gonzalez isn’t working on a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas. That might be a bummer for some fans, but let’s not forget that Obsidian has plenty of other irons in the fire. The studio is currently working on Avowed, a first-person RPG set in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, and the anticipated sequel to The Outer Worlds. Could Gonzalez be contributing to one of these projects? Or is he working on something entirely new?
It’s fun to speculate, isn’t it? Maybe Gonzalez is diving into the world of Avowed, bringing his talent for morally complex storytelling to a high-fantasy setting. Or perhaps he’s helping shape the next chapter of The Outer Worlds, a game known for its sharp wit and satirical take on corporate dystopias. Then again, Obsidian has been known to surprise us. Could Gonzalez be spearheading a brand-new IP that we don’t even know about yet?
Whatever the case, his return signals that Obsidian is doubling down on its commitment to storytelling. In an industry where flashy graphics and open-world gimmicks often take center stage, it’s refreshing to see a focus on narrative depth. Gonzalez’s involvement is a reminder that the best video games aren’t just about what you do—they’re about why you do it.
Why Now? Timing and Context
So, why is Gonzalez returning to Obsidian now? It’s hard to say for sure, but the timing feels significant. The gaming industry is in a bit of a storytelling renaissance, with games like The Last of Us Part II and Undertale proving that players crave meaningful narratives. Even classics like Google Pac-Man have been reimagined to include more depth and context (okay, maybe not Google Pac-Man, but you get the idea).
Obsidian, too, seems to be entering a new phase. With Microsoft’s backing, the studio has more resources than ever to bring its ambitious ideas to life. Gonzalez’s return could be a sign that Obsidian is gearing up for something truly special—a project that could rival the impact of Fallout: New Vegas or Horizon: Zero Dawn.
It’s also worth noting that Gonzalez isn’t the only industry veteran making waves. The past few years have seen a trend of developers returning to their roots or branching out in unexpected ways. It’s like a reunion tour for the gaming industry, and we’re all here for it.
The Legacy of Fallout: New Vegas and Horizon: Zero Dawn
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the legacy of the games Gonzalez has worked on. Fallout: New Vegas is often cited as one of the best RPGs of all time, and for good reason. Its branching storylines, memorable characters, and dark humor set a high bar for open-world games. Even today, players are discovering new ways to experience the Mojave Wasteland, whether by siding with unlikely allies or uncovering hidden quests.
And then there’s Horizon: Zero Dawn. This game redefined what an open-world RPG could be, blending breathtaking visuals with a story that was as engaging as it was thought-provoking. Aloy’s journey resonated with players around the world, and the game’s success paved the way for its equally ambitious sequel, Horizon Forbidden West.
These games aren’t just milestones in Gonzalez’s career—they’re landmarks in the history of video games. His return to Obsidian is a chance to build on that legacy, creating new stories that will captivate and inspire players for years to come.
Fan Reactions: Excitement and Speculation
As you might expect, fans have a lot to say about Gonzalez’s return. Social media platforms and gaming forums are buzzing with speculation. Some are holding out hope for a spiritual successor to Fallout: New Vegas, while others are dreaming up entirely new worlds for Gonzalez to explore.
Then there are those who are simply excited to see what he’ll do next, regardless of the project. After all, Gonzalez has a track record of exceeding expectations. Whether he’s crafting a gritty post-apocalyptic tale or a futuristic adventure with robotic dinosaurs, he knows how to keep players hooked.
Of course, there’s also a bit of skepticism. Can Gonzalez capture lightning in a bottle again? Will his next project live up to the high standards set by Fallout: New Vegas and Horizon: Zero Dawn? These are fair questions, but if history is any indication, Gonzalez is more than up to the challenge.
The Future of Obsidian
With Gonzalez back in the fold, the future looks bright for Obsidian. The studio has always been a favorite among RPG fans, and his return is a sign that they’re not resting on their laurels. Whether it’s Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2, or something entirely new, Gonzalez’s influence is bound to elevate whatever project he’s working on.
In an era where games like The Last of Us and Undertale are pushing the boundaries of storytelling, Obsidian has a chance to lead the charge. With Gonzalez’s expertise, they could very well create the next great RPG—a game that players will be talking about for years to come. And who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll look back at this moment as the beginning of something truly groundbreaking.
So, what do you think? Are you excited about Gonzalez’s return to Obsidian? What kind of story do you hope to see him tackle next? One thing’s for sure: whatever he’s working on, it’s going to be worth the wait.