Early Concept: New York Setting
Fallout 4, one of the most beloved games in the series, was initially set in New York City, according to Bethesda’s design director Emil Pagliarulo. The idea was to create something “grand and American,” with identifiable monuments that would make the game’s setting instantly recognizable.
Nick Valentine’s Origin
In the early stages of development, the design document featured a character who would later become Nick Valentine, the beloved synth detective. Originally, Valentine was envisioned as a human detective, inspired by a photo of Humphrey Bogart. This inspiration is evident in Valentine’s final character design and personality.
Further Development
Nick Valentine’s character was later fleshed out by designer Liam Collins, who added depth to his backstory and quests. Pagliarulo has a deep affection for Valentine, as the character appeared in his very first design document for Fallout 4.
Switch to Boston
The setting was eventually changed from New York to Boston. Pagliarulo explained that the decision was influenced by the fact that other games were being set in New York at the time. Additionally, Todd Howard and lead artist Istvan Pely advocated for Boston, and Pagliarulo—being from Boston—was more than happy to agree with the change.
Surviving Concept: Goodneighbor
While most of the New York concept was abandoned, one notable location survived: the town of Goodneighbor. In the final game, Goodneighbor is structured similarly to how it was envisioned in the New York setting, reminiscent of Times Square.
Additional Development Insights
The article also touches on other aspects of the Fallout series, including the involvement of key figures and the development process of other games in the franchise. These insights highlight the collaborative effort behind the series’ iconic world‑building.
