It's a bitter pill to swallow for fans of the iconic Fallout: New Vegas - one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. Chris Avellone, co-lead designer and writer on that very game, has come out swinging against Amazon Prime Video's live-action adaptation, admitting he's left feeling "embarrassed" by some of its dialogue.
The writing talent behind Fallout 2, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Knights Of The Old Republic 2 wasn't shy in his criticism, singling out Walton Goggins for praise - "he brought a level of legitimacy to the show" - and Ella Purnell for her portrayal of a "naïve vault dweller with a hint of steel". But these individual triumphs were overshadowed by Avellone's deep disappointment at the overall script quality.
The veteran game developer believes Hollywood screenwriters often show a lack of respect for the original source material, imposing their own interpretations and lore without fully understanding or respecting the depth created by game developers. This approach leads to "missed opportunities" and dilutes the very essence of what made the games so beloved in the first place.
Avellone's frustration was such that he couldn't continue watching - "I got to episode three and just couldn’t take it anymore", he revealed, adding that it was a case of prioritising his time. This sentiment contrasts with the show's ongoing success, despite its lacklustre reception among fans, with a third season currently in production and talk of potentially six seasons on the horizon.
The impact of this series is already being felt on the game franchise itself. Todd Howard, a key figure in the Fallout series, has confirmed that upcoming Fallout 5 will incorporate events and stories from the live-action adaptation - a merging of the two universes, potentially shaping future narratives for both mediums.
The question on everyone's lips now is: can the game series recover from this misstep? One thing's for sure - fans are watching with bated breath as the saga continues to unfold.