### The Misconception of Todd Howard’s Aversion to *Fallout: New Vegas*
Lately, conversations about Todd Howard, the creative director of Bethesda, and *Fallout: New Vegas*, a title crafted by Obsidian, have ignited numerous dialogues among gamers. The widespread rumor that Howard has negative sentiments towards *New Vegas* has circulated extensively, particularly after the debut of *Fallout 4* in 2015. Numerous fans of the franchise make light of Howard’s purported disdain for the game, especially considering the positive acclaim that *New Vegas* has received compared to *Fallout 4*. Nevertheless, these assertions are baseless and lack substantial proof.
### Sources of the Rumor
The notion that Todd Howard dislikes *New Vegas* seems to have gained momentum a few years post the game’s launch in 2010. The discourse appears to have amplified following the release of *Fallout 4*, in which a portion of the gaming audience conveyed discontent with the title. Many enthusiasts believed that *Fallout 4* leaned more towards shooter mechanics rather than a classic RPG, prompting comparisons that positioned *New Vegas* as a superior installment in the series. Exchanges on platforms such as GameFAQs brought this sentiment to light, with users conjecturing about Howard’s reluctance to speak positively about *New Vegas*.
### Evaluating the Evidence
In spite of the widespread appeal of the myth, a deeper inspection shows that Todd Howard has indeed shown respect for *New Vegas*. From the outset, there has been public recognition of its quality:
1. **Howard’s Initial Recognition**: In 2010, Howard voiced positive feelings about *New Vegas* during a Game Informer preview, where he highlighted creativity and enjoyment in game creation.
2. **Backing from Obsidian**: Key figures at Obsidian, such as Feargus Urquhart and Josh Sawyer, have lauded their partnership with Howard. In several interviews, they characterized him as encouraging and receptive to innovative design choices.
3. **Ongoing Affirmations**: Over the years, in various interviews, including those with The Guardian and IGN, Howard has reiterated his admiration for *New Vegas* and acknowledged the outstanding work accomplished by Obsidian.
4. **Recent Statements**: As recently as 2024, Howard refuted the rumor during an interview on *Kinda Funny*, underscoring *New Vegas*’s importance to both Bethesda and its community, while expressing respect for Obsidian’s contributions.
5. **Canon and Factions**: Clarifications regarding the canon of *Fallout* have also been made multiple times, emphasizing that Obsidian’s *New Vegas* remains a crucial part of the series. The only stipulations made by Bethesda for *New Vegas* were minimal, primarily focused on the incorporation of factions.
### The Allure of the Myth
The tale of Todd Howard disapproving of *New Vegas* has an enticing quality, frequently portraying a David-versus-Goliath scenario between the well-established Bethesda and the smaller Obsidian team. Many fans delight in the underdog narrative, nurturing a sense of loyalty and identity within the community. This viewpoint may aid in the continual existence of the myth, despite ample evidence that contradicts it.
In summary, while the rumor that Todd Howard dislikes *Fallout: New Vegas* may persist among fans, it stands as a myth lacking evidential support. Howard’s public statements reflect not disdain, but appreciation for the effort invested in the game, underscoring its significance within the *Fallout* series. As the popularity of *New Vegas* endures, so too does the necessity for accurate representations of its legacy and the individuals responsible for its creation.
