Tim Cain, creator of Fallout, returns to Obsidian Entertainment as a full-time employee

Tim Cain, one of the original minds behind the 1997 classic Fallout and its broader universe, has officially returned to Obsidian Entertainment. In a video shared on his personal YouTube channel, Cain confirmed his comeback, noting that he has relocated back to Southern California and will now be a full-time, in-person employee.

Cain stated, I cant share details about the project Im involved with at Obsidian due to NDA restrictions. Dont try to guessits unlikely youll be right. Id say Im a lot less retired than before.

He initially joined Obsidian in 2011, contributing to Pillars of Eternity and co-directing The Outer Worlds. Cain left the studio in 2020 but continued as a contractor on The Outer Worlds 2. Since then, he had not taken on a permanent role at any other studio, though he began posting videos in 2023 discussing game development, the industry, and his personal experiences.

Cains full-time return is a significant move, sparking curiosity about his next project. Obsidian, now under Xbox, has had a highly productive year, releasing three major titles in 2025: Avowed, Grounded 2, and The Outer Worlds 2. The studio, with roughly 300 employees, is also known for Fallout: New Vegas, a fan-favorite in the franchise.

While some might speculate that Cain could be working on a new Fallout project, especially given the renewed interest in the franchise from the hit TV adaptation, his cryptic comments suggest otherwise. Obsidians recent pace of releases means fans may need to wait for any official announcements regarding Cains current work.

Author: Jackson Miller