618. The Story of Fallout (with Chris Avellone)
Summary
Chris Avellone joins David Barr Kirtley to discuss his writing legacy in the Fallout series, analyzing narrative mechanics and literary influences like Harlan Ellison and Roger Zelazny. They explore the evolution of humor, the impact of Wasteland, and Avellone’s unproduced concepts for Fallout 3. The conversation concludes with Avellone’s critique of the recent Fallout TV show and its place in the franchise's history.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Chris Avellone
Reflections on the original Fallout game
Wasteland influences and narrative mechanics
Literary inspirations: A Boy and His Dog and Damnation Alley
Ray Bradbury's There Will Come Soft Rains and Dogmeat
Sponsor: Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Humor, tone, and creative conflicts in Fallout 2
Unreleased concepts and New Vegas design
Wasteland 2/3 and post-apocalyptic society
Sponsor: The Dark RPG
Critique of the Fallout TV series
New RPG project and closing remarks
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