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"Ex-Bethesda Dev Predicts Fallout 3 Remaster to Enhance 'Not Good' Gun Combat"

by Simon May 14,2025

With the successful release of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, anticipation is building around which Bethesda game might be next in line for a remaster. Many fans speculate that Fallout 3 could be the next candidate, especially after leaks surfaced in 2023. If Bethesda does decide to remaster this 2008 post-apocalyptic RPG, there are several areas where improvements could be made, based on insights from Bruce Nesmith, one of Fallout 3's designers.

Nesmith has highlighted the "not good" gun combat in the original Fallout 3, suggesting that a remaster would likely see significant enhancements in this area. He believes the shooting mechanics would be brought more in line with those seen in Fallout 4, which received substantial updates to its gunplay.

Speaking to VideoGamer, Nesmith explained that the improvements in Fallout 4's gun combat could serve as a blueprint for what fans might expect in a Fallout 3 Remastered. He noted, "What did you see in Fallout 4? That will tell you what they felt was necessary to change from Fallout 3."

The success of Oblivion Remastered, crafted by Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, offers a glimpse into the potential enhancements a Fallout 3 Remastered could feature. Oblivion Remastered boasts a host of visual and gameplay improvements, running at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second. Beyond the expected graphical upgrades, the game has seen significant updates to its leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and in-game menus. Additionally, new dialogue, a proper third-person view, and advanced lip sync technology have been introduced, leading some fans to describe it as more of a remake than a remaster. Bethesda has, however, clarified their choice to go the remaster route.

Nesmith suggested that Fallout 3 Remastered would likely follow a similar path, with improvements akin to those seen in Oblivion Remastered. He commented on the original Fallout 3's combat, stating, "It didn’t hold up to shooters at the time... But a lot of work was done on that for Fallout 4. So I anticipate seeing a lot of that work go into it, assuming they’re doing the same thing."

He further praised the extent of the upgrades in Oblivion Remastered, saying, "Oblivion wasn’t just brought up to the 2011 version of Skyrim... It was brought up to something that, at least on the surface, looks like it exceeds the most recent graphics update in Skyrim." Nesmith went as far as to call The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered "Oblivion 2.0."

Bethesda is currently juggling multiple projects, including The Elder Scrolls VI, potential expansions for Starfield, ongoing work on Fallout 76, and the upcoming second season of the Fallout TV show, which is set to explore New Vegas. With such a busy schedule, fans have much to look forward to in the coming years.

For those interested in exploring all the new features in Oblivion Remastered, we offer a comprehensive guide that includes an expansive Interactive Map, complete Walkthroughs for the Main Questline and every Guild Quest, tips on How to Build the Perfect Character, Things to Do First, every PC Cheat Code, and more.