☢️ Fallout – History, Trivia & Fun Facts

Published by RetroTrivia.Games — April 23, 2025

Fallout isn't just another retro RPG; it's a classic that defined a genre with its unique post-apocalyptic setting, deep storytelling, and turn-based combat. Personally, it’s one of my all-time favorites, mainly due to its immersive story, strategic combat, and memorable character progression.

Fallout 1997 PC game cover art — Fallout's original PC box art – bleak, bold, and unforgettable.

Brief History

Originally released by Interplay Productions on September 30, 1997, Fallout: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game debuted on DOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, and later, OnLive. Initially receiving modest attention, Fallout ultimately sold over 600,000 copies globally, solidifying its status as a cult classic. Its legacy continues, influencing countless modern RPGs and spawning a widely popular franchise.

Fallout 1997 screenshot of combat — Fallout's brutal turn-based combat and iconic critical hits made every encounter unforgettable.

Unknown Facts or Trivia

Fantasy Roots: Fallout began as a fantasy game concept with dinosaurs and aliens before settling on the nuclear wasteland setting (TheGamer).
SPECIAL System: It was meant to use GURPS rules until Steve Jackson Games pulled out due to the game’s violence (Wikipedia).
Clay Heads: Talking heads were made of clay, scanned, and animated — ahead of its time (Fallout Wiki).
Retro-Future Aesthetic: Inspired by 1950s Atomic Age media, Mad Max, and A Boy and His Dog (Wikipedia).
Delayed Launch: A memory overwrite bug delayed release from summer to fall 1997 (Fallout Wiki).
Interplay’s Uncertain Support: Fallout only got proper funding after internal buzz — $3 million total budget (Fallout Wiki).
Spiritual Successor: Fallout draws direct lineage from Interplay’s 1988 RPG Wasteland (Wikipedia).
Comic + Film Influences: Includes Hard-Boiled by Frank Miller and The City of Lost Children (Fallout Wiki).
Bethesda's Role: Bethesda bought the IP, launching modern hits like Fallout 3 and 4 (Wikipedia).
Prompt-Based Dialogue: Early builds used command prompts for NPCs before switching to simplified menus (YouTube).

GURPS roleplaying system used in early Fallout development — Fallout was originally planned to use the GURPS system—Generic Universal RolePlaying System—before switching due to content concerns.

Why It Still Matters

Fallout remains influential today due to its pioneering approach to player choice and moral gray areas. It helped define narrative-driven RPGs and still has an active fan base exploring its lore, strategy, and dark humor.

How to Play Today

You can buy Fallout (1997) on Steam or GOG. Community patches and mods make it playable on modern PCs without issue.

Ready for More?

Love retro game trivia? Test your knowledge or share your favorite Fallout memory at RetroTrivia.Games. New challenges drop every day!

Sid Meier's Civilization

Explore the strategy game that redefined empire-building gameplay.

Retro Bowl