Ex-Bethesda Dev Eyes Fallout 3 Remaster for Gunplay Fix

Following the warm reception of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, fans are already wondering which Bethesda title might receive a similar upgrade next. With rumors swirling about a potential Fallout 3 remaster—fueled by a 2023 leak—a key question emerges: how could Bethesda enhance its acclaimed 2008 post-apocalyptic RPG?

Bruce Nesmith, a lead designer on Fallout 3, has highlighted the game's underwhelming gunplay, which he believes would be a major focus for improvement in any remaster.

In an interview with VideoGamer, Nesmith suggested a Fallout 3 Remastered would likely feature combat mechanics more in line with Fallout 4's refined system.

“Look at what they changed in Fallout 4. That shows you what they felt was necessary to evolve from Fallout 3,” Nesmith stated.

“A significant amount of work went into overhauling gunplay for Fallout 4, because Fallout 3 was their first attempt at a shooter-style framework. The improvements they made were truly impressive.”

The Oblivion Remaster, developed by Virtuos using Unreal Engine 5, boasts a lengthy list of visual and gameplay enhancements. Beyond the expected 4K resolution and 60fps performance, it features meaningful upgrades to leveling systems, character creation, combat animations, and UI. The project also adds substantial new dialogue, a refined third-person camera, and advanced lip-sync technology. These extensive changes have led some fans to argue it feels more like a full remake. Bethesda has, however, clarified its decision to label it as a remaster.

Nesmith expects a Fallout 3 Remastered to follow a similar trajectory of comprehensive improvements.

“The combat in Fallout 3 didn’t really stack up against other shooters of its era,” he noted. “It’s an RPG with shooter elements, not a pure arcade shooter. The groundwork laid in Fallout 4 was substantial, so I’d anticipate that level of enhancement, assuming they take the same approach.”

“The Oblivion remaster isn't just a visual tune-up to match 2011's Skyrim,” he added. “On the surface, it appears to surpass even the latest graphical updates for Skyrim.” Nesmith has even described it as feeling like “Oblivion 2.0.”

It's a bustling period for Bethesda, with The Elder Scrolls VI in development and potential updates for Starfield. Combined with ongoing remaster projects, support for Fallout 76, and the upcoming second season of the Fallout TV show heading to New Vegas, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming years.

For Oblivion Remastered, we offer a complete resource guide featuring an Interactive Map, Walkthroughs for the Main Quest and all Guild storylines, tips for Building the Perfect Character, essential Things to Do First, a full list of PC Cheat Codes, and much more.

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