The post-apocalyptic world of Fallout: New Vegas is a complex web of factions morally ambiguous characters, and difficult choices. Each path the player takes leads to one of four possible endings, none of which are entirely satisfying. This reflects the harsh reality of the wasteland, where no outcome is truly ideal.
In a recent interview on The Examined Game with Steven Lake, Josh Sawyer, the designer and director of Fallout: New Vegas, revealed his preferred ending. Sawyer’s choice is clear: independence for New Vegas. He acknowledges the challenges but sees it as the most viable option.
Why Independence Stands Out
Sawyer’s preference for an independent New Vegas stems from the perceived dangers of handing control to other factions. He expressed reservations about entrusting power to individuals like Caesar or Mr. House, citing the risks involved. Regarding the New California Republic (NCR) Sawyer noted their numerous problems and questionable motives, despite the presence of virtuous individuals within their ranks.
“It is very hard. I mean, some people would say like, I love Caesar, and great,” Sawyer said. “But it’s kind of hard to hand everything over to an individual like Caesar or Mr. House. It feels dangerous. And then with NCR, you just realize like, man, they got a lot of problems. Like, they have a lot of problems right now. They’re doing things for a lot of very questionable reasons.”
For Sawyer, independence, despite its drawbacks, offers a fresh start. “I know it’s going to be dysfunctional, I know it’s going to be bureaucratic, I know there’s going to be corruption—but also it hasn’t been tried yet, right? Like we haven’t organized this yet, so let’s give it a try.”
The Appeal of Independence
Obsidian Entertainment aimed to portray independence as a path with its own set of challenges, including bureaucracy and corruption. However, Sawyer believes it is the most promising option. History has shown that entrusting power to unstable autocrats or militaristic superpowers rarely ends well. Independence, despite its flaws, offers a chance for a new system to emerge.
Sawyer’s perspective resonates with many players who see independence as the least worst choice. It represents a break from the cycle of oppression and a chance for the people of New Vegas to shape their own future.
A Personal Departure
While Sawyer advocates for independence, some players, like the author, took a different approach. After countless hours in the Mojave Wasteland, the author chose a non-canon ending. When Mr. House requested the elimination of the Brotherhood of Steel the author decided to leave New Vegas behind, venturing back into the desert. This choice, though not part of the game’s official narrative, reflects a desire to escape the never-ending conflicts of the wasteland.
“Was I a little bored with Fallout: New Vegas at that point, after sinking countless dozens of hours into it? Sure. But turning my back on the grasping travails of the last ragged remnants of humanity and disappearing into swirling sand and crackling radiation, to be remembered only as that guy who did that stuff—that’s real warrior of the wasteland stuff, baby.”
This personal ending highlights the game’s flexibility and the freedom it gives players to forge their own paths, even if they diverge from the intended narrative.
Josh Sawyer’s insights into Fallout: New Vegas’ endings provide a deeper understanding of the game’s complexities. His preference for independence underscores the challenges and opportunities of shaping a new society in the wasteland. Whether players choose independence, align with a faction, or forge their own path, Fallout: New Vegas offers a rich and engaging experience that reflects the harsh realities of its world.
