Is Fallout the Next Stern Pinball Machine?

Another day, another exciting Stern rumour.

For quite some time, the pinball community has been talking about the possibility of Fallout becoming Stern's next major licensed release. While nothing has been officially confirmed, the rumour has recently gained momentum, with multiple pinball news sites and community insiders discussing the project in increasing detail.

If it turns out to be true, Fallout could become one of Stern's biggest releases in years.

Why Fallout Makes So Much Sense

Few modern franchises seem as naturally suited to pinball as Fallout.

The retro-futuristic world combines post-apocalyptic exploration, memorable factions, vaults, mutants, robots and countless iconic locations. Whether Stern bases the game on Bethesda's legendary video games, the hugely successful Amazon television series, or a combination of both, there is an enormous amount of material to build an incredible machine.

Visually alone, Fallout could become one of Stern's most distinctive cabinets.

A Theme Built for Pinball

One reason collectors are excited is that Fallout already feels like a pinball game waiting to happen.

Imagine:

• Vault doors opening for ball locks.

• Nuka-Cola themed modes.

• Brotherhood of Steel and Raider missions.

• V.A.T.S.-inspired shots.

• Character progression across multiple games.

• Vault Boy animations filling the LCD.

The Fallout universe is packed with objectives, humour and mechanical ideas that could translate beautifully into modern pinball.

Who Could Design It?

That remains one of the biggest questions.

Some rumours suggest Keith Elwin, while others simply point to Stern having Fallout somewhere in its future pipeline. At this stage, no designer has been officially confirmed, and the community continues to speculate.

Whoever eventually designs it will have an incredible licence to work with.

Timing Could Be Perfect

The Fallout franchise has never been more popular.

The long-running video game series already had a massive fan base, and Amazon's television adaptation introduced millions of new fans to the wasteland. That renewed popularity makes Fallout an attractive licence for a modern pinball machine.

If Stern is looking for another blockbuster theme, Fallout certainly fits the bill.

Rumours Keep Coming

This isn't the only title currently generating excitement.

The community has also been discussing a possible AC/DC return, while Bon Jovi continues to be heavily linked with Barrels of Fun.

If even some of these rumours become reality, the next couple of years could be one of the strongest periods ever for music- and pop-culture-themed pinball machines.

Read more in our Is AC/DC the Next Stern Pinball Machine? article, and don't miss our look at Is Bon Jovi the Next Barrels of Fun Pinball Machine?

Could Fallout Become the Next Big Modding Machine?

If Fallout eventually arrives, it has all the ingredients to become another fantastic platform for custom artwork.

The retro technology, Vault-Tec branding, power armour, Pip-Boys and 1950s-inspired design language would create endless possibilities for premium cabinet artwork and accessories.

We'd certainly love to design a complete collection of Fallout pinball mods.

For Now, It's Just a Rumour

As exciting as the speculation is, it's important to remember that Stern Pinball has not officially announced a Fallout machine.

Until that happens, everything should be treated as rumour rather than fact.

Still, with multiple well-known voices in the pinball community discussing the licence, Fallout is becoming one of the most talked-about possibilities for Stern's next major release.

We'll be watching this one very closely.