Fallout Was Not A Critique Of Capitalism

Summary

The video script discusses the misinterpretation of the Fallout game series as a critique of capitalism. Tim Cain, the original co-creator of Fallout, clarifies that the games were not inherently anti-capitalist but focused on the inevitability of war due to human nature. The script explores various themes like consumerism, imperialism, and the ease with which people can lose track of their close relatives. It also touches on the different endings in New Vegas and the author's personal anti-war stance, emphasizing that war should be the absolute last resort.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The Fallout game series has been a subject of debate, with some players interpreting it as a critique of capitalism, while others see it as a commentary on war and human nature.
• 🗣️ Tim Cain, the original co-creator of Fallout, clarified that the series was not inherently about critiquing capitalism but rather focused on the inevitability of war due to basic human nature.
• 🏙️ Fallout's setting, featuring a 1950s retro-futuristic aesthetic, was heavily influenced by the nuclear anxiety of the time, which is reflected in the game's themes and design.
• 💥 The series explores the consequences of nuclear war and the struggle for power among different factions, suggesting that war is often a result of conflicts between nation-states.
• 🤔 The script challenges the idea that the games are purely anti-capitalist, pointing out that the narrative also includes criticism of state actions and the abuse of power.
• 👨‍💼 Tim Cain mentioned that his games often include a mistrust of power, which is evident in the portrayal of ruling elites and their decisions leading to catastrophic outcomes.
• 🌍 The script discusses the broader implications of war, suggesting that it is used by states as a tool to maintain power and control, often at the expense of the general population.
• 🔥 The debate over the interpretation of Fallout's themes highlights the subjective nature of storytelling, where different players can derive different meanings from the same narrative.
• 🗽 The script also touches on current geopolitical issues, suggesting that the themes of war and power dynamics in Fallout are relevant to real-world events and conflicts.
• ✋ The author of the script expresses a personal anti-war stance, advocating for war to be considered only as an absolute last resort and criticizing the motives behind historical and contemporary conflicts.

Q & A

What is the general opinion on Fallout 4's gameplay and RPG elements?

The gameplay of Fallout 4 was considered quite good, but the RPG elements were criticized as being terrible, despite the game coming from the same company known for the Elder Scrolls series.

What does the phrase 'War never changes' imply in the context of the Fallout series?

The phrase 'War never changes' suggests that throughout history, the nature of war and its impact on people remains consistent, reflecting the inevitability of conflict due to basic human nature.

What does Tim Kane, the original co-creator of Fallout, clarify about the series' stance on capitalism?

Tim Kane clarifies that the Fallout series was never inherently about critiquing capitalism. Instead, it focused on how war is inevitable due to human nature and the actions of nation-states.

How does the script describe the setting and themes of the Fallout series?

The script describes the Fallout series as being set in a post-apocalyptic world influenced by 1950s nuclear frenzy, with themes of war, consumerism, imperialism, and the ease with which people can lose their humanity.

What is the significance of the argument over who dropped the first bomb in the Fallout series?

The argument over who dropped the first bomb in the Fallout series reflects the complexity of assigning blame in real-world conflicts and the idea that war is often a result of decisions made by nation-states rather than the will of the people.

What does Tim Kane suggest about the commonality of themes in his games?

Tim Kane suggests that while he does not necessarily focus on critiquing capitalism, a common theme in his games is mistrust of power, as seen in the Fallout series and his work on The Outer Worlds.

How does the script address the different interpretations of the Fallout series by fans?

The script acknowledges that fans may have different interpretations of the Fallout series, but it also emphasizes the importance of the creator's original intent, as expressed by Tim Kane.

What is the script's stance on war and its relation to the themes of the Fallout series?

The script takes a strong anti-war stance, arguing that war should be a last resort and is often driven by the desire to protect the power of the ruling elite rather than noble reasons.

How does the script view the role of corporations in war and conflict?

The script suggests that certain corporations, particularly those in the defense industry, may have a vested interest in war due to the potential for increased sales and profits.

What is the script's perspective on the future of American hegemony and its foreign policy?

The script predicts a decline in American hegemony within the next 10 to 15 years, criticizing its foreign policy for actions such as arming terrorists and preemptive bombing, which have led to widespread resentment.

Outlines

00:00

🎮 Fallout Series: Beyond Capitalism Critique

The paragraph discusses the misconceptions about the Fallout video game series, particularly the belief that it is a critique of capitalism. The original co-creator, Tim Cain, clarifies that the series was not inherently anti-capitalist but rather focused on the inevitability of war due to human nature. He points out that the games do not solely criticize capitalism but also explore themes like consumerism, imperialism, and the ease with which people can lose touch with their relatives. The paragraph also touches on the rich narrative of the series, allowing for various interpretations, and the creator's view that war is a more pressing concern than capitalism.

05:01

🌍 Power, States, and the Fallout Universe

This paragraph delves into the theme of mistrust of power within the Fallout games, a sentiment shared by the speaker. It discusses how the games portray the actions of those in power, who are willing to sacrifice the masses to protect their own interests, leading to devastating consequences like nuclear war. The speaker uses this as a critique of real-world politics, suggesting that wars are often fought not for noble reasons but to maintain the power of the ruling elite. The paragraph also touches on the speaker's personal political stance and their interpretation of other works of fiction, like Fight Club, and how they believe the original creators' intentions should be respected but are not always the only valid interpretation.

10:01

✋ Anti-War Sentiments in Gaming and Real Life

The final paragraph emphasizes the anti-war message present in the Fallout series and the speaker's personal agreement with it. It argues that war should only be considered as a last resort and criticizes the foreign policy of certain nations, including the United States, for its role in creating global resentment. The speaker predicts the decline of American hegemony and connects it to economic issues faced by the population. The paragraph concludes with a strong anti-war stance, suggesting that wars are rarely just and are often driven by the desire to protect the power of a small percentage of the population.

Keywords

💡Fallout

Fallout is a series of post-apocalyptic role-playing video games, known for its setting in a world devastated by nuclear war. The games explore themes of survival, societal collapse, and the human condition in a harsh environment. In the script, the speaker discusses the series, particularly the mixed reception of Fallout 4, and the broader themes of war and human nature that the games touch upon.

💡Capitalism

Capitalism is an economic system based on private ownership of the means of production and the creation of goods and services for profit. It is a central theme in discussions about economic systems and social structures. The script mentions that some people interpret the Fallout games as a critique of capitalism, but the original co-creator, Tim Cain, clarifies that the games were not inherently about anti-capitalism.

💡RPG Elements

RPG, or role-playing game, elements refer to the characteristics of games that allow players to assume the roles of characters in a fictional setting. These elements often include character development, storytelling, and decision-making that affects the game's outcome. The script criticizes the RPG elements in Fallout 4 as being 'terrible,' suggesting that they did not meet the expectations set by the series' previous installments.

💡War

War is a state of armed conflict between different groups or nations. The script suggests that the Fallout series is more about the inevitability of war due to human nature rather than a critique of capitalism. The phrase 'war never changes' is a recurring theme in the series, indicating that throughout history, the destructive nature of war remains constant.

💡Human Nature

Human nature refers to the innate characteristics and tendencies that are typically attributed to all humans. In the context of the script, it is discussed as a factor that makes war inevitable, as humans have a history of tribalism and conflict. The speaker argues that this aspect of human nature is explored in the Fallout games, rather than a focus on anti-capitalist themes.

💡Nuclear Frenzy

Nuclear frenzy refers to the widespread fear and anxiety about nuclear warfare that was prevalent during the 1950s, particularly in the context of the Cold War. The script mentions that the Fallout series is heavily themed around this period, with its setting and aesthetic reflecting the cultural preoccupation with nuclear Armageddon.

💡Art Deco Punk

Art Deco Punk is a term that seems to be a blend of 'Art Deco,' an architectural and decorative style popular in the 1920s and 1930s, and 'Punk,' a cultural movement associated with rebellion and non-conformity. The script suggests that the Fallout series incorporates elements of this aesthetic, possibly to create a unique and visually striking post-apocalyptic world.

💡Globalism

Globalism is the idea that the world's cultures and economies are increasingly interconnected and should cooperate and integrate. The script contrasts globalism with the idea that human nature is more inclined towards tribalism and conflict, suggesting that the ideal of a harmonious global community is at odds with our inherent tendencies.

💡New Vegas

Fallout: New Vegas is a specific installment in the Fallout series, noted for its rich storytelling and multiple endings that allow for various player choices. The script praises New Vegas as the best game in the series and discusses the ongoing debates among fans about the best ending for the game's storyline.

💡Anti-Capitalism

Anti-capitalism is a political stance that opposes capitalism, arguing for alternative economic systems. The script addresses the misconception that the Fallout games are inherently anti-capitalist, with the original co-creator clarifying that the series was not designed to critique capitalism but rather to explore broader themes such as war and human nature.

💡Mistrust of Power

Mistrust of power refers to skepticism or doubt about those who hold authority or control. The script suggests that a common theme in the games created by Tim Cain, including the Fallout series, is a wariness of power structures and the potential for abuse by those in control, which aligns with the narrative of the games where power dynamics play a significant role in the post-apocalyptic setting.

Highlights

Discussion on the reception of Fallout games on Twitter, particularly the critique of Fallout 4.

Acknowledgment that Fallout 4's gameplay was good, but the RPG elements were lacking.

Misinterpretations of Fallout's themes as a critique of capitalism by some fans.

Tim Cain, original Fallout co-creator, clarifies that the games were not a critique of capitalism.

Fallout's themes are more focused on the inevitability of war due to human nature.

The phrase 'War never changes' is explained to reflect how war affects people, not a critique of capitalism.

Critique of globalism and the idea that cultures should live in harmony, suggesting it's not natural.

Fallout's rich narrative allows for various interpretations, including anti-capitalism, but it's not the central theme.

Tim Cain's comments on the role of nation-states in causing war, not just capitalism.

Fallout's setting and themes are influenced by the 1950s nuclear frenzy and not specifically anti-capitalist.

The original Fallout games depict the US as a dystopia, but it's not unique to capitalism.

China's role in the Fallout universe as a potential first nuclear aggressor in Kane's original vision.

Discussion on the interpretation of Fight Club, suggesting it's about masculinity vs. femininity.

The speaker's personal stance as a capitalist and their view on war as a last resort.

Critique of American foreign policy and its impact on global perception of the US.

Final thoughts on the inevitability of war and the speaker's anti-war sentiment.

Transcripts

we've all had to deal with those people

on Twitter whenever we make any Fallout

references or memes or even just talk

about how much we like the Fallout games

except for four for four was terrible I

mean the game play was actually quite

good the city building still very janky

but you know it kind of worked uh the

RPG elements were terrible though you

know this from the same company that

brought you like Elder Scrolls the RPG

was just terrible but as soon as you

talk how much you like or make memes you

get those usual idiot like pH it's

actually a critique of capitalism by the

way you know like the big the only good

communist is a dead communist robot

that's actually a parody of all of you

guys and nothing like that well here you

have the original Creator original

Fallout co- Creator Tim Kane says

critique of capitalism was never the

point never the point of the games and

if anything they're about how war is

inevitable given basic human nature and

that is an element that is very of

explored you know the famous phrase war

never changes and then a lot of people

don't know a lot of people don't know

about like the last part but it changes

people right like that's that's that's

just the way it is like basically

Mankind we grew up in the tribal ugab

Booga days and everything and we didn't

like anyone that was not part of our

tribe and we are still doing that to

this day and it's ingrained in human

nature except you've got all the

globalist going all the cultures should

just live together in harmony and we'll

all hold hands and sing Kumbaya and

guess what it's not working out

because it's not in our nature but

anyway uh what's Fallout about war nukes

consumerism imperialism how easy is it

to misplace close relatives all of the

above it's a debate that's raged for

ages and no wonder Fallout is a pretty

rich text as video game series go and

there's all sorts of messages you can

read into the likes of fo1 fo12 and New

Vegas New Vegas was the best one I'm

sorry New Vegas was the best Fallout

game that ever get

uh 14 years later you can still click

into any Forum on the internet and find

people arguing about which ending is

best for the Mojave and New Vegas it's

yes man no it's

not no it's

not I take over I I always take over the

strip every game I mean I've done every

ending I've done it I've handed it over

to kaisar I've handed it over to the

[ __ ] new California Republic I've

I've done I've done all of that stuff

but the best ending is is where you take

over the script H but here's what it's

not about or at least what it's not

inherently about anti- capitalism that's

according to Tim Kane one of the series

original co-creators over on his YouTube

channel more specifically Kane spoke

about it in the comments of one of his

recent uploads a video prosaically

titled capitalism in response to a fan

asking about Kane's view on Fallout as a

critique on capitalist corporative greed

I mean it was never really about that

yeah you had all like the 1950s like

adverse everywhere you know come and buy

your sugar bombs and like all this type

of stuff as well and everything was

themed around nukes cuz obviously

Fallout is massively based on like the

nuclear frenzy that was like the 1950s

which is why you know that's what how

it's themed it's like I forget the term

for

it what's it called again is it called

Art Deco Punk or something like that

where everything's sort of like all

better that in find No Art Deco as well

before the 50s actually ignore me but

you know what I mean you know what I'm

talking about

uh Kane's response was unequivocal

critique of capitalism was never the

point of Fallout how can you tell

because the game went out of its way to

mention that other countries like China

were also behaving terribly sounds like

it was a critique of nation

states nation states who decided not to

like each other and make it their entire

population's problem and then the bombs

fell it sounds like lots of people were

dragged into the apocalypse when they

didn't want to be because the states

made that decision for them

at least that's what I'm taking from it

because of course I would that serves my

narrative are you seeing how this works

now H which is true of course in the

original isometric fallouts that Kane

worked worked as a lead on the US was a

horrifying dystopia a chauvinist

capitalist hellscape a shut up PC Gamer

that imposed its will on the world and

shot anyone who disagreed that is just

nation states in general H but it wasn't

Unique fallouts China which never

dropped the smash the old world and for

the new world ideology of the Maad dong

thought era was also plenty violent in

fact in kan's original Vision it was

China who dropped the bomb first huge

huge argument in the Fallout series who

who shot first who dropped the first

bomb like that I know that that's like a

massive argument in the Fallout series H

if anything says C Fallout is a comment

that war is inevitable given basic human

nature and the mode of production

doesn't necessarily have all that that

much to do with it that doesn't mean

Kane disapproves of an anti- capitalist

read mind you I don't think I have any

themes that run in common in all of my

games maybe mistrust of power which I

absolutely would agree because the

overwhelming majority of people who are

now in the Wasteland

probably didn't want the bombs to fall

they probably didn't want that but all

the people that are in power in the

state didn't like all the people in

power in the other state and they went

oh my God we're they're coming for all

of our power our little 1% oh the 1% ooh

they're they're coming for all of our

power drop the bombs and let's [ __ ] over

the other 99% who now have to live in

radiation with [ __ ] death claw and

everything running around for centuries

because I liked the little bit of power

I had so I'm going to kill millions and

billions of people because that's how

States

work that's what it'll do you like you

do you do not understand the [ __ ]

depths that states will sink to whenever

they feel themselves going into death

throws and they feel that their power is

genuinely under threat I mean look at

you UK crine they're dragging

14-year-old boys off the street that are

just nipping down to the shops for a

pint of milk and dragging them straight

to the front like that is the levels

that states will sink to to for the

sorry the ruling Elite at the top of the

states hierarchy will sink to in order

to protect their power [ __ ] your

14-year-old son he gets to go up there

and take a motor shell to the teeth so

that I get to sit in my nice mahogany

office and eat caviar like that's that's

what war is for States it's never been

they'll give you they'll feed you some

[ __ ] [ __ ] reason like this is

about protecting democracy no no it's

not no it's not Afghanistan Iraq all the

others was not about protecting

democracy Iran's next just so you know

Iran is the next one Iran will happen

they have been champing at the bit for

Iran for [ __ ] decades now they've

been desperate for

it isn't it weird how a lot of the

places we go to war with always have a

problem with a certain Other Nation but

anyway that's a discussion for another

time H but people will interpret my

games in all kinds of ways and that's

okay everyone brings their own

perspective and a story can mean

different things to different people

which is absolutely true however when

the when the actual author comes out and

goes no this is what I meant then you

know that's it that that is what he

meant however you know people will

always take their own interpretations as

way like a lot of people I argue with

people all the time over Fight

Club the interpretation of Fight Club I

think it was a man deciding to deciding

between his masculinity and his

femininity I think the narrator had been

diagnosed with testicular cancer he was

the one with the ball cancer because for

one thing that's quite funny is Mara

singer everyone's like oh Tyler DED

wasn't real we all know that one

neither's Mara why does she walk into

traffic and none of the cars hitter do

you ever see any character interacting

with Mara apart from the narrator and

apart from

Tyler and the whole choice at the end is

the narrator basically deciding between

his unhen masculinity or his impending

femininity which is Mara singer the

jaded angry [ __ ] [ __ ] woman and at

the end he realizes he is going to lose

his balls the masculinity isn't going to

save him so in the end he holds he holds

Mala singer's hand as the giant phallic

buildings come crashing down and he

Embraces his femininity at the end

that's my take on it argue about that in

the comments but anyway honestly pinkle

that I am I've always taken an anti-

capitalist read on the original Fallout

games but I'm not too surprised that

Kane wasn't necessarily trying to make

an isometric RPG version of the of the

grundr back in the '90s when I consider

his work like the outer worlds which was

intensely satirical of corporate life

without really making much criticism of

capitalism or private property as a

whole it makes sense that critique of

capital just isn't something that

interests him much which is fine like I

mean no no one can have an opinion on

every single subject and I do think like

as far as things to be bothered about I

think I think War should be higher on

the totem B than capitalism I do

genuinely think that however I I am a

very very staunch capitalist and one

thing that I an olive branch that I will

hand out is the mic now capitalists

especially ones like BAE Systems and

lock heed Martin and stuff like that

they love a good War they love a good

war and one thing that companies always

try and do is drive sales

I don't need to explain further you know

what I mean uh fair enough I suppose

look how disappointed the little Lefty

writer is I mean yeah okay whatever

Kane's still been responsible for some

of my favorite games I love how he's

punishing him oh he wasn't pushing the

message I hoped he was oh well I suppose

I still like him sh H if he doesn't

share my read of them share my read of

them he directly told you that your read

of them is wrong he that's not what I

meant like he told you that is not your

interpretation is incorrect but anyway h

plus if there's one thing the marks

adjacent Among Us doesn't need help with

it's reading anti- capitalism into

literally God

damn okay okay all right then all right

then I take that back I take that back

for the author that wrote this all right

that was that was good I enjoyed that

however yeah game stories can inspire

you for like different things and

everything like that and anti and

anti-war message is something I will

always agree with [ __ ] War unless is an

absolute Last Resort absolute utter Last

Resort right none of this you know

American foreign policy where it's

[ __ ] arm the terrorists and bomb

first and then ask questions later and

stuff like that which is what resulted

in the entire [ __ ] world hating

America to the point where American

hemony is gone in the next like 10 15

years I've said this many many times

American hemony in the next 10 15 years

is gone people can't even afford like

the vast major majority of the American

population can't even afford their

[ __ ] groceries let alone a [ __ ]

house because black Rock's buying all of

them right it's it's yeah American

hemony is going to go but War yeah war

never changes but like it should be as a

last resort and very very anti-war [ __ ]

War it's [ __ ] horrible it's [ __ ]

terrible and it's almost never for Noble

reasons it's usually always just to

protect the power of the current 1% of

whatever Nation you happen to be in

that's that's what all war essentially

is and I I hate it and I'm pissed off

with it never there's never basically in

the last good few hundred years there's

never been like a good reason to

actually go to war