Tim Cain Reveals Why Hes Done Creating New Game Franchises

Tim Cain, a co-creator of notable games such as  Fallout,  Arcanum,  The Temple of Elemental Evil, and  The Outer Worlds, recently declared in a video on his YouTube channel that he has no plans to create new franchises. The reason, according to him, is quite simple: he has grown tired of making others wealthy off his ideas.

Tim Cain

Cain further mentioned that he lacks the resources to independently develop a new RPG. If he were to collaborate with a publisher funding the project, the outcome would likely be the same: someone else would profit significantly more than he would. Thus, he has closed the door on the idea of new franchises. “I’m creating games for my own enjoyment, and that makes me happy. I am no longer interested in making someone incredibly rich from my ideas,” he explains.

The developer believes the gaming industry needs a system that allows for a fairer distribution of revenue from projects, ensuring that artists, programmers, designers, and all others involved in the creation process receive appropriate compensation for their efforts. According to Cain, other industries—such as film, television, and publishing—have long established fair methods for dividing income between creators and publishers.

Currently, Cain is employed at Obsidian, although it seems he is not in a leadership position, likely working in a role similar to his contributions on  Tyranny or  South Park: The Stick of Truth. Nonetheless, he does not entirely rule out the possibility of returning to franchise creation, but only if significant changes occur within the gaming industry.