Fallout: London Modders Firmly Against Next-Gen Fallout 4 Port Unless Console Migration is Feasible

AUSTIN, TX – The development team behind the colossal, DLC-sized total conversion mod, Fallout: London, has reiterated its definitive stance against porting the project to the “next-gen” update version of Fallout 4, a position held since the unexpected Bethesda update forced an initial delay. Team FOLON, the dedicated group of modders and industry professionals, cites ongoing instability issues within Bethesda Game Studios’ updated codebase as the primary deterrent. However, a significant pivot could occur if the door is opened for a console version, a high-stakes prospect that could dramatically expand the mod’s audience and accessibility.

The announcement comes shortly after the release of the mod’s first expansion pack, “Rabbit and Pork,” which continues to engage the large player base currently required to run the mod on a pre-April 2024 version of Fallout 4. This requires Steam users to utilize a custom downgrader mod provided by Team FOLON, or to play on a GOG-bought copy, which natively supports the older, more stable iteration of the game.

Technical Headaches and Stability Concerns Drive Developer Decision

The core of Team FOLON’s hesitation lies in technical stability and the unpredictable nature of future official patches from Bethesda. Project lead Dean ‘Prilladog’ Carter explicitly stated on the team’s Discord server, “We have the skill to put it on the next-gen [version], we just do not want to.”

His reasoning is pragmatic and centered on long-term project viability:

• The current next-gen iteration of Fallout 4 still contains unresolved issues post-launch.
• The team fears that any effort to port the sprawling, script-heavy mod would be immediately jeopardized by future, unannounced updates from the developer, which could break compatibility.
• Maintaining two separate, massive codebases for the pre- and post-next-gen versions would be a considerable, likely unsustainable, drain on the volunteer team’s development resources.

This cautious approach is a direct result of the mod’s initial release delay, which was necessary to ensure the foundational Fallout 4 Script Extender (F4SE) remained functional and the mod’s extensive custom systems didn’t collapse following Bethesda’s surprise update schedule. For PC players looking to jump into the post-apocalyptic streets of London, the simple requirement remains: play the older, proven version of the game.

The Console Wildcard: A High-Value Proposition

While the PC port remains fixed on the pre-next-gen build, a potential pathway to a future next-gen port exists, and it is entirely dependent on console access. Carter hinted at a possible change of heart, stating, “If however, BGS allows console access for mods of this scale, then that is a potential different conversation.”

This statement introduces a high-value speculation point within the gaming community and is directly tied to a massive potential market increase. Currently, Fallout: London, which is estimated to be over 30GB in size, is far too large for the existing 2GB mod size cap on Xbox and is incompatible with the strict external asset policies on PlayStation.

A console release would require unprecedented support and collaboration from Bethesda, potentially elevating the mod’s status closer to an official paid DLC or standalone title, which the modders have previously expressed interest in pursuing. The financial implications for the team and the overall value proposition for Bethesda—leveraging high-quality community content—are significant factors in this speculation. A console launch would immediately place the mod in front of millions of console gamers, driving massive attention and potentially high-volume microtransaction or premium content revenue if official distribution channels were utilized, making it a high CPC consideration for future gaming content.

Impact on the Fallout Modding Ecosystem

The ongoing saga of Fallout: London‘s compatibility issues serves as a microcosm for the larger challenges facing AAA game modding, particularly when developers introduce major engine overhauls years after a game’s release. The modding ecosystem thrives on a stable foundation, and the “next-gen” update has created a clear schism, forcing major projects like Fallout: London to choose between current stability and a constantly shifting, albeit technically newer, foundation.

For players, the choice is clear: embrace the necessary downgrade process to experience one of the most ambitious community-driven projects in the Fallout franchise, or wait indefinitely for a console version that may require a seismic shift in platform holder policy.

The team continues to focus on polishing the current PC version and developing its remaining planned expansion packs, “Wildcard” and an unannounced third DLC, reinforcing its commitment to the existing, stable player base. Their stance is a powerful declaration that for a volunteer team, stability and a guaranteed player experience outweigh the marginal technical benefits of a risky next-gen port.