Bethesda stated it would be working on Fallout 3 in July 2004,[5] but principal development did not begin until after The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion was completed.[6] Bethesda announced their intention to make Fallout 3 similar to the 前一个 two games, focusing on non-linear game play, a good story, and true "Fallout humor." Bethesda also stated the game is targeted for a rating of M for Mature, and would have the same sort of adult themes and violence that are characteristic of the Fallout series. Fallout 3 uses a version of the same Gamebryo engine as Oblivion, and was developed 由 the same team. Initially Bethesda held the right to make only 3 Fallout games with royalties to be paid to Interplay.[7]
In 2006, Bethesda bought the full Fallout franchise leaving Interplay the right to make Fallout Online. Between May 2 and June 5, 2007 Bethesda showcased 5 pieces of concept art 由 Craig Mullins on the Fallout 3 website during the countdown to the teaser. The cinematic teaser trailer for Fallout 3, consisting of the first part of the intro, was released 由 Bethesda Softworks on June 5, 2007, after a 30 日 countdown on the Fallout 3 website. On August 2, 2007, the game's website was opened.