Designing the Creatures for Fallout 3 & 4 | A Developer Retrospective

[@ashenhunter1]

The Maypole was such a good idea! Would’ve looked great in the Far Harbor DLC too

[@JonahLobeDraws]

True Ashen, that would've been a good home for it. Thanks for watching, hope you enjoy my other videos too!

[@cobalfrostwyrm]

@@JonahLobeDraws Sooooo.....Im sure you cant release the asset to mod authors. But could you mod it in?

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@cobalfrostwyrm I actually gave it out for free the mods, so I hope they can make something good of it.

[@cobalfrostwyrm]

@@JonahLobeDraws You gave that to specific modder or is it available as modders resource on something like nexusmods? Because if no has done anything with it yet I am sure tempted to make a nice quest mod around this thing.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@cobalfrostwyrm At C3 this year, just a few months ago, I let people download it from my website. About 7 modders downloaded it I think, and some are getting started trying to implement.

[@TheHox69]

You absolutely KILLED IT with the jump to 3D. People don’t understand how difficult it would be to take a decade old design and modify it for a 3D game. The fallout show definitely is saving the deathclaw reveal for Season 2, they know everyone is dying to see it.

[@joshuatealeaves]

I thought we were going to get it! We got a damn skull 🥲

[@TheHox69]

@@joshuatealeaves I have all the faith in the world that the wait will be worth it. I think the show has proven it has what it takes to make a worthy addition to the franchise.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Don't worry, the producers all but confirmed Deathclaws were going to get a "proper" treatment in Season 2! I'm pumped. And thanks guys :)

[@cullis8327]

The franchise was butchered by Bethesda. And not by the art style or engine. That was okay-ish. Graphics, fine for the time. Enemy design. Not great, not terrible. Lore, mechanics & RPG wise. Writing is meh - the only bright points being Tenpenny tower & the Pitt. Fallout 2 was a bit wacky at times, on purpose. But overall, it made a slight bit of sense. Fallout 3 lore is insultingly stupid. All the vault 'experiments' are nonsensical. That we once more get supermutants is just ..lazy ? Why? Good writers - the kind that don't work at Bethesda - could have done something new and good. Instead we got a nonsensical retread. The same but worse, somehow. The settlements don't make much sense either. In 200 years, absent a killer new lifeform, East Coast would have states and such, same as west. Why not make it take place earlier ? Beats me. Most of the side quests are bad. Raiders outnumber productive people by a margin of I don't even know how much. There's very little evidence of food production at all. The world just doesn't even make sense. The armor system was needlessly dumbed down. It could've been improved -with body parts, targeting weak spots, etc. But no gotta go dumber! Fallout 2 had plausible amount of vegetation, as befits an arid region and possible climatic change. Fallout 3 has implausible lack of vegetation - even though, going for the 'lush overgrown ruins' look is something people like. No, because Todd Howard & co have the imagination of lobotomised shi-tsu dogs, it had to look like a wasteland. It all makes sense in hindsight. Apparently, Todd Howard loves Diablo, a game so dumb I took one look at it in 1997 or so and said 'ew'. Which is why the actual Fallout successor game is Underrail, a mostly one man game developed between 2010 and 2016. Graphics are just slightly nicer than Fallout 2, but it was more fun than Baldur's Gate 3. And it's an actual combat oriented RPG, not just an action game with an RPG veneer, like Fallout 3 and 4. So yeah. Fallout franchise is over. It's dead. There were 3.5 good Fallout games: 1,2, NV and Tactics (the .5). The TV series is beneath comment.

[@the-jevster]

​@@cullis8327 all these words when you could've just put a crying emoji to get the same whiny message across lmao why don't you go enjoy something you like instead of giving your shitty opinions that nobody wants to hear?

[@Wizards0nly]

Jonah, a quote from you that always resonated with me was how you prioritized making the enemy monsters look like part of their natural environment, something that has it's own life and behavior outside of making them simply scary or grotesque. I really admire this approach and what it does for immersion. Starfield has an ambitious array of aliens, but since they are procedurally generated, most of them are interchangeable bugs or dinosaurs covered in teeth, claws, and spikes. Few look characteristic of the environment they inhabit. I am sorely missing that influence of yours! And TES 6 won't be the same without you, Adam Adamowicsz, Jeremy Soule, and many others.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Wow, thank you for that. Yeah, a sense of history and storytelling is essential when you're building worlds like these. To imbue that sense of realism, you have to add a lived-in feel - that's why the Mammoth in Skyrim have dirt caked to their cracked feet, and dried grass and spit at the corners of their mouths, or why the domesticated ones have horns covered in Giant's spiral art.

[@Andrea_Manconi]

Couldn't agree more

[@lunardeathblade2570]

​@@JonahLobeDraws I never knew you were the one behind so many of the amazing models seen in the 3D Fallout games. Thank you for bringing such amazing designs to life for those games. Fallout 3 and New Vegas were very near to my heart as a child. And I fell in love with the Fallout 4 deathclaw from the moment I saw it. I hope this reaches you in health and that your endeavors in life are fruitful.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@lunardeathblade2570Thank you Lunar for loving my scaly babe! Appreciate the comment. Hope you get a chance to watch a few more of my videos!

[@sub-jec-tiv]

Starfield’s aliens aren’t procedurally generated

[@mrhaast5053]

What I like most about the Fallout 4 Deathclaw vs previous titles is that it looks healthy.. It doesn't look like it's starving or struggling to survive the wasteland and that makes it so much scarier to me. It thrives where everything else struggles.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I tried to make it look but not starting, like it's got a fast metabolism and it's constantly tearing down other creatures. It's supposed to be an alpha predator, after all, right?? Hope you subscribed Mr. Haast, you'd enjoy my other videos too :)

[@bobertlot4990]

Nice pfp

[@MrBalrogos]

unfortunentley no fallout climate in Fallout 4 and u need 50 mods to make game playable dont even know why they name it fallout??? nothing fallouty inside the game

[@mrhaast5053]

Nice pfp to you too

[@bj0urne]

Personally I've always found the bigger enemies to be much more scary in Fallout 3, don't know why, but they look more "fat and sluggish" in Fallout 4, in 3 the deathclaw is thinner, rapid, and has an extremely unsettling sprint

[@Delta_Kream]

It's insane to think that the Deathclaw wasn't meant to be in FO4. A truly incredible design, one of the best looking creatures in video games really!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I know, maybe they just hadn't added it yet, but it was very confusing to me at the time. And thank you! I'm very proud of it :)

[@nathanlobono5818]

​@@JonahLobeDraws Maybe that's why, to the chagrin of the audience, they added the spectacle of the Concord Museum right up front. Todd wanted to display your work that he loved so much and the team moved around level pacing to make it happen. I'm happy you got your mini magnum opus recognized, and it gives the moment a bit of sugar to offset any poor taste.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@nathanlobono5818 ha! well said Delta.

[@flyk3n]

@@JonahLobeDraws The F4 Deathclaw to me IS what the iconic apex predator of the wasteland should look like. Can't imagine any future games to go without that design.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@flyk3n I'm so glad you feel that way. I also happen to totally agree. Of course, I'm not biased.

[@johncarlofernandez2698]

Jonah rushing his Deathclaw design to Todd before Fallout 4 got announced is the best decision ever made. It's one of the best looking creatures in the game.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I'm so glad you think so! I certainly never regretted doing it...!

[@TheSoulDivided]

I too hope your Deathclaw appears in the show! That design is just so iconic

[@jose97777]

it’s cool but i hate how it just erases all previous death claw lore

[@copperheadroad567]

@@jose97777all…??

[@jose97777]

@@copperheadroad567not all i meant to say it erases their previous design. if that’s how the deathclaws look in boston then that’s fine but the show takes place in california so they should atleast use the old deathclaws design because it’s stupid they’re just erasing their old design because the new one might be “more familiar” to new fans

[@copperheadroad567]

@@jose97777 fair assessment 👍 I haven’t seen that part of the show yet but I was hoping it’d make an appearance.

[@HHindsight]

@@jose97777 Fallout is like Mad Max, it has an 'unreliable narrator' and when you're playing a game you're really just playing a story that someone is telling of those events, therefore you can kind of think of it as - all previous deathclaw lore is valid and death claws may actually look like the old style but this is just what they're being interpreted as right now

[@bbald90]

That's crazy to think that the Yao Guai was one of your least favorite creatures in FO3 while it was always the most intimidating and, as a result, one of my favorite early-mid game enemies. I loved how milky and shark-like the eyes were and how abscessed and melted the fur and skin looked. Also it had that creepy gait and insane lunge attack when it got close that could really take you by surprise. Awesome video sir, thank you again!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks for loving that which frustrated the hell out of me. There were elements of the concept that worked. By and large, I think the Fallout 4 ones (which I didn't make) are much better.

[@renaigh]

@@JonahLobeDraws Honest Hearts did them justice enough.

[@ColtA13]

@@JonahLobeDraws I have to agree with Brandon, your design for Fallout 3 was the more interesting one. Fallout 4's Yao Guai just looks like a bear suffering from a skin condition. I'm not as easily frightened now as I was when I first played Fallout 3, but its flattened head and strange, blind gaze still has an undeniable effect

[@HerohammerStudios]

​@@JonahLobeDraws as someone who started with Fo4 and then went back to the older games, I definitely prefer your design. The giant, blind ghoul-bears are just so cool!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@HerohammerStudios well thanks so much! I actually designed the F3 versions, not the F4 versions, which are a bit better imho. But I did make the F3 versions have those creepy white eyes!

[@StevenLeeStudios]

My brother, you need to keep that Pip-boy! That's a timeless collection piece that you were apart of, not many get to say that! Thank you for all the work you put in, truly one of the best universes ever created. Hope you have all the success you deserve.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Steven I so appreciate that man. It's okay - I'm not attached to it, it's just an alarm clock, and I have other souvenirs from those days which I love way more. I appreciate you wishing me success - I hope you subscribed and will keep tabs on Quiet: Level One! It releases on Kickstarter in just 2 months... jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@StevenLeeStudios]

@@JonahLobeDraws Instant sub and will be checking it out for sure! Just geeked out knowing you responded, I can now truly say I talked briefly to a developer who created and recreated some of the most iconic assets in the franchise.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@StevenLeeStudios Aww shucks. Thank you so much for the support Steven.

[@interrobangings]

did you make deathclaws hot on purpose

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Like many aspects of their genetic makeup, it was just a happy accident. ....yes.

[@interrobangings]

@@JonahLobeDraws and how about Supermutants? 😘

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@interrobangings People don't really feel the same way about supermutants I'm afraid.

[@interrobangings]

@@JonahLobeDraws that's a shame. Fawkes was very cute and Strong was... dumb, but still cute

[@TheExpert1006]

@@JonahLobeDraws Hell yeah

[@vinnyolmsted8018]

I've been watching all of Tim Cain's Fallout development videos, so it's cool hearing from the other production team. It's a bummer that you guys got death threats when it seems like the people involved with Fallout at Interplay, Bethesda, and Obsidian all seemed pretty cordial and supportive.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Tim Cain's development videos are great - I love how generous he is with his knowledge. Yeah, it wasn't so fun at the time getting those threats, but people on the internet are just... people on the internet. Can't pay it much mind!

[@LAVATORR]

​@@JonahLobeDrawsDon't feel bad, getting death threats on the internet is a weird rite of passage these days. It's like being compared to Hitler: Sooner or later, it happens to everybody.

[@NOLNV1]

I was looking at models just the other day and really felt like Fallout 3 and Skyrim were a period of Bethesda models and textures really coming into their own, and having a really solid consistent look! Thank you for the great work

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Glad you felt that way! I definitely hit my stride with Skyrim, wish I could have contributed more to Fallout 4 but I just had to leave, it was time.

[@NobodyKnowsFrank]

I put your video on during drawing, but then I couldn't focus on drawing, because I kept wanting to see your designs. They are SO amazing, I love how detailed and visually story-telling your work is!! This is incredible!!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Hey I'm just glad you are inspired enough by the video to draw during it! I couldn't ask for a better work-buddy ;) Also Sleepwalker, I hope you've signed up for my free newsletter? As an artist and world-builder, I thought maybe it'd be right up your alley!

[@saladdodger4722]

I just want to say I really appreciate you making this video. As an aspiring artist myself, there is nothing I love more than listening to another artist talk about the behind the scenes of making their work, I find it so insightful.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Salad, if you loved this, then you should definitely watch my Skyrim documentary as well - it's even better! Also, as an artist who likes hearing other artists talk about how they work, you should 100% join my Substack, it's totally free, and it's completely dedicated to people like you: artists, world-builders, and fantasy lovers. It's designed to inspire!! Come peruse it here: jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@Zanemob]

@@JonahLobeDraws I’ve never heard of Substack.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@Zanemob Oh it's nothing special - just a newsletter. You can sign up here, for free, and then you get emails from me all about the behind-the-scenes of my world and creations: jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@Toxic_Korgi]

It has to be crazy seeing someone like Jonathan Nolan fall in love with the world you worked on & helped refine and watch that blossom into him making a television series with some of the best talents in the industry. You and the rest of the people who have been a part of the Fallout series are one of a kind.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I agree, it's wild watching this thing blossom and bloom. At the same time, I get it - I fell in love with the game in high school!!

[@kg30004]

Love the whole series but Fallout 3 is where the OG designs really crystallized for me. The deathclaws, mirelurks, robots, and weapons will forever be iconic.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I don't hate that! My feral ghouls from 3 are one of my all-time favorite personal designs!

[@onholyservicebound1415]

They looked great because they were designed by Adam Adamowicz, he passed away before Fallout 4, thus why the designs didn't measure up in F4.

[@rach4566]

OH MY GOODNESS that is my shoulder tattoo at 24:05!!! I'm honoured to be featured in your video 😮

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Ahhhh hahah Rach that's awesome. The one with the bear? It's so cute, and powerful.

[@rach4566]

@@JonahLobeDraws Yes that's the one, I wanted an homage to Fallout and it's combined with one of my favourite pieces of art, glad you like it! 🙂

[@ZiddersRooFurry]

@@rach4566 I know the art yours is referencing. It's such a wonderful mix of the two. I love plushes and Fallout so seeing some of my favorite art together like that makes me wish I could get one like it.

[@PrettyTigerlilly]

Your Fallout 4 Deathclaws are my absolute favorite creatures in the series, I have tame ones in all of my settlements. Thank you so much for your wonderful work!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Glad to hear that you've given them a good home!!

[@KyleHodges-r9u]

So glad your Deathclaw got some love in the show, I've been in love with the beastie since the original and your Fallout 4 iteration is iconic.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that it got a nod and that the producers have confirmed that it will be featured prominently in Season 2. It's all I could ever want!

[@brushrunner]

Adam adamowicz got me into concept art, he was gone too soon he inspired me so much! back then i even tought he was craig mullings lol both artists layed the foundation for my design carrer Thx for sculpting the things i loved to blow up when i was growing up. You guys crafted something beautifull

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Brushrunner, if you haven't read my article about Adam Adamowicz on Kotaku, you should 100% read it, you'd love it. Thank you for the kind words!

[@brushrunner]

@@JonahLobeDraws I’ll definitely check it out! It’s a bit unbelievable to me to be interacting with someone that worked with him, because, ten years ago, when i read that he used to bake sexually themed cakes and that was so formative for his design carrer, i was anxious to go backpacking around the world and do all sorts of odds jobs i could find so it could also be my own version of inspiration for my carrer 🤣. Longstoryshort; backpacked through out but i chickened out on the XXX job working as a vendor in one of those “shops” saturday and sunday nights. Biggest regret of my life lol hahahha

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@brushrunner Enjoy the article! Yes Adam was a total weirdo, but that's really what made him so great. I'm glad that you took a page out of his book and tried to expose yourself to all sorts of strange experiences!! I think you'll enjoy the article more than most. You should also join my Tree of Worlds free newsletter, you'll love it, and it'll give even more insight into the creative process - something I know you're into!!!

[@brushrunner]

@@JonahLobeDraws ill definitely be following u around! Maybe we can draw and hang out together if u make a discord someday

[@brushrunner]

@@JonahLobeDraws I loved the article!Teared up a bit even, its some very emotional stuff. One part stuck to me most, one that you said that Adam would be happy if he saw you “riffed” on his idea, and well, thousands of miles away little me here in Brazil is still revereberating your vibes! I moved to california for a bit to study design, and i felt so rejected because i was so weird and passionate about it all, maybe its just my generation idk, or maybe its just hollywood, but seeing passionate guys like you two who live and breathe this stuff, makes me want to pick myself back up again and continue that good work even if its with, adhd, shoulder pain and all that! Haha keep up the good work! Ill support you on your journey with beer tickets when i can!

[@WiseFish]

This was so interesting thank you so much for making it but also the work you did in these beloved games!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you Fish, it was honestly such a pleasure and an honor.

[@dutyfreeadventures5924]

Damn Preston's outfit is super slick man, really love that aesthetic.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you! The concept art was great.

[@jakegreen2409]

This is so incredible. I am so grateful for all you did, and everything you continue to do. Your art has inspired so many people, including myself, and I look forward to Quiet and all of your future projects. You are amazing, Jonah. Thank you for this awesome video and thank you for everything. I have more watching to do. 🥰

[@JonahLobeDraws]

What an comment. Thank you Jake!

[@Venomsmex]

I’m happy you mentioned Adam, his designs in my eyes have become a fundamental part of fallout. Thanks for contributing such amazing designs to such an amazing series, you can tell you guys truly cared about your craft.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

He was a truly special guy!!

[@levicleeman4934]

This is my favourite new channel. I cannot get enough of these types of videos. Please please please keep doing these creature design art videos. I’m addicted. As an artist, this is incredibly insightful and inspiring. Thank you

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Wow Levi, thank you so much for that comment! I will absolutely keep doing what I'm doing, so long as I can survive doing it. Oh, and since you're an artist, I really hope you joined my free Substack? It's literally designed for World-Builders like yourself :) jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@pointlezz9422]

Always exciting when Jonah lobe uploads

[@JonahLobeDraws]

You'll get more soon, I promise! I'm ramping up on Quiet and it's about to get next-level. (Well, or just Level One)

[@chrish5401]

Wow! This so awesome. Great writing, production, and performance. Thanks for sharing such a unique perspective about our favorite games!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

My pleasure, thanks for watching. Hope you also enjoyed my Skyrim doc!

[@bluemoon6264]

It’s so amazing hearing straight from one of the artists that contributed to my lifelong dedication to concept art. Fallout and Skyrim’s designs are always no.1 in my heart. So glad you’re up on KZbin sharing your knowledge and experience for free!!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I love making art for a living, and I want to pay it back to sharing my learning with everyone! And thanks so much for the kind words, I hope you followed, and I also hope you Followed Quiet: Level One on Kickstarter!!

[@Wildguy999]

Thank you so much for the Fallout 4 Deathclaw design, its such an amazing design its iconic in gaming!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Much love Wildguy!

[@TheFireMaker117]

Your work is my childhood. I have spent so many hundreds of hours of looking at YOUR work and never knew who built it. This is cool

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Fire, you won't want to miss my Skyrim documentary either!

[@JoshLandisArt]

So rad! Thanks for pulling back the curtain for us. I never would have thought it possible for one person to make that many models in that amount of time. Insane!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks Josh! I made more than I included in the video, but my editor told me it was running too long hahah

[@Hero_Of_Old]

Thank you Jonah! These really were the golden years of Bethesda and I'm very nostalgic for that time (Oblivion, Fallout 3, Skyrim) it was my youth! things just aren't the same anymore.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

*sigh* I have to agree Hero. But things change, and maybe things will come around and be great again!!

[@MonsterCaesar]

Great video! It's rare to get such an eloquent explanation of the thinking behind the creature and character design process.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Much appreciated! I do what I can on this channel to demystify the creative process. I hope you Followed Q:L1??

[@C4xR34]

I love how in-depth you explained it and all the care and reasoning that went into each of them. I'm an aspiring designer so it was amazing to hear all of your comments and reasoning for why they look the way they do and more. Thank you for making such terrifying (and beautiful) creatures and good luck on your future projects!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you so much!! As an aspiring designer, I hope you've followed me here, and more importantly subscribed to my free newsletter, the Tree of Worlds. It is DESIGNED to inspire artists of all kinds, and I'm sure it'll help you in your journey :)

[@C4xR34]

I sure have, thanks for for the opportunity and good luck again on Quiet! 💀❤

[@davidoreilly7]

Playing through Fallout 3 was one of my fondest gaming experiences. Absolutely adored it. I practically lived in Skyrim for years. They feel like 2nd homes. Loved the video, hope you make more like it!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Aww thank you David. And thanks for loving Skyrim! I hope you've seen my Skyrim documentary? It's right up your alley. And yes I'll definitely make more videos. I hope you're also subscribed to my free newsletter??

[@davidoreilly7]

@@JonahLobeDraws watching it as we speak! I’ll be sure to check out quiet level one aswell, very intrigued 😁

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@davidoreilly7 Amazing, you're the man!

[@dhio9615]

Your creature designs in fallout 4 are my favourite especially the Mirelurks

[@JonahLobeDraws]

They're some of my favorites too, thank you!

[@lukesaltsalter6111]

Was genuinly an honour to find out you are responsible for bringing these designs to life and hearing you talk about them, thank you for adding such quality to a game I've spend over ten years enjoying

[@JonahLobeDraws]

You're so welcome Luke. Thanks for watching, hope you subscribed and I REALLY hope you're following Quiet: Level One!

[@Shark20167]

Ayy can’t wait to see it Jonah! Been looking forward to this one for a while! Quiet is going to be fantastic! Love you buddy!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Much love Shark, thank you for your patience while I made this one.

[@Shark20167]

@@JonahLobeDrawswell worth any wait. You perfectly summed up why I love fallout more than i’ve been able to do, even as today when I brought in my F4 book to show off some of yours and everyone else’s work to my coworkers as they’ve been discussing the show with me. And everyone has loved it, well done on the video and well done on all your work (especially your work to come on Quiet!)

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@Shark20167 Fallout is a really special place, I was thrilled to be a part of it and I'm PUMPED to see where the series goes.

[@Philtomato]

You have been such an inspiration to me. Growing up playing fallout and meeting all the creatures you created is such a fond memory of mine.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Phil - what a compliment brother, and coming from you that's a big deal. Much love to you, thank you for commenting and watching!

[@ryanwardell9975]

Quiet Level One looks like something I would obsess with as a kid! Love it

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I'm so touched that you feel that way Ryan! I honestly feel the same way - that's why I'm making it! I hope you Followed it over on Kickstarter? Also, please feel free to peruse the Q:L1 developer Substack! Joining up is totally free, and you can unsubscribe whenever you like :) jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@Coin49]

absolutely fantastic video! its always extremely impressive to see the processes behind your work, and I find it really interesting how you broke down each design aspect of each creature. will always be a huge fan and thank you for all of your wonderful work!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

My pleasure Coin, thanks for watching.

[@Asmodeus_6_6_6]

I am very sad that you and your colleagues got death threats, and I wish the people who did and do that really understood what they were taking for granted and what a miracle it is when any game is successfully released. Every game is an unimaginable labor of love from some of the most talented and creative artists around. I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to you and the people like you. You gave up blood sweat and tears so that people like me could enjoy the product of your creativity, and because of that I've had my entire four decades of life enriched by the amazing virtual experiences people like you have created. I played Fallout 3 when it released and I can promise you that all the love you and your team put in to your craft was evident all the way through, and these years later it is still one of my most memorable gaming experiences ever. Thank you for sharing these artifacts, and thank you for the games!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Asmodeus thank YOU for this lovely message. Of course this is what totally makes it all worth it - a handful of vitriolic people cannot possibly spoil this wellspring of fun and enthusiasm!

[@thedominator5620]

Never realized how awesome the designs in FO4 look with proper lighting. On another note, the mirelirks are my favorite enemies in the newer games. Hitting their softer region past the armor feels impactful

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Yeah the Creation Engine didn't have the best rendering...

[@niklasberthelsen310]

the Fallout 4 deathclaw is still one of favorite monsters, i just absolutely love it, and it gives me a great deal of inspiration and motivation trying to become an artist for the gaming industry

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Spectacular Niklas, I love to hear it! Thanks for giving my creation so much love :)

[@CHADAFallout76Podcast]

I am so, so glad you did the longform video of this because we were limited on time with C3. Absolutely wonderful watch. :)

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you so much my friend! C3 was a blast, and it was a pleasure to follow it up with this.

[@WhosHorrify]

Opening up my copy of Fallout 3 on Christmas of 2008 was one of the most memorable experiences of cracking open a new game I’ve ever had - Especially being 10 years old at the time , Fallout 3 felt like more than a game but truly a world you had to carve your own path to survive. I think I had over 600 hours on my original Xbox 360 save , thanks for your work on the project. Still my favorite Bethesda game to date.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you for the story.

[@WhosHorrify]

⁠@@JonahLobeDrawsMore than welcome , it’s because of these amazing talented people like yourself that us gamers even have these stories to share. All goes back to creators/developers/minds ❤

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@WhosHorrify Aww thank you. I really appreciate that. Hey, if you're interested, I have a behind-the-scenes newsletter about worldbuilding, games, art and fantasy. I think it's meant for you! jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@chjoel7803]

Really fantastic models! Especially the FO4 deathclaw. Nice that the design lives on through FO76 and (eventually) the tv-show

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Yes it looks like they're going with that design for the show. Couldn't be more thrilled!

[@bearcavepro8832]

Never enough Jonah content in the world. I miss the livestreams so much 😢

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Aww thank you Bear! I’ll do more livestreaming, but I’ll probably do it here on KZbin, since Twitch is sort of dead for me…

[@Darhan62]

Wow! The art book was my favorite thing with the collector's edition. And creature design is always my favorite, over landscapes, architecture, weapons and technology, etc... Great to have this video to get even more information on how these critters took form.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Glad I could provide the insight Darhan, and I hope you subscribed for more!

[@Mrchair905]

Dude you’re awesome, I’m 28 and Fallout 3 was my first rpg and is still one of my top 3 favorite games in general, you did an amazing job and your rad roaches always made my skin crawl lol. Also the Fallout 4 Mirelurks are my favorite creatures from the franchise, I really love their updated design.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you Mr. Chair! Hope you followed for more like this?

[@CaptainBlack47]

That Feral Ghoul scream, its ingrained into my memory of playing fallout 3 as a kid. Such a great and amazing addition to make Ferals feel more aggressively insane.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

One little SFX made a huge difference...

[@coolcoolercoolest212]

No one hates Fallout as much as Fallout fans 12:00

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Having been on the receiving end of it, I agree. But it all stems from a love of Fallout and a desire to keep the dream intact... I totally get it.

[@coolcoolercoolest212]

@@JonahLobeDraws I need to adopt this positive outlook on people being jerks. Im a massive fan of your work. Thank you for being a cool person to boot.

[@desko2041]

I understand criticism towards the games but death threats towards people is too far…I don’t understand it.

[@Aralaas]

Because fans care, for good or ill. If someone didn't care if it's good then of course they wouldn't care if it's bad.

[@barryday6359]

@@JonahLobeDraws I was one of the haters (still am). I can assure you that our dislike of Fallout 3/4 has everything to do with Bethesda's handling of gameplay and world-building and nothing to do with the art. You weren't the problem. And indeed, you did an amazing job with the artwork.

[@Zazmus]

I'm so happy for young you to have that opportunity finally come about. This channel you've made is really awesome and the content I've been looking for as a direct dive into developer thoughts. I find it incredibly special you created the dragon priests, and other absolute favourites of mine from any game universe! Thank you Jonah.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Zazmus I'm touched - thanks for saying so. And yes, this is meant to be a resource for World-builders! I'd like to personally invite you, Zaz, to join my behind-the-scenes worldbuilding newsletter, all about art, fantasy, world-building and the creation of Quiet: Level One. Signup is totally free, nothing is required of you at all beyond that - you'll just receive emails twice a month! jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@Laceon1]

It's super awesome seeing developers show us plebes behind the scenes and how you do the do. :)

[@JonahLobeDraws]

It's my pleasure to do so Laceon! I hope you subscribed and also watched my Skyrim doc?

[@Laceon1]

@@JonahLobeDraws I have and I did! Thank you for sharing, I love how passionate you and your friends are about the video games you work on. Keep up the fantastic work!

[@gabedakid]

all ur designs are amazing! supermutants and death claws are my favorites

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Yay someone loves the Supermutants! I love them so much but most fans don't mention them.

[@dannydropshot9588]

I’ve been a die hard fan of Fallout since the first one and I think you nailed every single creature you’ve made. I absolutely love em all. The Deathclaw from Fallout 4, the Fallout 4 Mole Rat and also the Mirelurks are gorgeous design and some of my absolute favorites. Thank you for the great creatures 💙💛

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you for loving my monsters Danny!

[@XcalOCE]

Incredible video, i love that feeling of stumbling across a new channel and immediately knowing that its going to be amazing, will be going through all of your videos cant wait

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Crasher - amazing, you are very welcome here. Enjoy your stay, and stay tuned for more...

[@bravoblackstar8281]

The mire lurks are by far my favorite creatures in fallout, every variation is unique and beautiful, they look like the apex of evolution. More human and intelligent or four legs and impossible to topple.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks Blackstar!

[@El_Lazarus]

Thank you for helping make these games, I have played almost all of them and have made so many good memories playing them!.

[@heldervale8885]

One thing i believe was underrated about fallout 4 and that not many people mentioned was the amazing redesigns of the creatures. I love every single one of them. The only one that i kinda like less is the deathclaw. I dont think it looks as scary as the ones in fallout 3. Great job!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks so much! I was a much better artist by the time Fallout 4 had come around, I knew a lot more and I was a lot more experienced as a professional and as someone who knows the world!

[@heldervale8885]

@@JonahLobeDraws actually looking at it closely I see that the deathclaw design looks better and makes more sense, as you explained. Maybe the animation and gameplay values aren't as scary. Especially compared to new vegas. Thanks for the awesome art.

[@dakotapriem]

Okay so you just made everything I loved from Fallout 4, great to know. The Mirelurk is without a doubt my favourite design from that game.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

The Mirelurk is a gross little clickety fellow and I love him.

[@Techlawlogy]

Can you talk about the art style differences and direction change between fallout 3 and 4? Also that maypole is perfect horror that is exactly what should have been lurking in the glowing sea, I for a moment thought I had missed something truly epic and about loaded the game back up!!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Yeah I think Fallout 3 was grimey and green and old-looking, which fit, but from a player experience, it's not a very beautiful world. I don't mean beauty in terms of trees or butterflies, but in cinematic potential. The new Mad Maxes, for instance, are nothing but wasteland, and they are staggering to look at. So I think, while the first was more about establishing a mood and sense of place (and time), the next one was more immersive, larger, and a more sumptuous place to get lost in for a few hours.

[@karolsla9574]

OMG, this video is so inspiring! I have a dream of becoming a concept artist, and your video makes me stronger and motivates me to continue following my dreams. Congratulations, your work deserves everything. And I’m so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. He’s in a better place now.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you so much Karol! I wish you the best of luck on your concept art journey - I hope my videos help. Thanks for subscribing and leaving a comment. And be sure to back Quiet: Level One when it launches!! www.kickstarter.com/projects/quietlevelone/quiet-level-one-by-jonah-lobe

[@karolsla9574]

@@JonahLobeDraws OMG, this is huge for me!! I’ll totally back you up on Kickstarter. You totally deserve it!!!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@karolsla9574 oh wow, thank you so much!! I really appreciate you saying and doing that. I hope you love it :)

[@Morg2851]

Absolutely love what you guys did with Fallout 3. Fo4 was strange, different, but I grew to love it as well. My problems were mostly technical and replayability. Still play them both tho! Love The Maypole idea. Have to say there is a lot of thought and details put into these creatures that aren't obvious, even after playing the games so much. No deathclaw in Fo4 sounds so strange.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks so much for this Morg, I appreciate that so much. Hope you got to watch my Skyrim doc too! Oh! And I hope you're following Quiet: Level One, either on my Substack or via Kickstarter??

[@Morg2851]

@@JonahLobeDraws Yeah watched the Skyrim doc already, it's an amazing video, knowing what's gone into the game, how complex it can be, makes me appreciate it even more! Did not know about Quiet: Level One, thanks for the heads up.

[@BossHTX]

This is really inspiring! Thank you for giving us this Retrospective and i can't wait to see what comes later on with your independent adventures on QUIET: Level One

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Oh Boss I'm so pumped to share Quiet with you. I hope you signed up for my free newsletter and/or on the Kickstarter website?? I very much want you to be a part of this journey!

[@BossHTX]

@@JonahLobeDraws Of Course! when i'm next paid i'm also going to put on a subscription so i can also support you in other ways as i'm really interested in this Journey!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@BossHTX Wowww Boss you're amazing, that is above and beyond!! Thank you so much for this kindness, and I'm so excited to have you on-board!

[@BossHTX]

@@JonahLobeDraws Can't wait to see what comes next Jonah! Good luck going forward and i can't wait to see what you produce!

[@HighlandMacGreggor]

Surprised that the yao guai was your least favorite. One of my most distinct memories of my childhood playthrough of fo3 was getting jump scared by one, whilst wandering the wastes. Their visage has been seared into my mind ever since.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I’m so glad that my creation was able to make such an impact!!

[@HeyKyle]

Dude I love the look of the Chinese stealth armor, that’s awesome that you worked on it

[@JonahLobeDraws]

It was super fun to work on. Also made the T-51b but didn't like how it turns out so much.

[@stardust9164]

Your Fallout 4's Deathclaw design is my favourite, it always reminds me of the Balrog of Morgoth from Peter Jacksons LOTR. I sure hope to see your masterpiece in the Fallout show!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

The Balrog was certainly an inspiration, especially the way the horns were integrated into the design. I was always surprised more people don't make that connection, I was worried it was too obvious haha

[@stardust9164]

@@JonahLobeDraws Huh, its quite interesting that not many point out the similarities between your Deathclaw and Balrog. I guess they haven't seen the movies to notice that hah. But I'm genuinely glad you took inspirations from Balrog, the horns and facial structure work very well with the Deathclaw.

[@twed2]

Really cool to hear which real life animals were used as inspiration for the game's creatures. Of course all art has reflections of real life, but sometimes it's hard to make them out.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you! Yes, I tried to blend a lot of things into these designs. You can't always tell what I was referencing, but to me that's a good thing. As long as you were referencing something, your art will seem more realistic...

[@Patrees.]

This is all so cool. You fill me with inspiration every time I watch your vids. Good luck on your project, comics are a big passion if mine so I'll be sure to give it my full support.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

YES! I super appreciate that! I hope you join the Substack because if comics are your passion, then this newsletter needs to be yours!

[@sonord2074]

your work is pretty iconic man, thanks for talking about it!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks for watching - hope you get a chance to watch more of my videos!

[@Capt2000_Price]

I honestly miss the scarier look of the fallout 3 and new Vegas deathclaw.

[@_george84]

Amazing art and content as always! I can’t wait for your graphic novel Quiet 🥹

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you my friend!!

[@HarraYT]

Excellent video, I always loved the feral ghouls in Fallout 3, thought they were perfect!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I loved makin em Harra!

[@WhoIsJohnGaltt]

So I’m just curious. And I find it very exciting I am able to ask someone who actually worked on the game. But was there ever any explicit wording that fallout 4 was going to be a more “childish” game compared to 3. It seems to me aesthetically that 4 stepped into juvenileness in not only its colors but its characters. So I’m curious if that was the actual intent and whether somebody explicitly stated that was the direction it was taking. Or the fact 4 looks and feels more cartoony was more of an accident because of the tech of the time.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Hmm interesting take. It was definitely intentionally more colorful - they wanted to give a sense that life was coming back, albeit very, very slowly. When it comes to the characters, no we weren't trying to be childish, but there was more of an emphasis on making the characters actually memorable. F3 did not have very many iconic characters. The art style for 3 was also a bit oppressive and monochromatic, so I think there was a desire to move away with that.

[@Cylix3D]

It's always a great day when i realise you've uploaded something new! You're a massive inspiration for me as a 3D artist and I'm always blown away by your attention to detail and the quality of your work! You created parts of the games that shaped me when I was a young teenager and now I'm a student studying 3D art! The games you helped shape inspired me to want to do the same so thank you!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Wow Cylix thank you for these kind words. I wish you so much luck in your journey as a 3D artist! And as an artist, you should 100% join my free Substack newsletter, it's designed to inspire your artistry and creativity! Have a great day my friend :) jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@MsMoonDragoon]

I hope they use your deathclaw going forward. its so much more intimidating than the old ones in 3 and nv.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you Dragoon. I REALLY hope they do. I honestly can't imagine it getting a facelift, I just love it so much.

[@Griffith30188]

Fallout, and later Skyrim, were the games that changed my perspective on RPGs as a whole, I have loved them ever since. Your creations are the main reasons for that. Thank you kindly!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Wow Gryfth, I'm touched, thank you so much!!

[@kamenmaximus]

The fallout 3 deathclaw already scary enough, but the fallout 4 one cranks it all to 11. The agile body that weaves swiftly around the battlefield, the hunched posture that creates a threatening silhouette as it charges you down, a more inhuman body that lacks the mammilian musculature and leans more into its origins as a reptile, and horns like satan itself. Fallout 3 deathclaws where a threat, fallout 4 deathclaws look and feel like the apex predator of the wastes. This was an incredibly interesting video. Always love learning things like this and seeing how all these creatures were made. Of course I've said my peice on the deathclaws, but everything here is just unnerving in their own ways. Another shoutout to the feral ghouls which still make me shit bricks when they screach and lunge at me.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Ka, Maximus this is a wonderful comment and description of the Deathclaws. Thanks so much for watching this and sharing your wonderful comment. I also hope you subscribed to the channel and maybe Followed Quiet: Level one on Kickstarter?? If you loved my creature designs, you'll love this graphic novel...

[@isstuff]

Your “fall out is” rant is spot on, it is all about the world. Thanks for your contribution.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Appreciate you giving me space to rant

[@shakma_X]

The message of a past full of fake charm is a recurrent idea that makes us cynical with the concept of better times

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Yes, the idea that things used to be so much better is just so false, and it ignores huge segments of the world and population, right?

[@drphalanges1520]

This is incredible. I've been terrified and delighted by your designs since I was a kid. And now seeing them in the show, it all feels very full circle. How cool to have had such a huge impact on those games and all the people who love them. I'll add that Fallout 3 was my introduction to the series and it will always be my favorite.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you for this Phalanges. It was a pleasure terrorizing little you :) In all seriousness, I hope you followed - I've got more like this coming out soon!

[@navyveteran8956]

Adam Adamowicz was my little stepbrother we were just ready to get together again I was back in New York from California and he passed away sorry to say I miss him dearly I play the game all the time

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Damn I'm so sorry to hear that. He was an awesome guy, you should read my article on Kotaku that I wrote about him: kotaku.com/the-life-and-creativity-of-a-great-bethesda-artist-1740993491

[@Impukes]

Thank you for making my childhood and the best game I've ever played (Fallout 3)

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks for loving those games!

[@locknstock9423]

You did well in bringing the late Adamowicz's concepts to life. I'm glad that said designs were carried over into NV. I like how gritty FO3 looked. FO4 was too colourful imo, even though it defintiely had some solid creature designs (like the Deathclaw!).

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Adam was a true legend. I didn't really understand at the time what an innovative mind he was... I knew he was great, but only in hindsight have I gained a real appreciation. Thank you for this comment!!

[@Thebabybadass101]

Love seeing how you made some of the most impressive assets in gaming!!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

awww shucks, thanks badass

[@handlehaggler]

I dunno man.. i see all these people, you said it yourself - you dint want to make worlds for corporates, and I get that.. i do - but the creations were awesome none the less and it was inspiring to me in many ways. The concept was relayed and although there were limitations by corporate i still imagine their access to resources and output is significant and cant be easily brushed over. I would love to have been involved in these projects in any which way and if i was required to make 100v of something and be paid to do so, then cool! It just sounds like you hold a grudge towards the corporates/developer higher ups. I saw the other lead who worked on the earlier fallouts say the same thing

[@JonahLobeDraws]

you make some great points Haggler. It's true, that without corporate structure and money, it's hard to put out something so big. But after seeing the way developers in all sorts of industries are getting laid off en-masse - and seeing how the corporate people at Bethesda made all the money, and only paid us normal salaries, even though we made the games that made billions - I'm pretty turned off to the industry at the moment.

[@dedark0il131]

This is the first time I've got this channel in my YT recommendations, and I am glad to know more about the person who took part in making one of the major games of my childhood - Fallout 3. Thank you for your designs, Johan! I first experienced the game in the city of Ekaterinburg, and your radroaches invading the vault sure it's one of my early memories! Ghouls are terrifying, too. Not a fan of your Fallout 3 interpretation of supermutants and deathclaws, though, but the stories behind creating those designs are truly impressive. Thanks! gonna be checking the rest of your videos too

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thanks for the comment! So glad they made an impression. And I did not make the Fallout 3 Supermutants, just the Overlord models. I did make their armor though!

[@cheese_man5105]

One day Bethesda will give us a romanceable Deathclaw companion🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@JonahLobeDraws]

One can dream!!

[@cheese_man5105]

@@JonahLobeDraws Oh god I didn’t expect you to respond to this😭

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@cheese_man5105 Surprise!

[@breadpirateoverhere]

Yaaaaaaa always a good day with a new Jonah vid. Thank you for such a great behind the scenes look!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Appreciate that Solar, thanks for joining in today! Next video soon...

[@infantryplankton]

Jonah, I want to thank you. Fallout 4 has been the best game I’ve ever played and this video shows that your love and passion for this game. I didn’t think I could enjoy fallout it 4 more but it’s so much better now that I know the inspiration you had for every asset you worked on.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thrilled to hear it Plankton! I put everything I have into everything I do (including this graphic novel I'm Kickstarting in a month!). Thanks for leaving a comment!

[@WilliamLee-ho5ht]

Yoooooooo you commented on my buddies deathclaw wall decoration! Great work on the true terror of the wastes.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Thank you William! Your friend did an awesome job :)

[@WilliamLee-ho5ht]

He did indeed. He's an awesome guy. Very welcome as well.

[@quantummickey6875]

Instant subscription. The insight i've gleaned from this video alone could fill an entire Vault! You are truly one of the best to ever do it, Jonah!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I try to pack in as much as I can while not overstaying my welcome haha

[@JANGOH]

Hey Jonah! My name is Jonah, too. I've always been fascinated with game design and scripting. Recently I've learned a ton about coding and modeling and its cool to see someone with the same name and interests making my favorite game haha! You did an amazing job in creating my childhood, thank you!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Appreciate that Jonah! As someone who's building worlds themselves, I invite you to join my behind-the-scenes newsletter! It's designed for young creatives like yourself :) jonahlobe.substack.com/

[@Benno950]

Your creations are always a huge inspiration to my own creature designs. Your skillset fuels me to balance my own 2D concept art with 3D models as a Game Art generalist. Stay awesome Jonah!

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Hey thank you so much Benno! If you haven't seen my Creature Design course here on KZbin, you should watch that next, it would be perfect for you.

[@Benno950]

@@JonahLobeDraws Haha, your course is what initially kickstarted my first creature design ^^ Hard to believe 2020 was already 4 years ago, heh. Time sure flies

[@JonahLobeDraws]

@@Benno950 Wow amazing!! Thank you so much for having taken that course, I'm so glad it was of help to you.

[@Si-eb6jf]

Your work is amazing! And I really hope that QUIET: Level One comes to fruition, seems really cool

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I really, really appreciate that. Quiet, themselves, would be so grateful if you followed the project on Kickstarter or joined the behind the scenes newsletter! www.kickstarter.com/projects/quietlevelone/quiet-level-one-by-jonah-lobe

[@JordUK]

This is awesome Jonah. I love your art test for BGS

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I worked on that raider non-stop for two straight weeks!!

[@4ofclubs]

Wow. You created a lot of my favorite bits from the series. Thank you.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

I'm touched, thank you!

[@PythonicMethod]

There's so much wisdom about monsters needing comedy and beauty. All my favorites from the Skeksis to Hellboy's Angel of Death nail those angles. I think it's clear your work has entered that pantheon of iconic monsters. Thanks for doing this, and your highlight of super mutants really helped me appreciate them in a new light. Thank you again, and I look forward to your future projects.

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Pythonic you totally get it - that complexity adds flavor, and helps in the creation of characters that stick with us. Thanks for leaving this comment. And don't forget Quiet: Level One goes to Kickstarter in 2 months!

[@shaheenal-asadi]

Great Video Jonah! Been following your work for some time, I've recently Played Fallout 4 in VR, end to end, and your characters and monsters really came to life! You've made many frightful and wonderful impressions unto the Fallout world and more. Best wishes from Canada

[@JonahLobeDraws]

Oh I LOVE that Shaheen, thank you for letting me know. Appreciate your appreciation! And I'm hoping that you're following Quiet: Level One, either via the Kickstarter or my Substack? I would be most grateful for the support!