Fallout 4 introduced players to an array of surprises, and Codsworth, the game’s loyal robot butler, is no exception. Notably, Codsworth, who serves as one of the 16 companions in the game, has an extravagant list of names he can address the player with. This unique feature appeals to many gamers, as it allows for a personalized gaming experience where the character can call them by their real names—an element that isn’t often seen in RPGs where players typically choose their character’s name without such recognition.
However, the excitement surrounding Codsworth’s voice lines comes with a caveat. Some players have discovered that their names are notably absent from the list. While Codsworth can recite many names, some common ones—like Fred—are missing, which can be quite surprising given the plethora of other names he can use.
Common Names Codsworth Can’t Address
The Incomplete Name List of Codsworth
In an interesting observation noted by users on Reddit, while Codsworth is equipped with a considerable variety of names, certain conventional choices have been overlooked. For instance, one user lamented the omission of the name Fred, inviting others to share their own experiences with similarly excluded names, such as Kyle and Rachel.
Codsworth Doesn’t/Can’t Say My Real Name and I am Sad by u/RebelRouserSchnauzer in fo4
One particularly odd exclusion is the name Shaun, which is also the name of the player’s in-game infant. While Codsworth can reference the baby, surprisingly, he cannot address the player by the same name. Interestingly, the Fallout Wiki notes that the name Sean, in its traditional Irish form, was patched in later, yet Shaun remains absent.
A Surprising Gap Given What Codsworth CAN Say
Unexpected — Codsworth’s Swearing and Pop Culture References
While the absence of certain names could be expected due to limitations, it raises eyebrows that the list accommodates some unusual selections. Among the lesser-known names Codsworth announces are Zenith, Unbreakable, and Toecutter. Some of these names appear to be playful references to pop culture figures, including the ability to name the character Springsteen. Players sure have a good laugh at these references, but it might feel a tad unfair to players named Fred and Rachel, knowing their more commonplace names didn’t make the cut.
Even more peculiar are some outright profane names available to Codsworth. Though we won’t delve into specifics, it’s clear that players seeking a humorous experience can create memorable moments when greeted with unexpected profanity during gameplay. The contrast between such irreverence and the more innocuous names some players wished for adds an entertaining twist to interactions.
The Mystery Behind Codsworth’s Limited Name Options
Codsworth’s Name List: A Promotional Strategy?
While Bethesda has not directly clarified this issue, it’s reasonable to infer that the limitations on names stem from logistical constraints. Codsworth is voiced by a single actor, Stephen Russell, who also lends his voice to every Mr. Handy character and Nick Valentine. In a chat with YouTuber Skycaptin5, Russell revealed that he had numerous sessions dedicated to recording names, which inevitably led to a need for a selective curation of those names.
Bethesda’s choice to include quirky and memorable names while omitting the usual ones likely served a purpose. This decision may have sparked curiosity and discussions across social media, enhancing player engagement with the game. Thus, while some players may feel a loss of personalization, it’s conceivable that Fallout 4 utilized these choices to foster more word-of-mouth excitement in its favor.
Sources: Fallout Wiki, YouTube/Skycaptin5, u/RebelRouserSchnauzer, Reddit
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