The evolution of RPG visuals began in the late '90s with titles like Fallout, which featured clay heads and marked a shift from sprites to 3D models. Tim Cain, co-creator of Fallout, discussed the creation of these visuals, noting that while the game used sprites, the graphics were made with advanced 3D modeling software. He expressed concern over the fate of the original source art files, which were backed up on DAT tape but may have been lost due to the tape's limited lifespan. Cain also highlighted challenges in preserving historic games like Fallout due to corporate ownership, emphasizing the broader issue of gaming history preservation. He voiced frustration over companies losing important assets and the responsibility they have to maintain these cultural artifacts.