Fallout 76, released in November 2018 by Bethesda Game Studios, was meant to be a groundbreaking addition to the Fallout franchise. However, it quickly became a cautionary tale in the game development industry of how not to launch a game. The game faced numerous problems and controversies, which ultimately led to a significant drop in its popularity and player base. In this blog post, we’ll examine what went wrong with Fallout 76 and what lessons can be learned from its failure.
The Fallout 76 Launch Disaster
Fallout 76 was plagued with bugs and glitches from its initial release, with some players even unable to play the game due to technical issues. The game also faced criticism for being incomplete, with a lack of content and features that were promised to players. The developers, Bethesda Game Studios, were slow to release patches and fixes, which only added to players’ frustration.
The game also faced controversy over its microtransaction system. Players could spend real money on in-game items, which many felt gave an unfair advantage to those who were willing to pay. The system was seen as predatory and exploitative, and it further fueled the negative perception of the game.
The Fallout 76 Communication Problem
One of the biggest mistakes that Bethesda made with Fallout 76 was their lack of communication with players. The developers were slow to respond to player feedback and concerns, which only added to players’ frustration. When they did communicate, their responses were often vague or unhelpful.
In one particularly infamous incident, Bethesda accidentally leaked players’ personal information, including names, addresses, and phone numbers. Their response to the incident was seen as inadequate, and it further damaged their reputation with players.
The Fallout from Fallout 76
The fallout from Fallout 76 was significant. The game faced a significant drop in its player count, and its reputation was severely damaged. The game’s launch disaster and subsequent controversies left players feeling that the developers were more interested in making money than creating a quality gaming experience. Fallout 76 became a cautionary tale in the industry, with many developers taking note of what not to do when launching a game.
The Lessons Learned from the Fallout 76 team not listening to it’s community’s suggestions
So, what can we learn from the failure of Fallout 76? Firstly, it’s essential to listen to players’ feedback and concerns. Bethesda’s lack of communication with players only added to their frustration and contributed to the game’s negative perception. Secondly, it’s important to release a game that is complete and functional. Fallout 76’s launch disaster was a result of the game being released too early, with too many bugs and glitches. Finally, microtransaction systems should be implemented fairly and ethically. Fallout 76’s microtransaction system was seen as predatory and exploitative, which only further damaged the game’s reputation.
In conclusion, the failure of Fallout 76 serves as a reminder of the importance of quality game development and ethical business practices. It’s crucial for developers to listen to players’ feedback and concerns, and to release a complete and functional game that is fair and enjoyable for everyone. Fallout 76 may have been a failure, but its lessons can serve as a valuable guide for future game developers.