This week PC Gamer broke the news that Fallout 76 won’t make an appearance on Steam at all–at least at launch. This wasn’t too surprising given that the game not Beta access on that platform. Although since Steam is currently a raging trashfire due to lack of moderation, it might turn out to be a blessing in disguise. This could turn out well for Bethesda since the Fallout name carries a ton of weight in terms of hype and visibility. So maybe Fallout 76 won’t need Steam in order to generate and sustain the playerbase it needs to be successful. At least that’s the hope anyway, the outcome may not be so rosy.
Whatever happens it will be interesting to see how Bethesda market and distribute the game, and of course how the final game turns out, once it releases.
In related news, Bethesda has revealed that the beta will essentially be the full game. this is because progress and creations from that version will carry over into the main game upon launch.
‘Our current plan for the B.E.T.A. is it will be the full game and all your progress is saved for launch,’ it reads. ‘What’s more, the B.E.T.A. will lack an NDA, meaning players are free to talk openly about everything in it. In addition, players are able to make videos, take screenshots, and stream their experiences.’ Bethesda told fans.
The Beta will begin this October, with priority access for Xbox One players.
The full version of the survival extravaganza will launch for PlayStation 4, PC, and Xbox One on November 14. In the meantime, check out some gameplay footage of the C.A.M.P. system for settlement building, or maybe you want to learn about the Collector’s Editions of the game.
