About Fallout 76
Fallout 76 is an action RPG and shooter published by Bethesda. Released in 2018, it is available on PS5, Xbox Series X, and PC. This game represents the closest attempt to create a fully-fledged Fallout MMO, as originally envisioned by veteran developer Matt Firor.
Quick Facts — Fallout 76
| Publisher | Bethesda |
|---|---|
| Platform(s) | PS5, Xbox Series X, PC |
| Release Date | 2018 |
| Genre | Action RPG, Shooter |
The Fallout Online Journey
In 2007, Matt Firor was in the process of pitching a Fallout Online project while trying to assemble Brash Entertainment. His discussions with Interplay, the original publisher of Fallout 1 and 2, seemed promising at first. However, Firor faced an abrupt halt when Interplay went silent. He recalled, "He just went totally dark on me, wouldn't return calls or emails, and then like, four weeks later, the headlines: Bethesda acquires rights to Fallout, and I was like 'oh, god'." This acquisition shifted Firor's career path toward Bethesda.
After Bethesda acquired the Fallout IP, Firor went on to found ZeniMax and worked on The Elder Scrolls Online, which launched in 2014 after seven years of development. The legal battles surrounding Fallout Online continued, with Bethesda suing Interplay in 2009 over the rights, ultimately leading to Interplay losing the ability to develop a Fallout MMO entirely in 2012.
Reflections on Fallout 76
Despite the lost opportunity, Firor feels positive about the current state of the franchise. He mentioned, "It's in totally good hands. I played the sh*t out of 76, I love that game, I played 'em all and they're great." His involvement in Fallout 76 came in a different capacity, as he noted that he is credited in the game due to his continued advice to Bethesda.
What This Means for Players
The journey from Fallout Online to Fallout 76 highlights the complexities of game development and intellectual property rights in the gaming industry. For players, this means that while the dream of a dedicated Fallout MMO may not have come to fruition, the legacy of the franchise continues through titles like Fallout 76. With Firor's experience and expertise, players can expect continued support and evolution of the Fallout universe.
As the gaming landscape evolves, it's fascinating to consider what could have been had Fallout Online materialized. The potential competition with other MMOs, especially against Blizzard's titles, could have changed the trajectory of multiplayer gaming.