In a significant revelation from the legal documents leaked during the Microsoft vs. FTC court case, it has been disclosed that Fallout 76 was once on the verge of losing Microsoft’s support. The game, which initially received poor reviews, saw a turnaround in fortune thanks, in part, to PlayStation Now. This article delves into the intricacies of the situation, and how a competitor’s service played a role in rescuing a faltering game.

Fallout 76’s Rocky Start

Launched in 2018, Fallout 76 failed to meet the expectations set by its predecessors. Garnering a meager rating of 3/10, the game’s initial version left much to be desired. Nonetheless, Bethesda did not give up on the project. Instead, they pushed forward with a series of free updates, the most notable of which was the Wastelanders update in 2020. This particular update marked a significant turning point for the game, dramatically improving its overall quality.

The ZeniMax Acquisition and Its Implications

In September 2020, news broke that Microsoft was acquiring ZeniMax, the parent company of Bethesda. Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft, had reservations about continuing to support Fallout 76, as revealed in an email dated September 1, 2021. According to the email, Spencer was contemplating a threshold of 10 million monthly average users for Fallout 76. If the game failed to reach this target, Spencer suggested that Microsoft should “move on from it.”

The Role of PlayStation Now

Interestingly, despite Phil Spencer’s reluctance to bring Microsoft games to Sony’s PS Now—perceived as a competitor to Xbox’s Game Pass—he saw an opportunity to boost Fallout 76’s user base. If aligning with PS Now could push the game past the 10 million monthly user mark, Spencer was willing to make that move. Consequently, Fallout 76 was added to PlayStation Now the following month and later became part of PS Plus. The game eventually surpassed the 10 million monthly user target, thereby ensuring its survival.

The Ripple Effects: Fallout 76 Today

This strategic move led to a significant milestone for Fallout 76, enabling it to exceed Phil Spencer’s set target of 10 million monthly users. The game’s inclusion in PlayStation Now and subsequently in PS Plus undeniably played a pivotal role in reviving it. Thus, what could have been a potentially abandoned project transformed into a title that not only retained but also expanded its player base.

The Bigger Picture: Collaboration Over Competition

While Phil Spencer’s initial sentiment leaned towards competition, the ultimate decision to collaborate with a rival platform highlights a shift in perspective within the gaming industry. Even if companies compete fiercely, there may still be opportunities for collaboration that can benefit both parties, as demonstrated by Fallout 76’s resurgence.

Conclusion

The story of Fallout 76’s recovery is a compelling tale of how the unexpected partnership between Microsoft and PlayStation Now saved the once struggling game. According to the leaked documents from the Microsoft vs. FTC court case, the game went from being at risk of abandonment to surpassing a threshold of 10 million monthly users, thereby securing its future. This case not only sheds light on the behind-the-scenes decisions that shape the gaming world but also underscores the potential for cooperation even among fierce competitors.

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