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.