While many fans were disappointed byFallout 76, Bethesda is still open to making more multiplayer games, according to Todd Howard.
WhenFallout 76released in 2018, Bethesda advertised it as an immersive, MMO-style experience set in theFalloutuniverse. But fans were not pleased when the game dropped, and quickly took issue with the title’s game-breaking bugs, lack of NPC characters, and constant crashing. Some fans have since warmed to the title, which is likely thanks to the new content that Bethesda has released for the game, including this year’sWastlanders expansion that added NPC charactersand new story elements. However, many fans still regardFallout 76as Bethesda’s weakest title. However, Bethesda is not shying away from the possibility of making another multiplayer-focused game in the future.
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Speaking at the Developer: Brighton conference, Howard said that Bethesda has learned from its mistakes onFallout 76, and that he “wouldn’t rule out [a new multiplayer game] in the future.” He went on to say that whilefans were not pleased withFallout 76at launch, the game was a “really positive experience” that better connected Bethesda to its fan community. “I can’t say it’s going to be a one-off,” he added.
Howard said that if Bethesda does make another multiplayer game, it would need to change its approach. He specifically said that he would like to conduct more beta testing on the studio’s next multiplayer release to avoid the bugs and glitches that plaguedFallout 76at launch.Fallout 76received only a few brief testing periodsbefore it was released, which seriously hampered the end product.
Even if Howard is already drawing up the plans for Bethesda’s next multiplayer title, the release of that game would likely be a long way off, and there’s no indication plans are in motion. The studio is currently busy withStarfield, its new IP that is expected to release sometime next year. Bethesda has also confirmed thatThe Elder Scrolls 6, which still does not have a release date, would be the developer’s main priority afterStarfieldlaunches. Both games are confirmed to be exclusively single player. Bethesda is booked for the next few years and will likely be unable to produce a multiplayer game anytime soon.
Fallout 76may be the only multiplayer game that Bethesda has developed, but it is not the only multiplayer title under the umbrella of Bethesda Softworks. The company publishedThe Elder Scrolls Online, which received theStonethorn expansionearlier this year and remains popular among fans.Elder Scrolls Onlinewas developed by ZeniMax Online Studios.
Whatever Bethesda’s next multiplayer game might be, fans can expect that it will likely be a lot different, and a lot more advanced, thanFallout 76.
Fallout 76is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
