Although Bethesda explained with a funny video that they will continue to develop single-player games in the future, the company is not averse to online games. Players have been hoping for a Fallout Online for years. But what should it offer?
Simply launching a regular MMORPG set in the Fallout universe could be difficult in today’s times. Player preferences have changed. Currently, online shooters of the Battle Royale brand are more popular than MMORPGs. However, probably hardly anyone wants to play a Fallout online shooter. But what could an online game in the Fallout universe look like?
We have come up with five features that could make the title interesting.
1. A fast yet tactical combat system
What distinguished Fallout 3, New Vegas, and Fallout 4 is the V.A.T.S. combat system. However, this cannot be transferred to an online game. V.A.T.S. pauses or slows down the game action to allow for tactical superiority and to target body parts on enemies. In a persistent online game world, it is not possible to pause time without annoying all other players. Nevertheless, a Fallout online game should provide the option to use V.A.T.S. without becoming too slow.
Thus, Fallout 4 would need a fast yet tactical combat system reminiscent of V.A.T.S.
2. A changing game world
As exciting as many missions in MMORPGs are, the story usually does not change the world. Even if the villain is at the gates of the capital, in principle, it cannot be taken or destroyed. For example, what would happen if no one stops the Lich King in World of Warcraft? Nothing. This is simply due to the nature of an online game.
The Elder Scrolls Online, on the other hand, offers “Phasing,” which allows for real changes. NPCs can die, cities can be overrun – but only those who have completed the quests and made a corresponding decision see this change in a special instance of the area. This allows for real consequences and changes in the course of the story, giving players the feeling that they can achieve something. The downside is that you don’t see players who made different decisions.
But here Fallout should perhaps go a step further: The world should be able to be truly changed – based on the actions of the players.
3. Not massively in MMORPG
Sounds strange, but it would make sense. On one hand, it seems unwise to fill a post-apocalyptic world, where there are few survivors left, with thousands of players. On the other hand, having only a few players per server creates something that is lacking in most MMORPGs: the feeling that the player is something special in the world.
A Fallout Online should, of course, still be a multiplayer game. But what if there were only a few players in this world, making them actual heroes?
MMORPGs are based on pen & paper role-playing games. In these, only a handful of heroes engage in an exciting story. Novels typically revolve around a group of heroes who save the world. Why not bring this feeling back to an online game? No MMORPG but just a MORPG. Few players per server, who thus experience even more intense stories and feel special. And it would always be exciting to meet another player, as you never know how they will react.
4. Survival in the apocalypse
Survival is a double-edged sword. Many online games are currently going this route, making it a “worn-out” feature for players. However, in the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout, it would make sense. Here, survival has been important since the beginnings of the series. Heroes need food and water, must protect themselves from radioactive storms and radiation exposure. All this should be present in a Fallout Online and play an important role.
Survival should not, however, define the core of the game. Rather, it should be integrated as a natural feature. It should become “normal” for players to search for food and shelter on the side, instead of having to focus only on not starving or dehydrating. So more of a “casual survival” than a real hardcore survival game.
5. PvP and base building
In the apocalypse, things are tough. Survivors sometimes quarrel. But how can PvP work if there are only a handful of players? Just like facing NPC enemies in the wilderness. Some of the few players form groups, while others roam alone. When they meet, a shootout can break out or they may trade. Perhaps they also join forces to explore the world together. Everything is open. Faction wars would then not really be possible, but they are also not necessary.
Base building should also play a role. Just like in Fallout 4, you build a settlement, fortify it, and defend it – both against NPC bandits and mutants and against other players. Thus, the building part known from sandbox games is also added. Together with other players, it would be possible to build bigger settlements. But even alone – and with the help of NPCs – one should be able to create something beautiful.
Perhaps it would be possible to make Fallout Online a game that differs somewhat from classic MMORPGs and takes a new, unique path. Because that is important if a title is to assert itself in the market.
