Fallout 76 is currently one of the most controversial games. Frustrated Fallout fans are overwhelming the title with negative reviews, and even the ratings from professional magazines are not particularly positive.
However, other games have shown that they can still be successful despite similar situations. Can Fallout 76 achieve this as well?
Fallout 76 has not been successful for Bethesda from the start
That’s why it receives mediocre ratings: Gamestar gave it 60 percent, just like PC Gamer. IGN even rated it at only 50 percent for Bethesda’s online game Fallout 76. The prevailing sentiment is that Fallout 76 is currently plagued by bugs and the developers aimed too high. They hoped to appeal to both single-player fans and online players. However, particularly in the single-player area, the title disappoints.
A turnaround is possible: An online game continually evolves. Updates bring significant changes at times. As both Warframe and The Elder Scrolls Online demonstrate, an initially mediocre rated game can become successful over time. However, there are some things to consider:
- The developer studio needs patience – even when criticism pours in and revenues leave much to be desired
- Player feedback must be listened to
- The developers should not be afraid to deviate from their original vision and make larger changes
The potential must be utilized
Why will it be difficult? The first impression of a game is always crucial in determining whether players will stick around in the long term or not. Ratings from magazines still influence the purchasing decisions of many gamers today. Therefore, the release of a game remains very important and can determine success or failure.
A studio as large as Bethesda should refrain from judging the success of an online game like Fallout 76 based on the initial sales figures of a title. Here, Bethesda is somewhat spoiled by Skyrim and Fallout 4, which sold millions of copies right from the start and received high ratings.
Bethesda has the financial resources to stay committed to Fallout 76 in the long run, improve the game, and perhaps even change it. But the willingness to follow through must be present.
Here’s how Fallout 76 can become a brilliant multiplayer game
The potential is there: Reading through the reviews of Fallout 76 reveals plenty of criticism, much of it justified. However, it also mentions that there is potential in Fallout 76. And this potential must now be utilized. To do this, Bethesda needs to focus on the things that players like and develop them consistently. These include:
The group events: Bethesda should introduce more diverse group content that requires teamwork. These events provide variety in the game. They appear unexpectedly and lead players to team up to achieve the common goal. This is a very enjoyable gameplay element that should be expanded.
The general group play: Wandering through the world with friends should be a priority and rewarded. Roaming the post-apocalyptic world with one or more others encourages cooperative play. The social aspect is highlighted, and it is fun to just hang out with other players.
Exploring the game world: Exploring the game area should not only be thrillingly staged but must also provide rewards. Fallout has always thrived on exploring the world and the experiences one could have during it. There is a lot to discover in Fallout 76 as well. Bethesda should offer even more here.
The crafting: New and more powerful items that players can craft are important in most online games. Players want to feel that through hard work they can obtain a truly good weapon or armor. Fallout 76 is already doing a lot right in this regard and should focus even more on it.
Extended base building: Even though base building currently offers too little, it is something that is enjoyable and should be expanded. Managing a large base together, building it up, and defending it can be fun. Fallout 76 is still at the beginning of its potential here. However, this aspect could lead to interesting situations, like sieges.
PvP: The PvP is not well received in the current version. Bethesda should offer more options for combat and also increase the rewards. A division into PvP and PvE servers would also be worth considering. But in general, more incentives should be created to encourage players to engage in PvP. Currently, the system feels too tame and “pointless.”
A good community: The community, which is praised for its helpfulness, must be nurtured. Rewards for good group play and helping other players are important. There are many ways to support the community. An option that could be interesting for Fallout would be the introduction of mods. Although they are planned, Bethesda should not take too long to implement them.
These are the points Bethesda should focus on and expand the things players currently enjoy. This could mean that Fallout 76 would transform away from single-player quests and content that can be done alone and more towards a sort of MMO. Perhaps it would be necessary to increase the number of players per server.
If Bethesda builds it, they will come!
That’s why Bethesda should listen to criticism: Criticism can hurt. However, it is always an opportunity to improve everything. Therefore, it is crucial for Bethesda to read player feedback and the criticism in the reviews of Fallout 76.
Subsequently, the developers should create the game that most fans want to play. If this changes the opinion about Fallout 76, then surely those who quit out of frustration will return. This has worked for other games as well.
As can be seen with The Elder Scrolls Online, successes are still possible even when the launch went poorly. It is important to recognize and exploit the potential of a game to ultimately develop the game that those who have recognized this potential want to play. Will this be easy? No, but it is doable.
What do you think? What must Fallout 76 offer to receive better ratings? Discuss in our Fallout group and also get informed on Facebook about news surrounding Fallout 76.
