Fallout 4is set to receive a dedicated update in 2023 that will bring the game up to speed for next-generation consoles. While this is great news for fans of the game, it remains that Bethesda has been uncharacteristically quiet about such a momentous release.
With the release date forFallout 4’s next-gen update nearing, a lot is still not known about what exactly it will entail. When comparing the kind of treatmentFallout 4next-gen is getting compared to the likes ofSkyrim’s next-gen versions, a clear difference in approach is present that may reflect Bethesda’s feelings towards the two popular releases.
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The Lack of Fanfare Behind Fallout 4 Next-Gen
A next-generation upgrade forFallout 4was first announced in October 2022 as a part of a spate of announcements relating to the IP’s 25-year anniversary. Despite the announcement being made eight months ago, very little information has been announced or advertised by Bethesda since.
It is confirmed that the free next-gen update will include performance and quality modes,as well as more Creation Club contentand a range of bug fixes forFallout 4. There are other rumors circulating about what the next-gen update will involve, such as brand-newFallout New Vegascontent forFallout 4, but as of right now, these rumors are unconfirmed. WithFallout 4’s next-gen update being slated for a 2023 release, many were expecting Bethesda to implement a much more thorough and concentrated level of communication around the project.
While this is not a massive problem in and of itself, the treatment ofFallout 4next-gen can be compared to other similar releases from Bethesda. For example,Skyrimhas famously received many re-releases since its initial 2011 launch, with two of these re-releases concerning next-gen gameplay. Bethesda has taken clear different approaches toFallout 4andSkyrimfor their next-gen updates from the outset, from how they are obtained to how expansive they are.
Skyrim’s Next-Gen Releases Versus Fallout 4 Next-Gen
Skyrimfirst jumped to a new generation of consoles via2016’sSpecial Editionwith a more comprehensive next-gen release coming later via the 2021Anniversary Edition. These releases included the likes ofSkyrim’s many DLC expansions, as well as a lot of Creator Club content for the game. The crucial difference between these releases andFalloutis thatSkyrim’s next-gen re-releases were premium releases, compared toFallout 4which is simply a free update.
While it is good news that players can freely accessFallout 4’s next-gen update, it speaks further to how Bethesda regards both titles.Skyrimwas massively popular, and Bethesda clearly capitalized on this with the many premium re-releases the game received.Fallout 4has received a much more disinterested post-launch life-cycle, perhaps reflecting some regrets Bethesda has about the title.
For example,Fallout 4’s dialogue system was a controversial element of the release, doing away with the traditional dialogue boxes for vague prompts that left players feeling disconnected from their characters. It is confirmed that Bethesda is returning to traditional dialogue with its upcoming releases such asStarfield, giving evidence of Bethesda’s regrets over some ofFallout 4’s creative decisions.
While the many re-releases ofSkyrimhave become an internet meme, there was a clear massive fan reception to them and how they were advertised by Bethesda. When considering thatFallout 4’s next-gen update is free, the lack of real impetus behind its advertising and announced content may be enough to confirm the game as a kind of black sheep for Bethesda.
Fallout 4is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
