Fallout 4 is 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 for Fallout 4's next-gen update nearing, a lot is still not known about what exactly it will entail. When comparing the kind of treatment Fallout 4 next-gen is getting compared to the likes of Skyrim'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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A next-generation upgrade for Fallout 4 was 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 content and a range of bug fixes for Fallout 4. There are other rumors circulating about what the next-gen update will involve, such as brand-new Fallout New Vegas content for Fallout 4, but as of right now, these rumors are unconfirmed. With Fallout 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 of Fallout 4 next-gen can be compared to other similar releases from Bethesda. For example, Skyrim has 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 to Fallout 4 and Skyrim for their next-gen updates from the outset, from how they are obtained to how expansive they are.
Skyrim first jumped to a new generation of consoles via 2016's Special Edition with a more comprehensive next-gen release coming later via the 2021 Anniversary Edition. These releases included the likes of Skyrim's many DLC expansions, as well as a lot of Creator Club content for the game. The crucial difference between these releases and Fallout is that Skyrim's next-gen re-releases were premium releases, compared to Fallout 4 which is simply a free update.
While it is good news that players can freely access Fallout 4's next-gen update, it speaks further to how Bethesda regards both titles. Skyrim was massively popular, and Bethesda clearly capitalized on this with the many premium re-releases the game received. Fallout 4 has 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 as Starfield, giving evidence of Bethesda's regrets over some of Fallout 4's creative decisions.
While the many re-releases of Skyrim have become an internet meme, there was a clear massive fan reception to them and how they were advertised by Bethesda. When considering that Fallout 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 4 is available on PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
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