Fallout Proves That People Don’t Enjoy Bethesda’s Games, They Just Enjoy Its Universes

A Closer Look at Bethesda’s RPG Formula

Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) has long been a powerhouse in the RPG genre, with flagship franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. These games have repeatedly proven their staying power over the years, thanks to Bethesda’s tried-and-true open-world game design. However, there’s an interesting twist: Is it possible that players don’t actually enjoy the games themselves but rather the immersive worlds they create?

The Wide-Open, Shallow Design

For over a decade and a half, players have roamed the vast landscapes of Tamriel (in The Elder Scrolls) and the post-apocalyptic wastelands (in Fallout). The basic structure of these games has remained remarkably static: players explore wide-open worlds, complete quests, engage in clumsy combat, and endure stilted dialogue. It’s a formula that has become synonymous with Bethesda’s RPGs.

But here’s the catch: This wide-but-shallow design has often been part of the games’ appeal. The promise of exploration, the freedom to go anywhere, and the sheer scale of the worlds drew players in. “See that mountain? You can climb it,” became a meme-worthy phrase. Yet, beneath the surface, the quests lacked depth, and the combat mechanics felt clunky.

Enter: Starfield

Then came Starfield, BGS’s newest franchise. The hype was real, but the reviews were mixed. Without existing lore and background (unlike The Elder Scrolls and Fallout), the wide-open planets turned into empty spaces. Side quests became mere exercises in ticking boxes. Even impressive features like starship customization and graphical detail couldn’t salvage the experience for some players.

The Fallout TV Show: A Different Kind of Success

In contrast, the Fallout TV show, set within the same universe as the games, has received strong reviews. What makes it unique? Perhaps it’s the wit, dry humor, and ironic subversion of 50s utopian Americana. The show breathes life into the post-apocalyptic setting, making it more than just another bland wasteland. And yes, there’s plenty of comically-exaggerated gore to go around.

Conclusion

So, do people truly enjoy Bethesda’s games, or do they merely revel in the worlds created by these games? Perhaps it’s a bit of both. The allure of exploration and the thrill of discovery keep players coming back, even if the underlying mechanics sometimes fall short. As we eagerly await the next installment in the Fallout series, let’s appreciate the magic of these virtual worlds, flawed though they may be.

Note: The opinions expressed in this blog post belong solely to the author.

And speaking of Fallout, did you know that Bethesda has announced a massive overhaul for Fallout 4 following the success of the TV show? PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series S|X owners will receive the update on April 25. Exciting times for fans of the wasteland

I hope you enjoyed this exploration of Bethesda’s gaming universe! If you have any other topics you’d like me to dive into, feel free to ask. 😊