Fallout 76 Breaks Steam Player Records Amid Fallout TV Show Success
The Fallout universe is experiencing a resurgence, thanks to the success of Prime Video's Fallout TV show. This surge in interest has not only boosted player numbers in newer titles but also revitalised interest in older Fallout games, showcasing the enduring appeal of this post-apocalyptic franchise.
According to Steam data tracker SteamDB, Bethesda's Fallout games on Steam have seen a significant increase in concurrent players since the release of the Fallout TV series. This increase has been most notable for Fallout 76, which reached a new peak concurrent player record of 39,455, a remarkable achievement considering the game was released four years ago in April 2020.
Even the earlier Fallout titles, such as Fallout New Vegas and Fallout 2, have seen a resurgence in player numbers, albeit to a lesser extent. Fallout 2 achieved a new peak concurrent player count of 1,062, while the original Fallout game surpassed 2,300 concurrent players, both on April 14.
While concurrent player statistics are readily available for Steam games, similar data for console and PC games are not as accessible. However, it's likely that the Fallout series is experiencing increased player engagement across all platforms, given the widespread popularity of the Fallout TV show.
The impact of the Fallout TV show is also evident in the Steam revenue charts, with Fallout 4 leading as the top-selling video game by revenue, surpassing popular titles like Counter-Strike 2 and Helldivers 2. Fallout 4: Game of the Year Edition, Fallout 76, Fallout New Vegas, and Fallout 3: Game of the Year Edition also feature prominently in the rankings, showcasing the enduring popularity of the Fallout series among gamers.
Social media has been buzzing with reports of viewers who have been inspired by the Fallout TV show to either revisit a Fallout game they already own or purchase one to delve deeper into the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout.
Capitalising on this renewed interest, Bethesda has launched several promotions and sales across the Fallout series. Additionally, the company announced a release date for the highly anticipated next-gen update for Fallout 4. However, this announcement has affected the release schedule for the DLC-sized mod, Fallout London.
Looking ahead, Bethesda has confirmed that Fallout 5 is in its long-term plans. However, given that The Elder Scrolls 6 is the next major release after Starfield, fans may have to wait several years before diving into the next instalment of the Fallout series.
In conclusion, the Fallout franchise is experiencing a renaissance, driven by the success of the Fallout TV show. Whether revisiting the wastelands of Fallout 76 or embarking on a new adventure in the classic Fallout games, players old and new are finding plenty to love in this iconic post-apocalyptic world.