The Hype Stuff: How Game Developers Can Learn from Bethesda and Fallout 4

Written by: Adam "ManKorn" Korenman, CC2K Video Games Editor

In just a few months, Bethesda’s latest gem will hit store shelves and effectively ruin countless relationships. I’m writing all this down with drool in my mouth because I am so excited about this game. Fallout, as a series, has always worked to take the genre forward. Each iteration of the RPG introduced innovative gameplay, stellar graphics, and unique storytelling elements. To say that the franchise revolutionized gaming would be to sell it short.

Fallout 4 stands ready to do all of that and more. Introducing several game-changers for the developer–fully-voiced protagonists, base-building, vehicles–the latest installment in the post-apocalypse looks to be the best in the series. It’s not going out on a limb to say F4 is a serious contender for Game of the Year, even coming out as late as it is. 

But Bethesda has done a lot more in the development of Fallout 4 than just move the ball forward. They have taken great steps in demonstrating the proper way to launch a AAA title. The marketing, scripting, and even the graphical changes all stem from a place of experience, and Bethesda has shown a deft hand in the past few months. I think it’s something we can all learn from. So let’s have a quick glance at four ways Bethesda is straight crushing this launch.