Bethesda reveal that they are not going to launch their upcoming multiplayer action-RPG, Fallout 76, on Steam. The company released an updated version of the Fallout 76 beta FAQ on their website last night. In the answer section to the question: “When and on what platforms will the Fallout 76 beta be available?”, it’s stated that the beta ‘‘will be available on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and on PC (via Bethesda.net).’’
Steam has not been included on this list, and Bethesda later confirmed via PC Gamer that the title will not be launching on Valve’s digital distribution platform. The representative of Bethesda declared in an email that, “The PC version of Fallout 76, for both the B.E.T.A. and the launch, will be available only via Bethesda.net, not on Steam”.
Bethesda have not explained the reasoning behind their decision yet. Speculation suggests that it could be a way for the company to gain extra revenue from the title as Valve typically takes a 30% cut from the sales on Steam.
This, however, does not mean that Fallout 76 will never arrive on Steam. It’s worth noting that Fallout Shelter released via Bethesda.net in July 2016 and came to Steam 8 months later in March 2017.
Bethesda also mention in the updated FAQ section that, ‘‘Our current plan for the B.E.T.A. is it will be the full game and all your progress is saved for launch.’’ This means that the company are essentially planning to provide players with early access to Fallout 76 as opposed to an average beta test.
The Fallout 76 beta is expected to commence sometime in October before the title’s official November 14th release date. It will be available to all players who have pre-ordered the game.
For more information on the beta, check out this article.