Fallout 76 has become a highlight for Bethesda, especially with the buzz surrounding Amazon’s Fallout TV series and continuous updates. However, its initial release was far from favorable.

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“Working on a live service game comes with a lot of stress, because it just doesn’t go away,” says Jeff Gardiner, who oversaw Fallout 76’s difficult launch and subsequent improvements.

Translation: “Being part of a live service game is stressful because it’s a constant pressure.”

Initially met with skepticism due to its lack of NPCs, Gardiner faced backlash, even enduring criticism in public places, like an Apple Store, which he recalls vividly.

Gardiner’s Take on Team Morale

Gardiner viewed it as his duty not only to elevate the game in the eyes of players but also to restore his team’s confidence after a rocky launch.

He promotes open dialogue with his team on improving the game. Their efforts culminated in the expansion called Wastelanders, which enriched the game’s world with new features and NPCs.

Closing Thoughts

Reflecting on his time with the game, Gardiner declares it as his favorite project, given its transformative journey from troubled beginnings to becoming a beloved title among fans.

He is currently working on an open-world RPG titled Wyrdsong at Something Wicked Games.