Fallout 76 Launch Leads To Investigation Into Bethesda’s “Deceptive Trade Practices”
Fallout 76 seemed destined to become one of Bethesda’s greatest hits. However, viewership numbers on Twitch indicate gamers remain lukewarm on the online multiplayer title. Now, it appears Bethesda may have more trouble than a mediocre reception. The company is under investigation for “deceptive trade practices.”
On their blog, Washington D.C.-based law firm Migliaccio & Rathod LLP stated they are investigating Bethesda over the launch. The firm’s website crashed due to heavy traffic, but has since returned to the World Wide Web. In the meantime, Reddit users captured and shared the post for all to see.
“Migliaccio & Rathod LLP is currently investigating Bethesda Game Studios for releasing a heavily-glitched game, Fallout 76, and refusing to issue refunds for PC purchasers of the game who found it to be unplayable because of its technical problems. While minor bugs and glitches are expected with the release of most new games, Fallout 76 launched with a 56GB patch that has proven to be but a starting point for the game’s problems. Gamers who have tried to receive a refund because of the game’s myriad glitches have been unable to do so since they downloaded the game, leaving them to deal with an unplayable experience until patches bring it back to a playable state.”
The post then asks consumers denied refunds to contact them via email or phone. They also added a link to their Facebook page, which includes a shocked Pikachu meme.
Whether or not the law firm pursues further action, this must trouble Bethesda greatly. Between the low viewership figures and the numerous game-breaking bugs, Fallout 76 has not launched as anticipated. A class-action suit wouldn’t bring Bethesda to its knees, but it would severely hurt their bottom line for 2018 and beyond. We will be sure to keep you posted on any updates from all involved parties as they happen.
It’s been a disappointing start for Bethesda, but not an insurmountable one. The game has received plenty of acclaim, which includes praise from horror legend John Carpenter. And Fallout 76 still has a long, long way to go before matching the Star Wars Battlefront II release. Hopefully, they can right their wrongs and make Fallout 76 the title we’d all hoped it would be.
What do you think about the potential lawsuit? Did you have trouble returning Fallout 76? Let us know your thoughts and stories in the comments below. For more gaming news and updates, be sure to follow DFTG on Facebook and Twitter!
Drew Weissman230 Posts
Drew is a freelance writer for DFTG. He's the former Managing Editor of Haogamers and has been published in the Chicago Tribune and The Paragon Journal. He also edited the novel Three Brightnesses and Artist Journey: Rachta Lin (2016 and 2017 editions).
