UPDATE 11.40pm: Bethesda has addressed the confusion surrounding the eligibility of the free PlayStation 5 (PS5) upgrade for Fallout 4 on PlayStation. In a recent Twitter post, the developer stated that the Fallout 4 next-gen update will be available to PlayStation Plus Extra members through the PlayStation Game Catalog. However, there is still uncertainty regarding the availability of the upgrade for those who acquired Fallout 4 through the PS Plus Collection offered to new PS5 owners.
ORIGINAL STORY 6.29pm: The highly anticipated Fallout 4 next-gen update for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S has finally arrived. However, PlayStation users who obtained Fallout 4 via PlayStation Plus are reporting that they are unable to access the free PS5 upgrade and are instead directed to purchase it.
According to reports, PlayStation users who purchased Fallout 4 are able to access the free PS5 upgrade as expected. On the other hand, those who have the PlayStation Plus version in their libraries are prompted to purchase the PS5 edition for £15.99. This differs from Xbox Game Pass, where subscribers can access the native Xbox Series X/S version of Fallout 4 without any additional cost.
It remains unclear whether this is an intentional decision by Microsoft-owned Bethesda or an unforeseen issue with Sony’s PlayStation Plus setup. A representative from Bethesda disclosed that they are still investigating whether the free PS5 upgrade should be available to PS Plus subscribers. Eurogamer has reached out to Bethesda for further clarification on the matter.
The Fallout 4 next-gen update introduces Performance and Quality mode settings, support for 60fps and higher resolutions, as well as stability improvements and fixes for the native versions on Xbox Series X/S and PS5. Additionally, the update brings new features to the PC and previous-gen console versions of the game.
PC players can now enjoy widescreen and ultra-widescreen support, along with fixes to the Creation Kit and various quest updates. Steam Deck verification has also been implemented. All versions of Fallout 4, including the original PS4 and Xbox One releases, receive free Creation Club items as part of the update. Furthermore, the Makeshift Weapon Pack, featuring weapons like the baseball launcher and nail gun, and the new Echoes of the Past quest focusing on The Enclave, are also included.
The release of the Fallout 4 next-gen update comes at a time of renewed interest in Bethesda’s beloved RPG series. The success of Amazon’s acclaimed live-action adaptation has generated significant buzz. Additionally, Fallout 76, which initially faced criticism upon its release, has now experienced a resurgence and is in improved shape.
As for the future trends related to these themes, the gaming industry can expect more developers and publishers to provide next-gen updates for their popular titles. However, it is crucial for companies to ensure that the upgrade process is clear and seamless for players, especially those who are subscribers to various gaming services like PlayStation Plus. The availability of free upgrades for next-gen consoles will undoubtedly play a significant role in attracting and retaining players.
Furthermore, the success of live-action adaptations, such as Amazon’s Fallout series, may inspire other studios to explore similar projects based on popular game franchises. The potential synergy between film/TV adaptations and video games presents a lucrative opportunity for both industries to tap into each other’s established fan bases.
It is also worth mentioning the ongoing evolution of subscription services like Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. These platforms have become essential for gamers, offering a vast library of games and additional perks. As competition intensifies in the gaming industry, we can expect these services to continually improve and expand their offerings, including more exclusive content and free upgrades for next-gen consoles.
In conclusion, the release of the Fallout 4 next-gen update highlights the complexities and challenges involved in providing free upgrades for players across different platforms. It also underscores the potential for collaboration between the gaming and entertainment industries. Moving forward, the gaming industry must prioritize clear communication and accessibility to ensure a positive and seamless experience for players.
