Fallout 76 Deletes Game Files Hours Before First PC BETA

Users had a chance to play Fallout 76 on PC and PS4 for the first time yesterday, during their first multi-platform BETA session. Or they would if the game launcher hadn't lost the entire game's download files.

Tuesday, October 30, was scheduled to hold a Break It Early Test Application for the upcoming multiplayer RPG, specifically at 7 PM ET. A large number of PC players were unable to play, however. Upon booting up the Bethesda.net game launcher hours beforehand, users found that it had "lost" the game files, and so the launcher would re-download it. Since it was a 45GB download, this unfortunate occurrence left most players unable to download the game before the BETA ended two hours later. Understandably, this upset a great deal of those looking to participate (myself included). Since this was the first opportunity for PC players to try out the game, it was highly anticipated.

A number of Twitter posts by the Bethesda Support account has addressed the issue, having requested that players DO NOT press any buttons on the Bethesda launcher, lest they instigate the problem. They have yet to confirm that the issue is properly resolved at this time.

In order to compensate for the lost time and opportunity. Their next BETA session, taking place from 2 PM to 5 PM on Thursday, November 1, will be extended an additional six hours. Now ending at 11 PM the same day. Numerically speaking, this is four more hours than what was originally planned, when you subtract the lost time from the previous session. While this is seen as an acceptable apology, others remain upset with the game studio, shouting for refunds and other regrets.

Bethesda messed up, that's clear. While I was very frustrated at the time, I've given it some time to think over. I had realized that this is actually a good thing, and exactly what the BETA is for. Had this same issue occurred on launch day instead of this week, the community response would have been significantly more angry and hostile.

If this somehow made you more inclined to purchase the game, Fallout 76 will be formally releasing on PC, PS4, and Xbox One on November 14.