The possibility of including cross-play between Xbox, PlayStation and PC in Fallout76 has been a topic of discussion among gamers for years.Now, for the first time, Bethesda does not completely rule out its arrival, although it warns that the technical difficulties in implementing this feature in a game with almost a decade of updates make its appearance unlikely in the near future.Both creative director Jon Rush and production director Bill LaCoste have been direct: crossplay is being analyzed, but it is not listed as an immediate priority.
One of the main arguments presented by Jon Rush and Bill LaCoste is related to the fundamental development of Fallout 76. According to LaCoste, cross-play is a feature that is ideally planned before launch, not after several years of product evolution.Implementing it now would involve reviewing and modifying fundamental aspects of the game, especially those linked to account systems, purchases and currencies specific to each platform.
Additionally, the Creation Engine is a challenge, as it is known for its stability limitations and its tendency to crash when basic code elements are modified.LaCoste points out that, far from being a simple configuration change, crossplay would require significant reprogramming to avoid imbalances and technical problems that could affect the player experience.
Since its difficult launch in November 2018, Fallout 76 has managed to overcome its initial negative reception, marked by the absence of NPCs and notable technical problems.The arrival of the Wastelanders update in 2020 marked a turning point: with the introduction of new characters and missions, the game gained depth and managed to consolidate a stable community of players, with tens of thousands connected simultaneously only on PC.
Added to this favorable context was the premiere of the Fallout series on Amazon in 2024, which caused a peak of more than one million players in a single day. This renewed interest has increased demand for long-requested features such as crossplay, evidencing the influence of the most dedicated community on Bethesda’s priorities.
Players’ demand for crossplay is not a simple desire: it responds to a trend consolidated in the video game industry over the last ten years, where the separation between platforms is increasingly perceived as an unnecessary barrier in a highly connected environment.For many, being able to play with friends regardless of the console or system is essential to prolong the life of multiplayer titles.
However, Bethesda maintains a cautious stance, ensuring that they will investigate the technical feasibility and that this process requires time and resources.So far, neither player pressure nor immediate media success has changed the companies’ complex technical and financial priorities. Meanwhile, Fallout 76 continues to receive new content and improvements, relying on the loyalty of its community while crossplay remains a pending possibility.
