10 Worst Video Games Launches Of All Time (And If They Got Fixed)

Disaster: When Fallout 76 was announced as an online multiplayer survival spin on the beloved RPG series, fans were sceptical - and with good reason. At launch, those fears were validated. 

The game was riddled with bugs, server issues, and baffling design decisions. There were no human NPCs, little narrative direction, and an empty-feeling world that felt like a shallow imitation of what Fallout was known for. Technical problems were everywhere, from game-breaking glitches to inexplicable inventory wipes, and to make matters worse, Bethesda’s collector’s edition bags debacle only added fuel to the fire.

Redemption: To its credit, Bethesda didn’t walk away. Over the following years, Fallout 76 received steady updates and expansions, including the Wastelanders update, which finally introduced human NPCs and storylines that brought the game closer to traditional Fallout experiences. Quality-of-life improvements, seasonal content, and new regions helped stabilize its player base, and in 2023 it even launched on Steam Deck with renewed interest. 

While the game never fully escaped its disastrous first impression - and many fans still prefer the single-player entries - Fallout 76 now holds a niche spot within the franchise. Not quite a full redemption, but a definite salvage job.