The Fallout series, renowned for its post-nuclear RPG adventures, has experienced a notable resurgence in popularity subsequent to the launch of the Fallout TV series on Amazon Prime. This resurgence has been felt across the franchise, with all games witnessing a significant spike in player numbers and ascending the ranks on Steam’s top-selling games chart.
According to SteamDB, Fallout has more than doubled its concurrent players on Steam since the debut of the TV series, indicating a clear correlation between the show’s success and heightened interest in the games.
The primary beneficiary of this surge is Fallout 4, which observed its concurrent player count surge to over 83,000 during the weekend following the TV series release. This marked a substantial increase from its previous peak of 24,000 players. Likewise, Fallout 76 reached a new all-time high on Steam, surpassing 39,000 concurrent players, a commendable feat for a game that has been available for four years.
Even older titles in the series experienced a resurgence, with Fallout 3 and the original Fallout observing a significant rise in player numbers. Fallout 3, a favourite among fans, witnessed its concurrent players increase from around 1,000 to 6,700 within a week.
While some of the increased player activity in Fallout 76 can be attributed to a complimentary play event, the scale of the surge suggests a broader trend of renewed interest in the franchise. The original Fallout games also experienced a notable uptick in players, further indicating the widespread appeal of the series.
Steam’s top-selling games chart reflects this surge, with Fallout 76, Fallout 4, and Fallout 4 Game of the Year Edition occupying prominent positions. Fallout New Vegas, although just outside the top 10, also experienced increased sales, underscoring the enduring popularity of the series.
This resurgence is reminiscent of the boost experienced by CD Projekt’s Cyberpunk 2077 following the success of the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners anime on Netflix in 2022. However, the impact on the entire Fallout series is particularly noteworthy, showcasing the enduring appeal of the franchise across different mediums.
Whilst nostalgia may be a driving factor for seasoned Fallout veterans, the surge in new players indicates a growing interest from newcomers as well. This influx of players comes at an opportune time, with the upcoming next-gen update for Fallout 4 set to arrive on April 25, promising enhanced graphics and gameplay features.
Additionally, fans eagerly anticipate the release of the Fallout London mod, which promises to deliver new content and experiences within the Fallout 4 universe. Although delayed to avoid conflicting with the next-gen update, the mod is highly anticipated by fans and is expected to garner significant attention upon release.
For those looking to delve deeper into the Fallout universe, there are numerous resources available to explore the series’ rich lore and gameplay mechanics. Whether revisiting classic titles or experiencing them for the first time, the Fallout series continues to captivate audiences and remains a cornerstone of the RPG genre.
