Fallout 76's Buggy Beta Apologia and the Rest of the Week in Gaming

Halloween is nearly upon us, and game news is—well, actually pretty normal. Let's catch up.

Bethesda Prepares Readers to Expect Bugs, Hilariously

With all the grace of an iPhone Notes application apology, Bethesda tweeted out a very official-looking letter to fans this week in advance of its Fallout 76 beta test. The letter does two things: it expresses to players that Bethesda, also, is not sure what kind of game it's making in the lonely-shooter/multiplayer-mayhem hybrid; and it confirms that there will be bugs. Lots of bugs. Now, there's merit in calibrating expectations properly, and in reminding players that, yeah, beta tests are going to be an entomologist's dream (or at least a playtester's nightmare), but Bethesda's games already tend toward that end of the spectrum, which when combined with some of the phrasing here just makes me laugh.

I know, y'all are doing your best. But you have to admit, referring to bugs as "new spectacular issues" is quite a fun bit of PR spin.

Blizzard's Adding Some Neat Spectator Tools to Overwatch For the World Cup

Viewing esports is about to get a whole lot more interactive, at least for Overwatch fans. For the upcoming Overwatch World Cup Blizzard is testing out new tools, accessible only on PC via Battle.net for now, that will let players manipulate the in-game camera during pro matches, viewing it from any angle, occupying the perspective of any characters, and replaying any part of the match on demand.

It's a technology that bridges the gap between players and spectators in an interesting way, and is similar to tech already used by esports broadcasters to curate the experience for the viewing public on platforms like Twitch. If you don't own Overwatch on PC, you're going to have to watch this one like everyone else. But hopefully Blizzard will roll out the software to everyone at some point; more games could use stuff like this.

So Fortnite is Full of Monsters Now? Sure, Seems Right

Friends, there are zombies. In Fortnite. Before you drop, prepare yourself for a little more friction. The newest wrinkle in Fortnite's ever-evolving Battle Royale is emerging from something players are just calling The Cube, because, well, you can figure it out.

It's worth remembering, at times like these, that Fortnite began as a player-vs-environment game, with a twist on tower defense that had players fighting zombies and other assorted nasties. That mode is still available, too, as Fortnite: Save the World, but it's become so thoroughly eclipsed by its free-to-play sibling that it doesn't really register as Fortnite anymore. So, if nothing else, it's nice to see some of that make its way into the cultural-juggernaut side of things.

Recommendation of the Week: Sylvio, on PC

For this Halloween week, try one of the scariest games I can think of. Obsessed with analog technologies, old tape recorders, and ghosts, Sylvio is an indie horror game that manages to be one of the creepiest, most compelling horror experiences on any platform. It's a lightweight game that'll run on most systems, and it'll scare the bejeezus out of you. I could tell you more of what this game is about, but that would ruin the fun. Let me just say it's sad, compassionate, and frightening, a story of lost souls and unreal terrors. There's a sequel, too, if you dig it.