Fallout 76, the multiplayer spin-off to the open world RPG series now handled by Bethesda, sure strikes a chord among many of us thanks to its setting. The game will be set in the Appalachia located in the state of West Virginia.
A combination of a very pretty landscape and a strong anthem, a cover of “Take Me Home, Country Roads”, in the reveal trailer make it stuck in the minds.
Not only that, but the game world itself is taking many cues to its real-life location, with more landmarks from the state making an appearance. Local folklore are also integrated into the game this time around, serving as mutated monsters players may cross paths with.
https://youtu.be/xxvLHwl7s0E
So to see the state of West Virginia itself taking advantage of the upcoming game to promote its state tourism is a pretty interesting move. The state’s tourism office will be promoting Fallout 76 in eager anticipation of gamers inspired enough to give the real location a visit.
“It’s finally time the rest of the world sees what a gem West Virginia is,” said Governor Jim Justice. “For years, I’ve been saying we have it all: beautiful scenery, the best people you could ask for and more. And now, we get to share a piece of that with people all over the world through the unique lens of this video game.”
The state will be “creating advertising strategies to both educate players about West Virginia’s unique landscape and culture, as well as offer them an open invitation to visit the state”, working with publishers Bethesda. One example we have seen is the Mothman Museum, a location depicted within the game, which are now selling Fallout 76 merchandise.
“Our goal is to welcome each and every one of the game’s players to Almost Heaven,” said Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby, referencing both the now-popular song, which now has over 10 million plays on Youtube, and also the state’s current tourism campaign.
Fallout 76 will be out on November 14th for the PS4, PC (via Bethesda’s launcher only) and Xbox One.
Via PC Gamer