What Users Need to Know

Bethesda is closing its Bethesda.net launcher and migrating its services to Steam. Beginning in early April 2022, Bethesda.net users will switch their accounts and Wallet to a Steam account, shifting your games and save games to the world’s largest online game platform.

Bethesda Sunsets Bethesda.net Launcher

Following the official announcement on Bethesda.net, the company responsible for top-titles such as The Elder Scrolls, the (modern) Fallout series, Rage, Doom, Dishonored, and Prey, revealed that from April 2022, the official launcher will begin shutting down.

We’re saying goodbye to the Bethesda.net Launcher this year. We would like to thank you for your support and assure you that all of your games are safe. If you’re not playing PC games through the Bethesda.net launcher then your work is done here. Thanks for reading! If you do have games through the Bethesda.net launcher, don’t worry. Starting in early April you’ll be able to migrate your games and Wallet to your Steam account

Bethesda has answered several questions on its official page (linked above), covering some of the more common questions Bethesda Launcher users are likely to ask.

Interestingly, Bethesda notes that “many games will have their saves migrated,” although a few will require you manually transfer your saved games. Furthermore, in-game currencies like Atoms and Crowns will also make the jump, hopefully with ease.

Related: Is It Safe to Buy Games From Steam?

You’ll Still Need Your Bethesda.net Login

However, although the Bethesda Launcher is closing its doors, you’ll still need your Bethesda.net account to access your games via Steam.

Many of our games and services still rely on you to have a Bethesda.net account. This will allow you to retain access to Bethesda.net services including game mods, in-game items like skins, and access to exclusive news and updates.

When Can You Begin Migrating Your Games? When Does It End?

The Bethesda Launcher migration to Steam will begin in April. Bethesda Launcher users will receive an email detailing exactly what they need to do, when they need to do it, and how the process works.

At the time of writing, there is no specific end date for the migration, other than a small line stating, “in May, you will no longer be able to play your purchased games on the Bethesda.net launcher.” Bethesda also notes that you won’t lose access to your games at this time, you just won’t be able to play them from the Launcher. Hopefully, this means that the migration period will remain open for some time after this date.

Related: What Happens When a Steam Game Is Removed From Sale?

The other thing to note about the Bethesda migration is that you cannot switch your account to another platform. Bethesda’s FAQ explains that Bethesda accounts can only transfer on PC. You cannot switch out your PC account for a PlayStation or Xbox account, and that your details will only work with Steam.

Oh, and finally, your Bethesda.net Friends List will also merge with your Steam account, bringing your friends from Fallout 76, Doom Eternal, and other online titles into your Steam friends list.

Bethesda Launcher Is Closing Down For Good

You’re unlikely to find too many gamers particularly moved by the demise of Bethesda Launcher. Although Steam undoubtedly has the monopoly on online gaming and game sales, many gamers are more than happy to host and launch games from a single program, rather than having to download and maintain lots of different launchers.

Using a standalone launcher also meant that all of the profits from game sales go direct to the company, rather than Steam or Epic Games taking their customary slice.

On the other hand, the loss of another launcher puts yet more power in the hands of Steam, further consolidating its hold over the gaming world, with only Ubisoft, Rockstar, and EA holding out from the major game developers, Itch.io and GOG Galaxy launchers notwithstanding.

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