“Fallout: Shadow of Boston” Trademark is a Hoax

Fallout 4 has been anxiously awaited by fans, to the point that a multitude of fake “announcements” have hit the internet. Recently, news hit that a trademark application was filed in Germany for the game title Fallout: Shadow Of Boston. While the application seemed legitimate, Bethesda actually released a statement on Twitter negating everyone’s excitement.

The German trademark filing that’s making the rounds is a hoax. This didn’t come from our offices.

— Bethesda Softworks (@Bethblog) November 5, 2014

This is not the first time that there’s been a hoax concerning this particular game title. Last year, TheSurvivor2299.com was launched as a supposed teaser for Fallout 4. However, the domain for the site (GoDaddy) and the hosting company (which originates in Poland) didn’t match up with Bethesda’s normal operations. Interestingly enough, TheSurvivor2299.com now redirects to Bethesda’s website; they’ve probably received a plethora of traffic from curious fans researching the game.

To further the intrigue around Fallout 4, there was another “leak” when an IMDB page appeared in February this year with casting for Fallout: Shadows of Boston. The IMDB page caused a flutter on the interwebs, but eventually, the page was taken down. 

 These hoaxes are causing many gaming fans to get frustrated with the uncertainty around the existence of Fallout 4. Many gamers are asking, begging, and some even outright whining for teasers. Tensions are high, and frustrated consumers are on edge.

@Bethblog Just.. Just please.. Give us something, anything..

— William Rasmusson (@IgelkottJaTack) November 6, 2014

@Bethblog For the love of all that is holy please just say 4 exists already!!! My emotions can only handle so much!

— jessicomic (@jessicomic) November 5, 2014

@Bethblog Wonderful. It’s a good idea to not make a game that tons of fans want and surely will make money. This hush hush crap is bullshit

— Robert Swathwood (@slycomics) November 6, 2014

Many fans from the Fallout franchise are eagerly awaiting the next possible installment, but there’s really no need to harrass a company due to someone else’s poor idea of a joke. If there’s one thing we want to remember after all these shenanigans, it’s this simple message from a fan: 

@Bethblog I’m sorry you guys have to put up with these hoaxes. I’m just as anxious for Fallout news but hoaxes and harassment aren’t right.

— Clay Robbins (@XxDawg_PoundxX) November 5, 2014