A Public Confession: Pete Hines Recalls ‘Probably the Stupidest Thing’ He Ever Did at Bethesda

In a candid and revealing interview, former Bethesda marketing and publishing executive Pete Hines has opened up about one of the most controversial moments in the company’s history: the infamous Fallout 76 canvas bag debacle. Speaking with DBLTAP, Hines, who recently retired after a 24-year career at the company, stated that his handling of the situation was “probably the dumbest thing I ever did at Bethesda.” The comment is a rare public admission of a major error from a figure known for his direct and often defensive communication style, and it sheds new light on the behind-the-scenes chaos that surrounded the troubled launch of Fallout 76 in late 2018.

The controversy stemmed from the highly-priced $200 Power Armor Edition of the game, which was marketed to include a “West Tek canvas duffel bag.” However, upon its release, players discovered that the promised canvas bag had been replaced with a cheap, nylon version. The initial response from Bethesda’s support team—offering a mere 500 in-game “Atoms” as compensation—only fueled the fire. This decision led to a major public relations crisis that damaged consumer trust and became a viral meme, with the “canvas shortage” becoming a punchline that defined the game’s difficult first year.

The Great Canvas Shortage of 2018 and the Aftermath

Hines’s new comments offer a fascinating look at how the entire controversy began. He revealed that the version of the collector’s edition he approved did not include a bag at all. According to Hines, the bag was added later by other departments in an effort to “add more value” to the expensive package, a decision he only discovered when he received his own copy of the game. He went on to explain that there was a “literal canvas shortage,” which led to the last-minute decision to use a nylon substitute. But for Hines, the true mistake was not the bag itself, but his reaction to the situation.

• A Failing of Leadership: Hines admitted his biggest failure was not “pushing immediately for making and sending one to everybody that wants one.” He was still “annoyed” that the bag was added in the first place without his knowledge, which delayed the company’s response and exacerbated the community’s outrage. This rare moment of self-criticism from the former executive provides a new perspective on a major public relations failure.
• A Mismatch of Expectations: The Fallout 76 launch was a perfect storm of disappointment. The game was plagued with bugs and a lack of content, and the collector’s edition controversy was the final nail in the coffin for many fans. The outrage over the bag was not just about the material; it was a symbol of what many felt was a lack of respect for the dedicated fanbase who had spent their money on the game.
• The Long Road to Redemption: In the years since, Bethesda has worked tirelessly to rebuild its reputation and the game itself. Through a series of major updates, new content, and the addition of human NPCs, Fallout 76 has been transformed into a much more stable and enjoyable experience. The game is now praised for its content and has a dedicated and passionate community. This turnaround is a testament to the fact that even the biggest mistakes can be overcome with a long-term commitment to quality.

Hines’s frank confession is a significant piece of news for both the gaming industry and the Fallout community. It’s a reminder that even the biggest companies are run by people who make mistakes and that transparency, even years later, can go a long way in rebuilding trust. The story of the canvas bag is a valuable lesson in corporate communication and consumer relations, and Hines’s personal admission is a powerful way to close the book on this chapter of Bethesda’s history. For fans of Fallout, this is a moment of closure and a confirmation that the developers understood the pain and frustration they caused. The game has come a long way since its launch, and so has the conversation around it.

For more on the controversial history of Bethesda, read our article about how Hines also fought against the name of the 2017 immersive sim, Prey.