Fallout fans surprised with free download to celebrate anniversary

Microsoft is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, and it’s marking the occasion with a small free gift for Xbox users.

Please do note the word ‘small’, but they do say that you should never look a gift horse in the mouth.

To mark the event, Xbox users on both the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S can download a free dynamic background celebrating Xbox’s rich history.

There are plenty of iconic Microsoft-owned franchises featured.

Fallout’s Vault Boy is prominently positioned, as is Halo’s Master Chief and Gears of War’s Marcus Fenix.

The Call of Duty, The Elder Scrolls, Diablo, Overwatch, DOOM, and World of Warcraft franchises are also all featured.

Who’s excited for Gears of War: E-Day?

In the centre of the background is a pixel-art ‘50’.

If you fancy nabbing and utilising this background, it’s very simple to do so. Just head on over to the settings menu and it should already be there, awaiting your use.

It’s not the only gift available.

You can also make use of three new icons if you want to switch up your profile.

These pay homage to Microsoft’s PC history, more so than its gaming efforts via Xbox.

As reported by ComicBook, one features Microsoft’s original PC cursor, another a floppy disc, while the final option stars Clippy - the paperclip fella from Microsoft Word.

If you’re also a part of the Xbox Insider Program, you can nab a free 50th badge too; that’s available through the Xbox Insider Program app.

As I said, these aren’t the most exciting gifts of the century but if you want to celebrate Microsoft’s rich history or simply showcase your love for franchises like Fallout and Halo, this is a swell way to do so.

On the topic of Fallout, you should really check out Atomfall if you’re feeling the Fallout 5 update drought.

It’s so much more than ‘British Fallout’ but it’ll definitely scratch the itch of Fallout fans and best of all, it’s included on Game Pass.