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While Bethesda’s Fallout 3 remains one of the most popular games ever released, the original two Fallout games were developed in by Interplay. In 2007, Bethesda purchased the rights to the franchise for $5.75 million, with one catch – Interplay would be left to develop an MMORPG set in the Fallout universe. Bethesda decided in 2009 they’d rather not allow Interplay to develop the game, and brought legal action against the company to snatch the rights back.
A protracted legal battle has played out in courts for the last couple of years, with each company filing motions, bringing witnesses and other legal-y things. The end goal on Bethesda’s end was likely protecting the Fallout brand rather than developing an MMO, and Interplay’s goal was obviously to retain the rights to the game as noted in the original contract.
The legal battle has now reportedly ended, with both parties coming to a settlement on the very first day of trial. There are few details on what the settlement may involve – full details will likely be made available near the end of January.
In the meantime, it looks like the dark cloud hovering over Fallout has finally been lifted, and now at least one developer will have free reign to develop the franchise.
What do you think the settlement involved? Who capitulated, who got paid, etc.?
[Edge]
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Comments
Bethesda didn't sue to protect their interests or the IP at all, Interplay violated the terms of the contract. To be honest, I still think a FO MMO will be one of the worst things to happen to gaming in ages.
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