Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Good Old Games taking half off Interplay titles this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/good-old-games-taking-half-off-interplay-titles-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/good-old-games-taking-half-off-interplay-titles-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/good-old-games-taking-half-off-interplay-titles-this-weekend/#comments ImageGood Old Games is hosting an Interplay 50 percent off sale this weekend, cutting the prices of 32 games right in half. Or, as we like to call it, this is GOG's "buy 16 games, get 16 games free" sale.

The sale includes Fallout 2, Earthworm Jim 1 and 2, MDK, Freespace and Invictus: In the Shadow of Olympus, for $3 each. Every title is $3, actually, making the entire bundle $96 -- a savings of $96. Yes, that's what we meant with "buy 16, get 16 free." This could also be the "buy one, get two half off" sale, or the "buy 8, get 16 half off" sale. Take your pick; any way they're all good old games for a great new price.

The sale runs from now until Monday at 11:59 p.m. EDT.

JoystiqGood Old Games taking half off Interplay titles this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthworm-jimfalloutgog.comgood-old-gamesInterplaymdkpcsaleFri, 13 Apr 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: The first modern role-playing game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/fallout-the-first-modern-role-playing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/fallout-the-first-modern-role-playing-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/fallout-the-first-modern-role-playing-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is a weekly column focusing on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.
It wasn't supposed to be Fallout. After the role-playing game genre crashed in 1995, new models for the style began to appear. Smart money would have been on the wildly popular Diablo to become the trendsetter, where Fallout was an underdog from the start. At the 2012 Game Developers Conference, Fallout's lead producer, Tim Cain, described its creation: he was the only Interplay employee assigned to the game for months, it was almost canceled twice, and when it shipped Cain was told it was a "risk" despite the low level of company investment.

Despite all that, the original Fallout has become widely known as one of the greatest and most influential games of all time, and the model for the biggest RPGs of recent years. Several weeks ago I argued that Ultima was the most important game series of all time, but Ultima's influence through new games was almost gone in 1997. Fallout was its replacement; it was the first modern role-playing game.

Continue reading Fallout: The first modern role-playing game

JoystiqFallout: The first modern role-playing game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>falloutinterplaypcrpgtim-cainFri, 16 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/bethesda-settles-all-fallout-ip-related-lawsuits/#comments Bethesda Softworks and Interplay have reached a settlement in their protracted dispute over the rights to the Fallout IP, specifically in regards to an MMO, which Interplay announced five years ago. Bethesda states that as part of the settlement the "license granted to Interplay to develop the Fallout MMO is null and void, and all rights granted to Interplay to develop a Fallout MMO revert back to Bethesda, effective immediately."

Bethesda parent company ZeniMax will pay Interplay $2 million "as consideration in the settlement," each side will pay its own legal fees, and Bethesda will retain rights to the Fallout intellectual property. Interplay has no ongoing right to the Fallout brand nor any Fallout intellectual property.

Finally, Interplay's rights to sell Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics will expire in December 2013, along with any other merchandising rights it had in association with those properties.

Continue reading Bethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits

JoystiqBethesda settles all Fallout IP related lawsuits originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworksfallout-onlineinterplaylawmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxzenimax-mediaMon, 09 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Fallout MMO lawsuit settled, details coming this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/rumor-fallout-mmo-lawsuit-settled-details-coming-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/rumor-fallout-mmo-lawsuit-settled-details-coming-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/rumor-fallout-mmo-lawsuit-settled-details-coming-this-month/#comments Fallout, only more massive The ongoing legal battle between Bethesda and Interplay regarding the Fallout MMO is rumored to have reached a critical turning point. According to Fallout fan site Duck and Cover, the two companies have reached a settlement. Specifics of the settlement are reportedly set to be revealed later this month.

Joystiq is unable to confirm whether or not the settlement has actually taken place, though the rumor appears to be in line with what we've heard from our own sources.

In October, Bethesda tried -- and failed -- to impose a preliminary injunction on Interplay, which allowed the latter to continue work on the beleaguered project. Will the Fallout MMO manage to make its proposed late 2012 launch window? We should have an answer soon enough.

JoystiqRumor: Fallout MMO lawsuit settled, details coming this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafallout-mmofallout-onlineinterplaylawsuitlegalpcTue, 03 Jan 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Deja Review: MDK2 HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/deja-review-mdk2-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/deja-review-mdk2-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/deja-review-mdk2-hd/#comments Murder Death Kill? Mystical Door Knobs? Malevolent Didgeridoo King?

The true decomposition of codename "MDK" used to be a legend of sorts in the game industry. Now, there's not so much as a hint of enigma around the latest letters appended to the game: MDK2 HD does indeed run in haughty definition.

Even if you're joining us from 2000's PC version of MDK2 (released alongside a Dreamcast version, and preceding a PlayStation 2 port), you'll be treated to a significant visual upgrade in MDK2 HD, care of Overhaul Games. What hasn't changed in the last eleven years, of course, is the incredulity that results upon playing a funny, frivolous and uncluttered action game from BioWare. Yes, that BioWare.

Gallery: MDK2 HD (10/11/11)

Continue reading Deja Review: MDK2 HD

JoystiqDeja Review: MDK2 HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamdogbiowaredeja-reviewinterplaymdk2mdk2-hdoverhaul-gamespcSat, 29 Oct 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Work on Fallout MMO can continue for now; Bethesda injunction appeal denied]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/work-on-fallout-mmo-can-continue-for-now-bethesda-injunction-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/work-on-fallout-mmo-can-continue-for-now-bethesda-injunction-ap/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/26/work-on-fallout-mmo-can-continue-for-now-bethesda-injunction-ap/#comments There's been so much written about Interplay's nebulous Fallout MMO in the context of tedious litigation, it almost seems to welcome the franchise's thorough, irradiated reduction of modern society. But for those interested in legal tussles, here's where we stand today: Fallout property owner (and former licensee) Bethesda was recently denied a preliminary injunction against Interplay, which would have denied Fallout Online use of the franchise's story, characters and other identifiable elements for a limited time. Today, an appeal against that decision was denied.

United States Court of Appeals documents show that Bethesda's aim was to show "the district court abused its discretion and misapplied the law in concluding that Bethesda failed to establish a likelihood of irreparable harm." And while the property owner continued to delve into fears over Interplay's suspect financial stability (a potential source of said irreparable harm), today's outcome similarly found Bethesda's claims unconvincing.

The legal saga is still far from over, as Bethesda and Interplay must still settle their polluted licensing relationship and come to a conclusion regarding the possible release of Interplay's work -- which may continue for now, but still requires "express permission" from Bethesda to launch. What state the world (both inside and outside the game) will be in by the time the courts clear things up is anyone's guess.

Continue reading Work on Fallout MMO can continue for now; Bethesda injunction appeal denied

JoystiqWork on Fallout MMO can continue for now; Bethesda injunction appeal denied originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-mmofallout-onlineinterplaylawsuitlegalpcWed, 26 Oct 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda denied restraining order against Fallout MMO co-dev Masthead]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/bethesda-denied-restraining-order-against-fallout-mmo-co-dev-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/bethesda-denied-restraining-order-against-fallout-mmo-co-dev-mas/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/bethesda-denied-restraining-order-against-fallout-mmo-co-dev-mas/#comments Legal battles, while academically interesting, are totes boring, even when they carry heavy implications for the future of a franchise, or even the industry as a whole. The monotony can turn something interesting into something no one cares about, so we're thankful that the Honorable John F. Walter has delivered an atomic buster's worth of smackdown to the ongoing case of Bethesda v. Everyone Else.

Bethesda had sought a temporary restraining order against Fallout Online co-developer Masthead Studios, claiming that the company had illegally sublicensed Bethesda's intellectual property from Interplay. The court disagrees, however, and has denied Bethesda's ex-parte application, with Judge Walter essentially telling Bethesda that it's made its bed, and now it's going to lie in it:

"Plaintiff has not demonstrated that it will be irreparably prejudiced if the requested ex parte relief is not granted, or that it is without fault in creating the crisis that requires ex parte relief. Indeed, Plaintiff was aware as early as February 2011 that Masthead was potentially infringing its copyrights. ... Yet, Plaintiff waited seven months to apply for ex parte relief. The Court finds that Plaintiff unreasonably delayed in seeking relief, and that the emergency that allegedly justifies a TRO is self-created."
Yowch. Considering that this is the second injunction request denied of Bethesda since this whole thing began, things are starting to look pretty good for Fallout Online. Is anyone else weirded out by the United States Government actively defending a series based on its complete and total destruction? Just us? Okay.

JoystiqBethesda denied restraining order against Fallout MMO co-dev Masthead originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksfallout-onlineInterplaylawlawsuitlegalmastheadmasthead-studiospcsmackdownSat, 24 Sep 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MDK2 HD arriving 'this September' on Beamdog, former BioWare dev's service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/mdk2-hd-arriving-this-september-on-beamdog-former-bioware-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/mdk2-hd-arriving-this-september-on-beamdog-former-bioware-dev/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/mdk2-hd-arriving-this-september-on-beamdog-former-bioware-dev/#comments Roughly a year after being announced, and just 4 months after parachuting onto WiiWare, the PC re-release of MDK2, titled appropriately enough MDK2 HD, has a release date of "this September." The port of BioWare's classic sequel is being handled by former BioWare co-founder Trent Oster's Beamdog outfit, under the name Overhaul Games. The release itself will be hosted on the Beamdog digital distribution service, which beams (dog?) games to your computer, with no installation needed.

This HD-ification is being handled by Oster and other "BioWare veterans" like Cameron Tofer, Russ Rice and Sean Smailes, "who were all heavily involved in the development of the original." Oster says, "MDK2 HD really is a labour of love for us. We've spent a lot of time improving the visuals and gameplay, and we can't wait to see what people think!" To that end, the developer is looking for suggestions from fans on what they'd like to see improved.

Don't have any suggestions? Never played the original? That's okay. Tofer, COO at Overhaul Games, says, "We think MDK2 HD has the sort of visuals, humor and great gameplay that can draw in not only existing fans of the game, but a brand new audience that just wasn't able to experience its magic the first time around." You can find out this September, for $14.99.

Gallery: MDK2 HD

JoystiqMDK2 HD arriving 'this September' on Beamdog, former BioWare dev's service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamdogcameron-toferinterplaymdk2mdk2-HDoverhaul-gamespctrent-osterFri, 12 Aug 2011 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/interplay-says-bethesda-knew-fallout-mmo-would-in-fact-be-a-fa/#comments Just a couple of days after watching our nation's highest legal officers debate the impact of video games across this great country, it's time for us to return to a much sillier gaming lawsuit. Gamasutra obtained a June 23 court filing issued by Interplay regarding the developer's legally troubled Fallout MMO. The filing comes as a response to a preliminary injunction filed by Bethesda which attempted to prevent Interplay from using the franchise's story, setting and characters in their online opus.

Interplay's counter-filing explains, "For at least four years, Bethesda has known that Interplay interpreted its right to create the Fallout-branded MMOG to include copyrighted content from the Fallout universe in order to make the MMOG a recognizable Fallout game." We don't know, guys -- that seems a little unreasonable. When we heard Interplay was working on a Fallout MMO, we just assumed it would be a massively multiplayer online puzzle-platformer set in a colorful, kid-friendly version of ancient Rome.

JoystiqInterplay says Bethesda knew Fallout MMO would, in fact, be a Fallout game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdafalloutfallout-onlineinterplayiplawlawsuitlegalmmopcpoliticstrademarkWed, 29 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG selling Interplay titles for half off, including Freespace and sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gog-selling-interplay-titles-for-half-off-including-freespace-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gog-selling-interplay-titles-for-half-off-including-freespace-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gog-selling-interplay-titles-for-half-off-including-freespace-a/#comments GoG.com has announced a big half-off sale on a bunch of older Interplay titles, allowing you to pick up some titles of serious quality for just a couple bucks apiece. There are some real gems in there, including the Descent games, the classic Giants: Citizen Kabuto, Fallout 1, 2 and Tactics, and the great Sacrifice, all for just $2.99 each.

We'd be remiss as well if we didn't point out that the much-loved space combat game Freespace is also on sale, along with its sequel, for the same ludicrously low prices. Three bucks for a bunch of must-play titles from video gaming's days of yore? Deals don't get much better than that, people.

JoystiqGOG selling Interplay titles for half off, including Freespace and sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealdescentfalloutfreespacegiants-citizen-kabutointerplaypcsacrificesalesalesTue, 21 Jun 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout Online's future in doubt as Interplay crumbles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/fallout-onlines-future-in-doubt-as-interplay-crumbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/fallout-onlines-future-in-doubt-as-interplay-crumbles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/31/fallout-onlines-future-in-doubt-as-interplay-crumbles/#comments Fallout Online and several other Interplay-developed titles may be in serious jeopardy, according to a US Securities and Exchange Commission report filed by Interplay last week. Develop discovered the filing, which spells out dire financial concerns for the immediate future of the company. Multiple times, the report states:

"If we do not receive sufficient financing or income we may (i) liquidate assets, (ii) sell the company (iii) seek protection from our creditors including the filing of voluntary bankruptcy or being the subject of involuntary bankruptcy, and/or (iv) continue operations, but incur material harm to our business, operations or financial conditions. These conditions, combined with our historical operating losses and our deficits in stockholders' equity and working capital, raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern."

Similarly worrying, the company's current cash balance is approximately $3,000 (yes, that's just three thousand dollars, seriously), and it's operating with nearly $2.9 million in debt. The filing also illuminates the company's shift from paying its developers upfront for projects to working on a "net revenue sharing model," where devs get a cut of the final sales rather than paid when their work is complete. While that model sounds hugely profitable for third-party devs, and has been sporadically successful in the movie business, it seems to signal something less than wonderful in Interplay's case.

Additionally, the company's credit agreement has ended, which Interplay says "has resulted in a substantial reduction in the cash available to finance our operations." Rather than assure investors that everything will work out, the company again warns of potential negative outcomes, saying instead, "There can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into a new credit agreement or that if we do enter into a new credit agreement, it will be on terms favorable to us."

Currently, Interplay has five known projects, ranging from a lawsuit-entangled Fallout MMO to a sparsely detailed Earthworm Jim sequel. Several WiiWare and DSiWare projects are also in the works, though the fate of all five games could be grim given the wording of the company's SEC filing.

JoystiqFallout Online's future in doubt as Interplay crumbles originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankruptcybusinessdsiwareearthworm-jim-4fallout-onlinefinancialinterplaymdk-2pcsecsecurities-and-exchange-commissionwiiwareTue, 31 May 2011 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Battle Chess checking in to PC, iOS - get pawned this summer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/battle-chess-checking-in-to-pc-ios-get-pawned-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/battle-chess-checking-in-to-pc-ios-get-pawned-this-summer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/battle-chess-checking-in-to-pc-ios-get-pawned-this-summer/#comments Interplay's classic Battle Chess will return in a reboot this summer for PC and iOS. Developed by Subdued Software, the PC version is expected to make moves in August, with the iOS versions for iPad and iPhone available "soon after." A company rep informs us that they only have screens of the game currently available, but will show off some character battle animations next month.

The title will be digitally distributed and feature scalable AI, multiplayer and scenario challenges. It will also have a "combat vault," allowing players to view fights from different angles. Battle Chess should not be confused with the similarly titled, injunction inducing Battle vs. Chess.

JoystiqBattle Chess checking in to PC, iOS - get pawned this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Battle-Chessbattle-chess-2011InterplayiOSiPadiPhonemobilepcSubdued-SoftwareTue, 10 May 2011 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[MDK 2 parachuting onto WiiWare May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mdk-2-parachuting-onto-wiiware-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mdk-2-parachuting-onto-wiiware-may-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/19/mdk-2-parachuting-onto-wiiware-may-9/#comments Raise a (radioactive) toast, as a release date has finally been set for the WiiWare version of MDK 2. Nintendo's website lists the title for a May 9 launch at a price of 1000 Wii Points ($10).

We checked with Trent Oster, head of developer IdeaSpark Labs, who confirmed both the date and price. Remember, be mindful of the pumpernickel. It tends to explode.

JoystiqMDK 2 parachuting onto WiiWare May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>IdeaSpark-Labsinterplaymdk-2nintendorelease-datewiiwiiwareTue, 19 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What's in a Name: Black Isle Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/whats-in-a-name-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/whats-in-a-name-black-isle-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/whats-in-a-name-black-isle-studios/#comments
Feargus Urquhart is now known as the co-founder of Obsidian Entertainment, but before that he helped found Black Isle Studios, a division of Interplay that created some PC RPG classics like the original Fallout series, Icewind Dale, and Planescape: Torment.

I took over the RPG division of Interplay in 1996, and we were trying to come up with a name, because "RPG Division" didn't work. Or people wanted to call it Dragon Play, and I'm a big nerd, but Dragon Play was too much, too nerdy. And we came up with all of these different things, we came up with 12 Gauge, but that didn't really fit us, and we came up with this and that. And I was always holding back a name, because it was me, it was from my history.

So where Black Isle came from was that there is, more of a peninsula really, but there's an isle in Scotland, and it's called the Black Isle, and that's actually where the Urquharts came from. So I was always going to hold that back for when I got to start a studio, but Brian Fargo, who ran Interplay, was getting mad at me, and was like, "You just need a name!" And he walked in and was going to come in at me, and I was like alright, I got a name, and it's Black Isle. He was like, "That's perfect!" And that's how Black Isle Studios got named.

Black Isle Studios was laid off from Interplay in 2003, when most of its team went on to create Obsidian Entertainment, currently working on Dungeon Siege 3 with Square Enix. Stay tuned for the story behind Obsidian's name from Urquhart himself.

Like this feature? Be sure to check out the What's In A Name Archives.

JoystiqWhat's in a Name: Black Isle Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-isle-studiosdragon-playfeargus-urquhartinterplayrpgwhats-in-a-nameWed, 23 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MDK 2 for WiiWare in certification, new PC version still in the works]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/mdk-2-for-wiiware-in-certification-new-pc-version-still-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/mdk-2-for-wiiware-in-certification-new-pc-version-still-in-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/08/mdk-2-for-wiiware-in-certification-new-pc-version-still-in-the/#comments Remember, last year, when Interplay said it was reviving the BioWare action classic MDK 2 on WiiWare? Not only does the project still exist, it sounds like it's actually nearing completion. Trent Oster -- head of the WiiWare version's developer IdeaSpark Labs -- announced on the Beamdog forums that "MDK 2 for WiiWare has entered the final stages of the certification process" and is currently awaiting approval from Nintendo. He added that the Wiimote "adds a great deal to the gameplay, making a great action platformer even better."

IdeaSpark, founded by Oster and fellow ex-BioWare member Cameron Tofer, recently launched the aforementioned Beamdog distribution service, which will eventually host another upcoming version of MDK 2, the PC-bound MDK 2 HD. Speaking of which, Tofer also noted on the forums that the team is "looking for feedback and suggestions" concerning the HD remake.

JoystiqMDK 2 for WiiWare in certification, new PC version still in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamdogIdeaSpark-Labsinterplaymdk-2mdk-2-hdnintendopcwiiwiiwareTue, 08 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout over 'Bethesda v. Interplay' remains unsettled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/fallout-over-bethesda-v-interplay-remains-unsettled/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/fallout-over-bethesda-v-interplay-remains-unsettled/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/fallout-over-bethesda-v-interplay-remains-unsettled/#comments Unofficial Fallout community wiki the Vault has posted snippets and analysis of another batch of court documents, courtesy of site founder Paweł Dembowski (posting as Ausir), in the legal battle between Bethesda and Interplay over the latter's licensed, in-development Fallout Online MMO and rights to distribute pre-Fallout 3 titles from the franchise. If the absence of recent developments in the suit had you wondering if the two sides had settled cordially, forget about it. The excerpts are most certainly lacking in holiday spirit, as the fiery debate appears to wage on.

According to the Vault, highlights from the new documents show Bethesda, which is the current Fallout IP owner, defending against Interplay's claims that it had denied the MMO developer rights to use "Fallout-related intellectual property assets." Bethesda maintains that it had licensed back to Interplay (the original IP owner) rights to the Fallout name only and not art assets, including the series' (literally) trademark Pip-Boy.

In a separate document, Bethesda took to the offensive, demanding Interplay hand over the contents of its internal Fallout Online design wiki as court evidence. Interplay objected, calling the wiki a "trade secret document" and suggested Bethesda had repeatedly turned down offers to "inspect" the wiki outside of the courtroom.

Interplay seems to have little choice but to fight on, even as it operated at a $205,000 loss in its June-September fiscal quarter. As Gamer/Law points out, the company is caught in a deadly gamble: Its future is dependant on completing Fallout Online for a planned 2012 release -- if the project doesn't get shut down by the courts first.

On the bright side, Interplay won out in a separate lawsuit earlier this month against TopWare, concerning the latter's infringement upon Interplay's "Battle Chess" trademark.

[Pictured: Fallout Online concept art]

JoystiqFallout over 'Bethesda v. Interplay' remains unsettled originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-chessbattle-vs-chessbethesdabethesda-softworksbethesda-v-interplayfallout-onlinefinancialinterplaylawsuitlegalpctopwaretopware-interactiveThu, 23 Dec 2010 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay claims it wanted $50 million for Fallout rights, Bethesda refused]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/23/interplay-claims-it-wanted-50-million-for-fallout-rights-bethe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/23/interplay-claims-it-wanted-50-million-for-fallout-rights-bethe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/23/interplay-claims-it-wanted-50-million-for-fallout-rights-bethe/#comments The neverending tiff between Interplay and Bethesda over development of a Fallout-based MMO recently got a bit more backstory on the end of the former. Interplay president Eric Caen recently said in an interview with Edge that Bethesda was offered the rights to the Fallout MMO for $50 million, explaining that "the MMOG strength of this universe is huge." According to Caen, Bethesda passed on the license for a Fallout MMO, which Interplay then began developing with certain "conditions" established by Bethesda -- such as a required development start date of April 4, 2009.

The rest, as they say is history -- Bethesda filed a termination letter for Interplay to stop working on the project last year, claiming that the developer had missed the aforementioned start date. Caen contends that claim, saying Bethesda was merely looking for a way to acquire the rights to a Fallout MMO without fronting the $50 million price tag, which is a large sum of cash. We've contacted Bethesda for a response to Caen's claims.

JoystiqInterplay claims it wanted $50 million for Fallout rights, Bethesda refused originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-Softworksbethesda-v-interplayfallout-mmointerplaylawsuitpcproject-v13Sat, 23 Oct 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay: Fallout Online in second half of 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/interplay-fallout-online-in-second-half-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/interplay-fallout-online-in-second-half-of-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/interplay-fallout-online-in-second-half-of-2012/#commentsIn an interview with Edge magazine (excerpted by Eurogamer), Interplay president Eric Caen reconfirmed the company's plans to launch a beta of the MMO Fallout Online in 2012. He also specified that the "second half of 2012" will see the release of the commercial game.

Thanks to the ongoing legal troubles with Bethesda, responsible for Fallout 3 and New Vegas, Interplay is in the unique position of trying to promote its game without being able to show it -- because, according to Caen, "anything we show will help Bethesda in their fight." Of course, Interplay staffers are free to go to the store and pick up the current Fallout releases for themselves, which they are doing.

"What I can say is that of course we're playing what Bethesda is doing," Caen said. "We appreciate some portions of it, and we're not necessarily fans of everything. I think they miss a lot of the humor, and the fans seem to agree with that." To that end, the Fallout MMO is intended to be "extremely funny."

JoystiqInterplay: Fallout Online in second half of 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012betaeric-caenfalloutfallout-mmofallout-onlinehumorinterplaymmopcrelease-dateFri, 22 Oct 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout Online firing missives from the wasteland (via email)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/fallout-online-firing-missives-from-the-wasteland-via-email/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/fallout-online-firing-missives-from-the-wasteland-via-email/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/fallout-online-firing-missives-from-the-wasteland-via-email/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nothing quite says "Our game still exists!" like Interplay's volley of email messages recently sent to folks who signed up for an account on Fallout Online's official website. According to a press release issued alongside the tease, it seems that this is just the first of many "tales from the wastelands" that early registrants will receive. Additionally, registrants will be "fast-tracked" for participation in the game's private (and eventually open) beta.

Interplay's "coming soon" game page still has "Project V13" (now better known as Fallout Online) listed as a 2012 release, so, ya know, we probably won't be venturing into those wastes anytime soon. Then again, by 2012, we might be wandering in the wasteland for real.

Gallery: Fallout Online newsletter #1

JoystiqFallout Online firing missives from the wasteland (via email) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafallout-onlineinterplaynewsletterpcproject-v13Tue, 06 Jul 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IdeaSpark 'tuning' difficulty of MDK2 HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/ideaspark-tuning-difficulty-of-mdk2-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/ideaspark-tuning-difficulty-of-mdk2-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/ideaspark-tuning-difficulty-of-mdk2-hd/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That fleshy slapping sound you just heard was the massive, simultaneous facepalm of cantankerous old gamers the world over. In an interview with Big Download, BioWare co-founder Trent Oster -- now head of IdeaSpark Labs, which is developing MDK 2 HD -- revealed that his company plans to do some "some tuning" to the notoriously difficult game.

Oster noted that he actually "snapped the Dreamcast controller, popping the VMU across the room" while playing the original game, concluding that "some tuning will be in our to-do list." On behalf of the curmudgeonly gamers with fond memories of MDK 2, we can only hope that the newly adjusted difficulty will be optional.

Read the full interview for more on MDK 2 HD and Beamdog, Oster's new digital distribution service.

JoystiqIdeaSpark 'tuning' difficulty of MDK2 HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beamdogBioWareIdeaSpark-LabsInterplaymdk-2MDK2-HDnintendopcwiiWiiWareTue, 29 Jun 2010 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MDK 2 dropping into WiiWare, 'HD' version targeting PC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/mdk-2-dropping-into-wiiware-hd-version-targeting-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/mdk-2-dropping-into-wiiware-hd-version-targeting-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/25/mdk-2-dropping-into-wiiware-hd-version-targeting-pc/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Interplay is continuing its bizarre WiiWare resurrection of classic franchises with BioWare's beloved MDK2. The action-shooter-puzzle-adventure game, a sequel to an equally well-remembered game by Shiny, is being planned for release on WiiWare sometime this winter.

Following that, a new version of the game, called MDK2 HD, will be released on PC via the Beamdog distribution service -- which happens to be have been founded by Trent Oster, formerly of BioWare. If you don't want to wait for whatever remastering will be done, you can get the original MDK2 (and its predecessor) at Steam or GoG.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqMDK 2 dropping into WiiWare, 'HD' version targeting PC originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BeamdogBioWareInterplayMDKmdk-2MDK2MDK2-HDnintendopcTrent-OsterwiiWiiWareFri, 25 Jun 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout Online named, teaser site launches]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/fallout-online-named-teaser-site-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/fallout-online-named-teaser-site-launches/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/16/fallout-online-named-teaser-site-launches/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Interplay has launched a teaser site for Fallout Online, presumably the proper title for Project V13 from Chris Taylor, designer of the original Fallout (with help from Masthead Studios). This comes in the wake of drawn-out legal action between Interplay and Bethesda over the rights to the Fallout IP, and news in January that a beta for the V13 title would be coming in 2012.

The site offers a sign-up form for the Fallout Online mailing list and an option to be informed when registration for the open beta begins. We're contacting Interplay for more on the now-named game and hope to hear back before we all need to start carrying Rad Away.

[Thanks, King of Creation]

JoystiqFallout Online named, teaser site launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FalloutFallout-OnlineInterplayMasthead-StudiosMMOpcProject-V13RPGWed, 16 Jun 2010 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworm Jim HD features 4-player co-op [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/earthworm-jim-hd-to-feature-multiplayer-somehow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/earthworm-jim-hd-to-feature-multiplayer-somehow/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/earthworm-jim-hd-to-feature-multiplayer-somehow/#comments
 Update: Commenter Troy points us to an interview on The 8th Circuit, which has a few details on Earthworm Jim HD's multiplayer. According to Gameloft's Anne-Joelle Casenaz, the XBLA and PSN versions will feature "brand new levels with exclusive enemies and up to 4 players in co-op multiplayer!" So there you go: It's co-op.

According to a list of Achievements unearthed by Xbox 360 Achievements, it looks like the upcoming Earthworm Jim HD will feature some form of multiplayer. There are two Achievements for multiplayer, one awarded for being "'No. 1' in each Xbox Live multiplayer level" and another for completing all multiplayer levels. It's hard to imagine how multiplayer would work, though GamerBytes offers up the possibility of speed run competitions or a multiplayer variant of the snot bungee mini-game.

We'd also suggest that the space races between levels could work as well. Also, given the title of the second Achievement is "World Partnership," the multiplayer could be cooperative in nature.

JoystiqEarthworm Jim HD features 4-player co-op [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earthworm-jimgameloftinterplayMicrosoftNintendopsnWiixblaXbox-360Thu, 27 May 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: Josh Sawyer on Fallout: New Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/interview-josh-sawyer-on-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/interview-josh-sawyer-on-fallout-new-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/interview-josh-sawyer-on-fallout-new-vegas/#comments
Imagine going to work on "Van Buren," the original Fallout 3, as a designer for Black Isle Studios, only to see the title canceled due to parent company Interplay's financial problems. Then, imagine Bethesda buying the Fallout 3 license and developing an entirely different game, which goes on to win multiple awards and accolades. Now, imagine you're brought back into the franchise, as a designer for Obsidian Entertainment, to create a sequel to Bethesda's popular title. Preposterous, you say?

Josh Sawyer is the lead designer on Fallout: New Vegas and, after having the rug yanked from under him on the original Fallout 3, he's happy to be working on the latest new Fallout project -- one that will be released later this year. Read on for our conversation with Sawyer.

Joystiq: What's your history with the Fallout franchise?

Josh Sawyer: I worked on what's called "Van Buren," which was the codename when Black Isle started to work on what would have been Fallout 3, and we had worked on it for maybe half a year, and then it was canceled because Interplay had a lot of financial problems.

Continue reading Interview: Josh Sawyer on Fallout: New Vegas

JoystiqInterview: Josh Sawyer on Fallout: New Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksblack-isle-studiosfalloutfallout-3fallout-new-vegasinterplayinterviewjosh-sawyerMicrosoftobsidianobsidian-entertainmentRPGvan-burenXbox-360Wed, 05 May 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Bethesda nukes lawsuit against Interplay over Fallout MMO [Update: Bethesda disagrees, calls it 'ongoing']]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-bethesda-nukes-lawsuit-against-interplay-over-fallout-mm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-bethesda-nukes-lawsuit-against-interplay-over-fallout-mm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/22/report-bethesda-nukes-lawsuit-against-interplay-over-fallout-mm/#comments [Update: A Bethesda spokesperson told Joystiq, "It's an ongoing legal matter. I don't know where whoever reported that got their information, but it is ongoing and we are going to see how it plays out in court." So there you have it - Interplay and Bethesda haven't made nice just yet. Original post follows.]

For those of you just joining us, former Fallout owner Interplay has been working on Project V13 -- a Fallout MMO in all but name -- going back a couple of years now. Bethesda - current owner of the Fallout franchise and developer and publisher of Fallout 3 - was understandably nonplussed by this fact, and the two companies have been going back and forth in court over the rights to use the Fallout name ever since. Well, according to Fallout fan site Duck and Cover, the two have made nice, with Bethesda dropping its attempts to block Interplay from having anything to do with the franchise.

The site reports that it spoke with "Frymuchan," an investor in Interplay who has provided updates on the proceedings since they began. According to legal documents furnished by him, both companies came to an unspecified agreement whereby Bethesda would allow Interplay to continue on its merry way with the franchise. He called this "awesome news for Interplay stock," opining that he believes "part of the deal was that Interplay drop their countersuit against Bethesda."

Bear in mind that neither company has issued a formal statement on the outcome, and while the investor believes "this will likely mean that V13 will be moving full steam ahead," we'll await word from Interplay before getting too excited. Heck, the beta isn't even supposed to start until 2012.

[Via VG247]

JoystiqReport: Bethesda nukes lawsuit against Interplay over Fallout MMO [Update: Bethesda disagrees, calls it 'ongoing'] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbethesda-v-interplayfalloutfallout-mmointerplaylawsuitproject-v13Thu, 22 Apr 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworm Jim HD trailer introduces snazzy t-shirts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/earthworm-jim-hd-trailer-introduces-snazzy-t-shirts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/earthworm-jim-hd-trailer-introduces-snazzy-t-shirts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/earthworm-jim-hd-trailer-introduces-snazzy-t-shirts/#comments Rather than posit that, yes, we are obviously the biggest non-arthropod invertebrate fans out there, we'll just point out how neat we think these "I love Jim" shirts are. They can be found, appropriately, in the latest trailer for upcoming digitally distributed HD re-release Earthworm Jim HD. We could use a bit more video from the gameplay department, sure, but what we see looks as good (if not better) than what we last saw last September in screenshots.

The video also introduces a contest for fans of the series that sees five winners being flown to NY to Gameloft's studio for an early chance to check out EJHD on Xbox Live Arcade this May. To enter, interested parties should head over to the Gameloft Facebook page and sign up, write a 500 character or less message on "Jim's wall" explaining your "most memorable moment playing Earthworm Jim" (like that time your brother Charlie slipped a sleeping pill into your chocolate milk so he could play it uninterrupted for four hours straight), and voila ici! The directions also note that the entry period ends on May 2, so we'd suggest you get to it -- right after you check out the trailer we've dropped below the fold.

[Thanks, Gavin Burbidge]

Continue reading Earthworm Jim HD trailer introduces snazzy t-shirts

JoystiqEarthworm Jim HD trailer introduces snazzy t-shirts originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestdigital-distributionearthworm-jimearthworm-jim-hdgameloftinterplayMicrosoftNintendopsntrailerWiiwiiwarexblaXbox-360Sun, 18 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, WiiWare gets a Descent game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/finally-wiiware-gets-a-descent-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/finally-wiiware-gets-a-descent-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/finally-wiiware-gets-a-descent-game/#comments The best thing about Interplay having one foot in the grave is the easy access it has to all the corpses in the cemetery. Having already cast a resurrection spell on Stonekeep and Clayfighter, the publisher now looks to bring classic 3D shooter Descent to WiiWare this Fall.

Interplay CEO Hervé Caen calls the disorienting game's reorientation on Wii an "exciting move," noting that "Descent remains the most popular 1080º 3D blasting game." The task of translating all that super-hot 3D to WiiWare will fall to independent studio G1M2, which previously worked on portollections like Data East Arcade Classics for Wii and Metal Slug PC Collection.

Also, now that we're revisiting Descent, aren't we halfway to a Descent: Freespace revival? Everyone, say "yes."

JoystiqFinally, WiiWare gets a Descent game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicdescentg1m2interplayNintendoWiiwiiwareThu, 15 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Phoenix Wright, Sonic & Knuckles, Spotto!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/nintendoware-weekly-phoenix-wright-sonic-and-knuckles-spotto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/nintendoware-weekly-phoenix-wright-sonic-and-knuckles-spotto/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/nintendoware-weekly-phoenix-wright-sonic-and-knuckles-spotto/#comments As expected, today marks the release of Phoenix Wright Ace Attorney: Justice for All on WiIWare. Capcom's lawyer-'em-up is joined by a plethora of new titles, so if you have some extra pocket change or a packed piggy bank, you'll want to head past the break and see what's available for download this week.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Phoenix Wright, Sonic & Knuckles, Spotto!

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Phoenix Wright, Sonic & Knuckles, Spotto! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ace-AttorneyAdventureart-of-balancecalariscapcomDSdsiwareeaElectronic-Artsgameloftinterplaynintendonintendoware-weeklyphoenix-wrightphoenix-wright-ace-attorneyPhoenix-Wright-Ace-Attorney-Justice-for-All-WiiPhoenix-Wright-Justice-for-All-Wiiprehistorik-manreal-soccerscrabblescrabble-classicsegashinen-multimediasonic-and-knucklesspaceball-revolutionspottovirtual-consolevirtual-toyswarmen-tacticsWiiwiiwareMon, 15 Feb 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA['Fallout Extreme' revealed as another nuked project]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/fallout-extreme-revealed-as-another-nuked-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/fallout-extreme-revealed-as-another-nuked-project/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/fallout-extreme-revealed-as-another-nuked-project/#comments Fallout Extreme is another canceled Fallout project that has emerged from the wastes. Unearthed by Pawel "Ausir" Dembowski and posted on the Fallout Wikia, Extreme was a "squad-based first- and third-person" shooter for Xbox, under development at Interplay's 14 Degrees East (which co-developed Fallout Tactics). The game was in the concept phase for "several months" during 2000, but never really got rolling with a development team.

The premise of the game was players would control a squad in "The Cause," a group of revolutionaries in the Pacific Northwest. The game would follow The Cause as they defeat the local Brotherhood, cross the Bering Strait, and conclude with a showdown in China's Forbidden City. The premise sounds interesting, but, "Extreme?" Really? Might as well have just called it: Mountain Dew presents Michael Bay's Fallout.

Joystiq'Fallout Extreme' revealed as another nuked project originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14-degree-eastausirfalloutfallout-extremeinterplayMicrosoftpawel-dembrowskiXbox-360Wed, 27 Jan 2010 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay's 'Fallout MMO' beta to begin shortly before world ends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/interplays-fallout-mmo-beta-to-begin-shortly-before-world-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/interplays-fallout-mmo-beta-to-begin-shortly-before-world-end/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/interplays-fallout-mmo-beta-to-begin-shortly-before-world-end/#comments It seems all the legal rigmarole between Interplay and Bethesda isn't slowing down the former's work on Project: V13, an MMO set in the latter's Fallout universe. At least, that seems to be the message from Interplay, which recently announced a development partnership with Masthead Studios, which is lending Interplay its technology, tools and resources as it continues work on the post-apocalyptic online game.

In fact, Interplay is so confident in the game's future release, it went ahead and announced a tentative date for the game's beta testing phase: 2012. Perfect! That should leave a few months for them to work out the kinks, then a few months for us to enjoy the game post-launch, and then the sun will explode.

JoystiqInterplay's 'Fallout MMO' beta to begin shortly before world ends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksfalloutfallout-mmointerplaylawsuitmasthead-studiosmmommorpgproject-v13Mon, 25 Jan 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay resurrecting Stonekeep on WiiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/interplay-resurrecting-stonekeep-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/interplay-resurrecting-stonekeep-on-wiiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/interplay-resurrecting-stonekeep-on-wiiware/#commentsRemember Stonekeep? If so, you're going to be delighted and vaguely confused by this news! If you don't remember the game, you'll just be vaguely confused. Interplay (remember Interplay) just announced that it's reviving the 15-year-old PC RPG franchise for ... WiiWare! And if you kind of remember Stonekeep and want a refresher, you can get it for $6 from GOG -- then come back and experience some confusion:

Rather than a port, Alpine Studios is concocting a new game based on the original, with "fun, a little fear and many exciting moments to all family members who dare to seek their fortunes and rid Stonekeep´s dungeons and corridors of evil using the Wii Remote controller," according to Alpine founder Les Pardew.

We'll find out what this means sometime before the Q3 2010 release. Will Alpine really come up with a casual, family-friendly concept based on ... first-person dungeon RPGs? It's hard to imagine a less casual-oriented genre.

JoystiqInterplay resurrecting Stonekeep on WiiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpine-studiosinterplayNintendorelease-dateremakeretrostonekeepWiiwiiwareWed, 13 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay not satisfied with defeated Fallout injunction]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/interplay-not-satisfied-with-defeated-fallout-injunction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/interplay-not-satisfied-with-defeated-fallout-injunction/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/15/interplay-not-satisfied-with-defeated-fallout-injunction/#commentsLast week, a US District Court judge denied Bethesda's request for an injunction against Interplay, which would have prevented Interplay from selling its Fallout games -- and stopped it from developing Project V13, the Fallout MMO.

The company released a short statement about the court case in the form of SEC Form 8-K, which is intended to provide information about major events to shareholders. Interplay is not happy to merely defend its rights to make and sell Fallout games: the statement reads that Interplay is going to continue pursuing "its Counter-Claims against Bethesda, including its claims for Breach of Contract, Tortious Interference with Prospective Economic Advantage, Rescission, Accounting and Declaratory Relief seeking an award of damages and other relief."

Interplay reportedly claims that Bethesda shopped the Fallout legacy games around to other publishers, telling them that Interplay no longer had the license, which constitutes "unreasonable interference" with Interplay's property.

[Via Duck and Cover]

JoystiqInterplay not satisfied with defeated Fallout injunction originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbethesda-v-interplayfalloutfallout-mmoinjunctioninterplaymmoproject-v13secTue, 15 Dec 2009 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[VC in Brief: Blaster Master (NES), Earthworm Jim 2 (Sega Genesis)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/vc-in-brief-master-blaster-nes-earthworm-jim-2-sega-genesis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/vc-in-brief-master-blaster-nes-earthworm-jim-2-sega-genesis/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/vc-in-brief-master-blaster-nes-earthworm-jim-2-sega-genesis/#commentsWe've got a duo of high-profile titles to check out here on VC in Brief this week. Come for the shooting stuff, stay for the Pig Chutes.
  • Blaster Master (NES, 1 player, 500 Wii Points)
  • Earthworm Jim 2 (Sega Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points)
Every week, we like to check out what's new on the Virtual Console. We offer these videos as a sort of taste to help you decide whether or not you would want the game in question. We also toss in our own two cents because we're pushy jerks like that.

JoystiqVC in Brief: Blaster Master (NES), Earthworm Jim 2 (Sega Genesis) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blaster-masterearthworm-jimearthworm-jim-2interplaynessegasega-genesisshinysunsoftMon, 14 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Interplay's Fallout MMO in-game screenshots leaked by ... Interplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/rumor-interplays-fallout-mmo-in-game-screenshots-leaked-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/rumor-interplays-fallout-mmo-in-game-screenshots-leaked-by/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/rumor-interplays-fallout-mmo-in-game-screenshots-leaked-by/#comments With original Fallout IP holder Interplay currently embroiled in a legal battle with new Fallout IP holder Bethesda Softworks, it's no surprise that the most recently "leaked" images from Interplay's Project V13 are said to be from an "anonymous, but reliable" source. The Vault Wiki even goes as far as to claim that the images are directly from Interplay, saying "These screenshots were actually submitted by Interplay as court evidence to show that the game is in full production already."

Putting on our super sleuth detective caps, a Nuka-Cola billboard and the inclusion of a supermutant in these screens certainly confirms they are from some form of Fallout game. Big Download points out that these screens look awfully similar to concept art released by Interplay not too long ago. Without any solid confirmation from Interplay as to the origin of these screens though, we're gonna have to keep it filed strictly under the "rumor" category for now.

Gallery: Project V13/Fallout MMO from Interplay (rumored screenshots)

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqRumor: Interplay's Fallout MMO in-game screenshots leaked by ... Interplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbig-downloadfalloutfallout-mmoInterplayrumorscreenshotsvault-wikiSat, 14 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Court backs Interplay in Fallout MMO squabble; concept art surfaces]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/report-court-backs-interplay-in-fallout-mmo-squabble-concept-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/report-court-backs-interplay-in-fallout-mmo-squabble-concept-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/report-court-backs-interplay-in-fallout-mmo-squabble-concept-a/#comments
The twists and turns in the saga of Interplay's suspected Fallout MMO, "Project V13," date back to 2006. The latest came this week when, according to a report by No Mutants Allowed, someone claiming to be an Interplay stockholder revealed that Fallout IP owner Bethesda was denied an injunction it had sought against Interplay.

Bethesda had hoped to strip Interplay of the Fallout license after the publisher had supposedly broken an agreement to begin development of the MMO before April 4, 2009. Interplay claims that's not the case and, perhaps to prove its point, has posted concept art from the could-be-a-game on its forums.

As much as we'd love to play an MMO based on our favorite post-nuclear RPG, we can't help but feel this falling out between the two companies is going to keep us waiting until the real apocalypse -- and beyond.

Gallery: Project V13 (Fallout MMO)

Graveyard (concept art)Factory (concept art)

[Via BigDownload]

JoystiqReport: Court backs Interplay in Fallout MMO squabble; concept art surfaces originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbethesda-v-interplayconcept-artcourtfalloutfallout-mmofallout-onlineinterplaylegalmmoproject-v13Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworm Jim now launching cows on iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/earthworm-jim-now-launching-cows-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/earthworm-jim-now-launching-cows-on-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/earthworm-jim-now-launching-cows-on-iphone/#commentsGameloft's iPhone remake of Shiny's classic Earthworm Jim has found its way to the App Store, at a price of $4.99. It's a great game, but trying the iPhone version means you're willing to punish yourself by attempting the already-difficult run-and-gun without the benefit of a D-pad or buttons. We're going to have nightmares if we think too long about playing the submarine level that way.

In addition to the download-anywhere convenience and painful controller substitution, the iPhone/iPod Touch release lets you play your own iPod music as you play. That should be a welcome addition to one intentionally annoying level.

After the break, see gameplay footage captured by Touch Arcade.

Earthworm Jim ($4.99) Earthworm Jim

[Via AppShopper]

Continue reading Earthworm Jim now launching cows on iPhone

JoystiqEarthworm Jim now launching cows on iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionAppleearthworm-jimgameloftinterplayiPodremakeshinyWed, 21 Oct 2009 20:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Interplay countersues Bethesda over Fallout rights]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/report-interplay-countersues-bethesda-over-fallout-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/report-interplay-countersues-bethesda-over-fallout-rights/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/21/report-interplay-countersues-bethesda-over-fallout-rights/#comments The infighting between Fallout's father and newly adopted guardian continues. According to a forum post by supposed Interplay stockholder frymuchan, Interplay has been given a 10-day extension to answer a preliminary injunction filed by Bethesda, which claims Interplay no longer holds rights to sell the original titles in the series. Following the release of Fallout 3, Interplay began selling the original titles across multiple PC-based digital distribution services.

Previous court filings by Bethesda claimed that Interplay's plans to develop a Fallout MMO -- codenamed Project V-13 -- were no longer valid because Interplay did not commence development prior to an agreed date of April 4, 2009. According to the post by RagingBull forum user "frymuchan" -- who claims to have received the information from official court documents -- Interplay claims it did issue a letter to Bethesda prior to the April date outlining details of a Fallout MMO, but Bethesda told it "for no apparent reason" that Interplay was no longer allowed to develop the game. Interplay believes that Bethesda's interference with licensing agreements to make the original titles in the series available digitally is unreasonable based on the current contracts in place.

Frymuchan also claims that Interplay has filed a countersuit versus Bethesda over statements it made to third party companies to whom it was attempting to license the original titles. According to the post, Bethesda released statements to companies such as GameTap and Good Old Games, claiming Interplay had no rights to license Fallout 1, 2 or Tactics for sale on its services. Interplay's counterclaim maintains this "unreasonable interference" puts Bethesda into breach of contract and makes the license sale "null and void," therefore reverting the agreement back to a sub-licensing deal between Interplay and Bethesda. In short, Interplay claims Bethesda now only holds rights to Fallout 3 with options for a fourth and fifth game in the series.

It's an argument of apocalyptic proportions and we're expecting more details when the extension expires next week.

[Via GamePolitics and Destructoid]

JoystiqReport: Interplay countersues Bethesda over Fallout rights originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethesda-v-interplaybusinessfalloutfallout-4fallout-5fallout-mmointerplaylawsuitproject-v13Wed, 21 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthworm Jim on iPhone looks familiar]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/earthworm-jim-on-iphone-looks-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/earthworm-jim-on-iphone-looks-familiar/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/14/earthworm-jim-on-iphone-looks-familiar/#commentsWe recently found out that when Gameloft announced intentions to make a new Earthworm Jim game, the company really meant it intended to remake the first one. And while the next-gen version has some cleaned-up graphics, the iPhone release, as seen in the new trailer (after the break) might as well be a port. If you ignore the total lack of buttons, it might as well be the Genesis or SNES game. And speaking of buttons, have fun playing that submarine level on a touchscreen.

If the graphical improvements aren't more obvious in the WiiWare release, then the only real difference between the game on Virtual Console and WiiWare will be one extra level and difficulty selection. Awkward!

Continue reading Earthworm Jim on iPhone looks familiar

JoystiqEarthworm Jim on iPhone looks familiar originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleearthworm-jimgameloftinterplayiPodremakeshinyWed, 14 Oct 2009 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Interplay bringing ClayFighter to WiiWare and DSiWare]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/interplay-bringing-clayfighter-to-wiiware-and-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/interplay-bringing-clayfighter-to-wiiware-and-dsiware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/interplay-bringing-clayfighter-to-wiiware-and-dsiware/#comments Of all the classic franchises we expected to be resurrected, ClayFighter was right up there with Aero the Acrobat. But we suppose there's room for everyone at the table, as Interplay has announced that they'll be bringing the bulbous brawler to WiiWare and DSiWare. Crafted by some of the team behind the original game (now operating under the name StudioBlack Games), the updates will sport revamped graphics and gameplay.

It's due in summer of 2010, so hopefully you have plenty of time to recommit Ickybod Clay's move set to memory.

JoystiqInterplay bringing ClayFighter to WiiWare and DSiWare originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>clayfighterDSdsiwareinterplayNintendostudioblack-gamesWiiwiiwareWed, 16 Sep 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bethesda suing Interplay over Fallout MMO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/bethesda-suing-interplay-over-fallout-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/bethesda-suing-interplay-over-fallout-mmo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/bethesda-suing-interplay-over-fallout-mmo/#comments Things weren't looking good for Interplay earlier this year and, uh, much hasn't changed since then. Even though the company had virtually no money, it still wanted to make the Fallout MMO, Project V-13. Well, Interplay's got another hurdle now: Bethesda. The Oblivion and Fallout 3 developer claims that Interplay infringed on its trademark, court documents show. Interplay disagrees, obviously, and says it still holds the rights to develop the title with Masthead Studios, even though it failed to commence the stipulated full-scale development by April 4, 2009.

Gamasutra has more info on the lawsuit, which also mentions Interplay's licensing of the original Fallout games for digital distribution through services such Steam, GOG.com and GameTap. Bethesda says this has caused "immediate, substantial, and irreparable harm." But, hey, it's not all frowns and sad faces. Above this text is a neat piece of concept art for Project V-13 from Natiq Aghayev. Man, we never thought post-apocalyptia could look so good.

Source - Court documents [Via VG247]
Source - Gamasutra
[image credit]

JoystiqBethesda suing Interplay over Fallout MMO originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Game-StudiosBethesda-Softworksbethesda-v-interplayfalloutfallout-3fallout-mmointerplaylawsuitmmoproject-v13RPGFri, 11 Sep 2009 20:30:00 EST