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{{refimprove|date=February 2011}}
{{Multiple issues
|refimprove = February 2011
|cleanup = March 2011
|update = September 2011
}}

{{Italic title}}
{{Italic title}}
{{Infobox VG
{{Infobox VG
|title = Fallout Online
|image = [[File:Fallout online logo.jpg|The updated logo for ''Fallout Online'']]
|image = [[File:Fallout online logo.jpg|The updated logo for ''Fallout Online'']]
|caption = The updated logo for ''Fallout Online''
|caption = The 2011 logo for ''Fallout Online''
|developer = [[Masthead Studios]]<br>[[Interplay Entertainment]]
|developer = [[Masthead Studios]]<br>[[Interplay Entertainment]]
|publisher = Interplay Entertainment
|publisher = Interplay Entertainment
|designer =[[Christopher Taylor (game designer)|Chris Taylor]] <br> Mark O'Green <br> [[Jason Anderson (artist)|Jason Anderson]]
|designer =
⚫
|artist = Serg Souleiman <small>(art director)</small>
|engine = [[Earthrise Engine]]
|engine = [[Earthrise Engine]]
⚫
|released = Cancelled
|version =
⚫
|released = Q3 2012
|genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game]]
|genre = [[Massively multiplayer online role-playing game]]
|modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
|modes = [[Multiplayer video game|Multiplayer]]
|ratings =
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|platforms = [[Microsoft Windows]]
|media =
|requirements =
|input =
}}
}}

'''''Fallout Online''''' (also known under the codename ''Project V13'' and ''FOOL'') was going to be a [[massively multiplayer online game|massively multiplayer online]] [[video game]] (MMO) set in the ''[[Fallout (series)|Fallout]]'' universe that was being developed by Masthead Studios and was going to be published by [[Interplay Entertainment|Interplay]], with members of the Interplay team providing creative control and design. Chris Taylor and Mark O'Green, two of the creators of the original ''[[Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]'', were among the developers. Jason Anderson, one of the other makers of ''Fallout'', was involved in the project between 2007 and 2009, but then left the team.
'''''Fallout Online''''' (also known under the codename ''Project V13'' and ''FOOL'') was a cancelled [[massively multiplayer online game]] (MMO) set in the ''[[Fallout (series)|Fallout]]'' universe that was being developed by Masthead Studios and was going to be published by [[Interplay Entertainment|Interplay]], with members of the Interplay team providing creative control and design. [[Chris Taylor (game designer)|Chris Taylor]] and Mark O'Green, two of the creators of the original ''[[Fallout (video game)|Fallout]]'', were among the developers; [[Jason Anderson (artist)|Jason Anderson]], one of the other makers of ''Fallout'', was involved in the project between 2007 and 2009, but then left the team.


Interplay's rights to developing and publishing this game have been the subject of a legal dispute between [[Bethesda Softworks]], the current owner of the ''Fallout'' franchise, and Interplay. An out-of-court settlement was reached in January 2012, in which Bethesda received full rights to the ''Fallout Online'' game for two million dollars.
Interplay's rights to developing and publishing this game have been the subject of a legal dispute between [[Bethesda Softworks]], the current owner of the ''Fallout'' franchise, and Interplay. An out-of-court settlement was reached in January 2012, in which Bethesda received full rights to the ''Fallout Online'' game for two million dollars.
⚫
== Development ==
⚫
According to Interplay, they had created a large and multi-part "game-worldwide meta-puzzle". This meta-puzzle includes the puzzle structure, code system, and planned locations, which is designed to foster cooperation and competition among players for an extended time period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=Fallout Online Gameplay|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref> Interplay claimed it had mapped out approximately {{convert|65,500|sqmi|km2}} of terrain which had textures, with objects and characters implemented into it. Several game zones had been blocked out with textured and populated 3D objects. The initial starting zones for each player character race have also been designed, making it so that each character of a different race has a different story to start with. Computer models for many types of creatures had been designed and the 3D geometry and textures created and some NPCs have been created to live in the game. ''Fallout Online'' combat, leveling, character development, item crafting, skills have been written and tested. Interplay has revealed that it has created player-run towns (towns controlled by players), guild centers and social centers for players to interact in.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=Setting of Fallout Online|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref>


== Gameplay ==
{{OriginalResearch|date=April 2012}}
Like other MMOs, ''Fallout Online'' was likely going to have quests that are accessed from non-playable characters (NPCs) {{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}. It was revealed by Interplay, they had created a large and multi-part "game-worldwide meta-puzzle". This meta-puzzle includes the puzzle structure, code system, and planned locations, which is designed to foster cooperation and competition among players for an extended time period.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=Fallout Online Gameplay|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref>

== Plot ==
=== Setting ===
⚫
It was revealed that for the in-game, Interplay had mapped out approximately {{convert|65,500|sqmi|km2}} of terrain which had textures, with objects and characters implemented into it. Several game zones had been blocked out with textured and populated 3D objects. The initial starting zones for each player character race have also been designed, making it so that each character of a different race has a different story to start with. Computer models for many types of creatures had been designed and the 3D geometry and textures created and some NPC's have been created to live in the game. Fallout Online combat, leveling, character development, item crafting, skills have already been written and tested. Interplay has revealed that it has created player-run towns (towns controlled by players), guild centers and social centers for players to interact in.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=Setting of Fallout Online|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref> So far the human and ghoul characters have been revealed as playable races.

== Development history ==
=== Black Isle Studios ===
=== Black Isle Studios ===
⚫
According to [[Feargus Urquhart]], when [[Brian Fargo]] was still the president of Interplay, Fargo proposed a possible ''Fallout'' MMO to be made by [[Black Isle]], but Urquhart refused, saying, "The reason at the time, because I would have loved to have made a ''Fallout'' MMO, was that I believed that Interplay was just not in a situation where they had the resources to do it. When you go off to do an MMO it's going to cost $100 million before you get it on the shelf; you've gotta buy servers and you've gotta have service people, and you have to have Game Masters. It's an undertaking, and on top of that, it means that you do have to do all that stuff so what else are you going to focus on? What other games are you going to be able to make?"<ref>{{cite web|title=Neverwinter Nights 2 Q&A Feature|url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/NeverWinter-Nights-2/feature-9221.html|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref>
According to Feargus Urquhart, when Brian Fargo was still the president of Interplay, Fargo proposed a possible ''Fallout'' MMO to be made by [[Black Isle]], but Urquhart refused:
⚫
''"The reason at the time, because I would have loved to have made a ''Fallout'' MMO, was that I believed that Interplay was just not in a situation where they had the resources to do it. When you go off to do an MMO it's going to cost $100 million before you get it on the shelf; you've gotta buy servers and you've gotta have service people, and you have to have Game Masters. It's an undertaking, and on top of that, it means that you do have to do all that stuff so what else are you going to focus on? What other games are you going to be able to make?"'' <ref>{{cite web|title=Neverwinter Nights 2 Q&A Feature|url=http://www.totalvideogames.com/NeverWinter-Nights-2/feature-9221.html|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref>


=== Interplay&nbsp;— Masthead Project ===
=== Interplay&nbsp;— Masthead Project ===
⚫
In November 2006, Interplay, headed by Herve Caen, filed a Form 8-K filing to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a potential ''Fallout'' massively multiplayer online game. In April 2007, Bethesda Softworks, the developer of ''Fallout 3'', purchased full rights to the ''Fallout'' IP for US$5.75 million. While Bethesda now owned the rights to the ''Fallout'' MMO IP as well, clauses in the purchase agreement state allowed Interplay to license the rights to the development of the MMO. Specific requirements were stated in the agreement that if not met, Interplay would immediately lose and surrender its license rights for ''Fallout''. Development must have begun within 24 months of the date of the agreement (April 4, 2007), and Interplay must have secured $30 million within that time frame or forfeit its rights to license. Interplay would furthermore need to launch the MMOG within four years of the beginning of development, and pay Bethesda 12 percent of sales and subscription fees for the use of the IP.


⚫
On August 1, 2007, [[ZeniMax Media]] Inc., parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced the creation of ZeniMax Online Studios. The division would be headed by Matt Firor, a well-known expert in the field of online gaming, and would focus on the massively multiplayer online game (MMO) market segment. It might work on a ''Fallout'' MMO in the future, if Interplay fails to gather enough money for their ''Fallout Online'' project.
⚫
In November 2006, Interplay, headed by Herve Caen, filed a Form 8-K filing to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a potential Fallout massively multiplayer online game. In April 2007, Bethesda Softworks, the developer of ''Fallout 3'', purchased full rights to the ''Fallout'' IP for US$5.75 million. While Bethesda now owned the rights to the ''Fallout'' MMO IP as well, clauses in the purchase agreement state allowed Interplay to license the rights to the development of the MMO. Specific requirements were stated in the agreement that if not met, Interplay would immediately lose and surrender its license rights for ''Fallout''. Development must have begun within 24 months of the date of the agreement (April 4, 2007), and Interplay must have secured $30 million within that time frame or forfeit its rights to license. Interplay would furthermore need to launch the MMOG within 4 years of the beginning of development, and pay Bethesda 12 percent of sales and subscription fees for the use of the IP.

⚫
On August 1, 2007, [[ZeniMax Media]] Inc., parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced the creation of ZeniMax Online Studios. The division would be headed by Matt Firor, a well-known expert in the field of online gaming, and would focus on the Massively Multiplayer Online Game (MMO) market segment. It might work on a ''Fallout'' MMO in the future, if Interplay fails to gather enough money for their ''Fallout Online'' project.


In November 2007, Interplay reopened in-house development and hired ''Fallout'' developer Jason D. Anderson as creative director for an unannounced MMO. Given the aforementioned facts, it is most likely that the game Anderson was working on is Interplay's ''Fallout'' MMO, given that he was the contact name of Interplay's jobs appliance and that ''Fallout'' was referred in the job requirements. In March 2009, Anderson left Interplay and joined [[InXile Entertainment]].
In November 2007, Interplay reopened in-house development and hired ''Fallout'' developer Jason D. Anderson as creative director for an unannounced MMO. Given the aforementioned facts, it is most likely that the game Anderson was working on is Interplay's ''Fallout'' MMO, given that he was the contact name of Interplay's jobs appliance and that ''Fallout'' was referred in the job requirements. In March 2009, Anderson left Interplay and joined [[InXile Entertainment]].


On June 30, 2008, it was announced that Interactive Game Group, LLC (created by Frederic Chesnais, former Chief Executive Officer of [[Atari]], which now also owns [[MicroProse]]) purchased 2,000,000 shares of Interplay stock, as consideration for entering into a game production agreement, likely related to ''Fallout Online''.
On June 30, 2008, it was announced that Interactive Game Group, LLC (created by Frederic Chesnais, former CEO of [[Atari]], which now also owns [[MicroProse]]) purchased 2,000,000 shares of Interplay stock, as consideration for entering into a game production agreement, likely related to ''Fallout Online''.


On April 2, 2009 Interplay announced a binding letter of intent with [[Masthead Studios]], a Bulgarian-based developer, to fund the development of Project V13. Masthead and Interplay teams will work together under the direction and control of Interplay to complete development of the project. On June 15, 2010, the game was officially announced as ''Fallout Online''. The game will be co-developed between Interplay and Masthead Studios, it will use Masthead's Earthrise Engine, use on Masthead's first game, ''[[Earthrise (video game)|Earthrise]]''.
On April 2, 2009 Interplay announced a binding letter of intent with [[Masthead Studios]], a Bulgarian-based developer, to fund the development of ''Project V13''. Masthead and Interplay teams will work together under the direction and control of Interplay to complete development of the project. On June 15, 2010, the game was officially announced as ''Fallout Online''. The game will be co-developed between Interplay and Masthead Studios, it will use Masthead's Earthrise Engine, use on Masthead's first game, ''[[Earthrise (video game)|Earthrise]]''.


==== Legal dispute ====
=== Legal dispute and cancellation ===
On April 15, 2009, it was announced that Bethesda Softworks moved to rescind the ''Fallout'' MMORPG license. Interplay received notice from Bethesda that it intends to terminate the trademark license agreement, claiming that Interplay is in breach of the agreement for failure to commence full scale development by April 4, 2009 and to secure certain funding for the game. Interplay disputes these claims.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}
On April 15, 2009, it was announced that Bethesda Softworks moved to rescind the ''Fallout'' MMO license. Interplay received notice from Bethesda that it intends to terminate the trademark license agreement, claiming that Interplay is in breach of the agreement for failure to commence full scale development by April 4, 2009 and to secure certain funding for the game. Interplay disputes these claims.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}} On July 15, 2009, "Project V13" developer Chris Taylor posted a reply on the Interplay website "Project V13" Forum thread refuting the claims that Interplay lost the rights to the ''Fallout'' MMO.


⚫
On September 8, 2009 Bethesda filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Interplay in the Maryland District Court. Bethesda claimed that Interplay had only licensed the ''Fallout'' name to use for their game and could not use any of its assets. Interplay counteracted this claim by stating that they did not license the name to make an online poker game named ''Fallout''. They stated that what Bethesda was claiming was comparable to having a Snow White movie and the princess not appearing in it at all.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.falloutwiki.com/Blog:News/Bethesda_vs._Interplay_court_transcripts:_Snow_White,_Donald_Duck_and_hair_falling_out|title=Fallout Online compareable to Snow White and Daffy Duck|accessdate=4 June 2011}}</ref> Interplay further stated that if Bethesda refuses to let them complete ''Fallout Online'', then they will be able to release only one more ''Fallout'' IP with its DLCs before the rights revert back to Interplay, a notion that will give Interplay the full rights to ''Fallout Online'' and the rest of the ''Fallout'' series. Interplay won the injunction resulting in Bethesda calling for an appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.falloutwiki.com/Blog:News/Bethesda_vs._Interplay_court_transcripts:_Snow_White,_Donald_Duck_and_hair_falling_out|title=The Sixth Fallout IP could be Interplays|accessdate=4 June 2011}}</ref> It was then revealed that prior to April 9, 2009 that Interplay had employed game designers, writers, and artists who had substantially completed the ''Fallout Online'' game design, including an online "wiki" dedicated to the games development, which when printed and produced to Bethesda's counsel as it existed on April 4, 2009 consisted of nearly 2,200 pages. Prior to April 4, 2009, Interplay had created substantial concept art, solidified its technology plan by licensing a game engine and development tools set from Masthead Studios that would have cost Interplay millions of dollars to develop from scratch. A playable game space also existed, based on Interplay's concept art and developed by Masthead and multiple users from Europe and the U.S. could log into and interact within the game. For the game, Masthead was tasked with revising and improving its technology, including its game engine, tools and network software.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=More info on the court case|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref> On December 10, 2009 the court decided to deny Bethesda's request for preliminary injunction. Interplay was therefore able to continue development on the project until the case is finished.
On July 15, 2009 Interplay's Project V13 developer Chris Taylor posted a reply on the Interplay website "Project V13" Forum thread refuting the claims that Interplay lost the rights to the ''Fallout'' MMORPG.

On September 8, 2009 Bethesda filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Interplay in the Maryland District Court.{{Citation needed|date=February 2011}}

On December 10, 2009 the Maryland District Court decided to deny Bethesda's request for preliminary injunction. Interplay is therefore able to continue development on the project until the case is finished.

⚫
Bethesda claimed that Interplay had only licensed the ''Fallout'' name to use for their game and could not use any of its assets. Interplay counteracted this claim by stating that they did not license the name to make an online poker game named ''Fallout''. They stated that what Bethesda was claiming was comparable to having a Snow White movie and the princess not appearing in it at all.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.falloutwiki.com/Blog:News/Bethesda_vs._Interplay_court_transcripts:_Snow_White,_Donald_Duck_and_hair_falling_out|title=Fallout Online compareable to Snow White and Daffy Duck|accessdate=4 June 2011}}</ref> Interplay further stated that if Bethesda refuses to let them complete ''Fallout Online'', then they will be able to release only one more ''Fallout'' IP with its DLCs before the rights revert back to Interplay, a notion that will give Interplay the full rights to ''Fallout Online'' and the rest of the ''Fallout'' series. Interplay won the injunction resulting in Bethesda calling for an appeal.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.falloutwiki.com/Blog:News/Bethesda_vs._Interplay_court_transcripts:_Snow_White,_Donald_Duck_and_hair_falling_out|title=The Sixth Fallout IP could be Interplays|accessdate=4 June 2011}}</ref>

It was then revealed that prior to April 9, 2009 that Interplay had employed game designers, writers, and artists who had substantially completed the ''Fallout Online'' game design, including an online "wiki" dedicated to the games development, which when printed and produced to Bethesda's counsel as it existed on April 4, 2009 consisted of nearly 2,200 pages. Prior to April 4, 2009, Interplay had created substantial concept art, solidified its technology plan by licensing a game engine and development tools set from Masthead Studios that would have cost Interplay millions of dollars to develop from scratch. Also as of April 4, 2009, a playable game space existed based on Interplay's concept art and developed by Masthead. Multiple users from Europe and the U.S. could log into and interact within the game. For the game, Masthead is currently revising and improving its technology, this includes its game engine, tools and network software.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/#10286|title=More info on the court case|accessdate=30 June 2011}}</ref>


Bethesda then sued Masthead Studios and asked for a restraining order against the company. Bethesda was denied this restraining order before Masthead Studios could call a counter-suit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37428/Bethesda_Denied_Restraining_Order_Against_Fallout_MMO.php|title=Bethesda's Restraining Order Denied|accessdate=25 September 2011}}</ref> Bethesda was then denied its appeal against Interplay.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/121/1210805p1.html?_cmpid=ign40|title=Bethesda Denied its Appeal|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|date=October 26, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> Bethesda then filed motion in limine against Interplay, who filed a motion in limine suit against Bethesda the day after.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25793|title=Bethesda Files Motion In Limine|accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref> The trial by jury requested by Bethesda was canceled due to the APA contract (contract that sold ''Fallout'' to Bethesda) stating that all legal matters will be settled via a trial by court and not a trial by jury. It is unknown if this was a simple oversight by Bethesda or something brought to the courts attention by Interplay.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25796|title=Trial By Court Ensued|accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref>
Bethesda then sued Masthead Studios and asked for a restraining order against the company. Bethesda was denied this restraining order before Masthead Studios could call a counter-suit.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/37428/Bethesda_Denied_Restraining_Order_Against_Fallout_MMO.php|title=Bethesda's Restraining Order Denied|accessdate=25 September 2011}}</ref> Bethesda was then denied its appeal against Interplay.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/121/1210805p1.html?_cmpid=ign40|title=Bethesda Denied its Appeal|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|date=October 26, 2011|publisher=IGN|accessdate=27 October 2011}}</ref> Bethesda then filed motion in limine against Interplay, who filed a motion in limine suit against Bethesda the day after.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25793|title=Bethesda Files Motion In Limine|accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref> The trial by jury requested by Bethesda was canceled due to the APA contract (contract that sold ''Fallout'' to Bethesda) stating that all legal matters will be settled via a trial by court and not a trial by jury. It is unknown if this was a simple oversight by Bethesda or something brought to the courts attention by Interplay.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.duckandcover.cx/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25796|title=Trial By Court Ensued|accessdate=11 November 2011}}</ref>


The ''Fallout Online'' title was cancelled by Bethesda following their acquisition of the rights to the entire ''Fallout'' franchise. However, Interplay and Masthead Studios will continue to work on ''Project V13'' but will remove any and all references to ''Fallout'' to honor the settlement. <ref>{{cite web|title=Interplay Loses Rights to Make a Fallout MMO|url=http://www.1up.com/news/interplay-loses-rights-fallout-mmo|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|accessdate=10 January 2012}}</ref> Because of legal terming and no previous legal action before Bethesda filed the suit, Interplay was forced to give over all property pertaining to the ''Fallout'' MMO. <ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2012-1-10 |url=http://www.wouldyoukindly.com/falloutip-rights-bethesda-nvultimateedition |title=All Fallout IP Rights Restored to Bethesda & New Vegas Ultimate Edition Announced |publisher=WouldYouKindly.com |date=2012-1-10 |author=Jones, David K.}}</ref>
The ''Fallout Online'' title was cancelled by Bethesda following their acquisition of the rights to the entire ''Fallout'' franchise. However, Interplay and Masthead Studios will continue to work on ''Project V13'' but will remove any and all references to ''Fallout'' to honor the settlement. <ref>{{cite web|title=Interplay Loses Rights to Make a Fallout MMO|url=http://www.1up.com/news/interplay-loses-rights-fallout-mmo|publisher=[[1UP.com]]|accessdate=10 January 2012}}</ref> Because of legal terming and no previous legal action before Bethesda filed the suit, Interplay was forced to give over all property pertaining to the ''Fallout'' MMO. <ref>{{cite web |accessdate=2012-1-10 |url=http://www.wouldyoukindly.com/falloutip-rights-bethesda-nvultimateedition |title=All Fallout IP Rights Restored to Bethesda & New Vegas Ultimate Edition Announced |publisher=WouldYouKindly.com |date=2012-1-10 |author=Jones, David K.}}</ref> Interplay may still be able to sell copies of ''Fallout'', ''[[Fallout 2]]'' and ''[[Fallout Tactics]]'', but its permission to do so ends on December 31, 2013.<ref>[http://kotaku.com/5874561/the-great-fallout-legal-battle-ends-without-a-fallout-mmo) The Great Fallout Legal Battle Ends Without a Fallout MMO] (Kotaku)</ref>

Interplay may still be able to sell copies of ''Fallout Tactics'', ''Fallout'' and ''Fallout 2'', but its permission to do so ends on December 31, 2013.<ref>http://kotaku.com/5874561/the-great-fallout-legal-battle-ends-without-a-fallout-mmo)</ref>

⚫
== Development team ==
=== Interplay ===
* [[Christopher Taylor (game designer)|Chris Taylor]]&nbsp;— lead systems designer
* Mark O'Green&nbsp;— designer
⚫
* Serg Souleiman&nbsp;— art director
* Jeff Clendenning&nbsp;— lead concept artist
* Natiq Aghayev&nbsp;— freelance concept artist
* Caleb Cleveland&nbsp;— freelance concept artist
* Jason Anderson&nbsp;— creative director (2007–2009)
* Kevin Stocker&nbsp;— content designer
* Marshall Kautz&nbsp;— associate game designer


== References ==
== References ==
Line 93: Line 54:
{{Fallout series}}
{{Fallout series}}


⚫
[[Category:Cancelled Windows games]]
[[Category:Fallout series]]
[[Category:Fallout series]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
[[Category:Massively multiplayer online role-playing games]]
⚫
[[Category:Cancelled Windows games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Bulgaria]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Bulgaria]]


Revision as of 23:47, 29 July 2012

Fallout Online
The updated logo for Fallout Online
The 2011 logo for Fallout Online
Developer(s)Masthead Studios
Interplay Entertainment
Publisher(s)Interplay Entertainment
Designer(s)Chris Taylor
Mark O'Green
Jason Anderson
Artist(s)Serg Souleiman (art director)
EngineEarthrise Engine
Platform(s)Microsoft Windows
ReleaseCancelled
Genre(s)Massively multiplayer online role-playing game
Mode(s)Multiplayer

Fallout Online (also known under the codename Project V13 and FOOL) was a cancelled massively multiplayer online game (MMO) set in the Fallout universe that was being developed by Masthead Studios and was going to be published by Interplay, with members of the Interplay team providing creative control and design. Chris Taylor and Mark O'Green, two of the creators of the original Fallout, were among the developers; Jason Anderson, one of the other makers of Fallout, was involved in the project between 2007 and 2009, but then left the team.

Interplay's rights to developing and publishing this game have been the subject of a legal dispute between Bethesda Softworks, the current owner of the Fallout franchise, and Interplay. An out-of-court settlement was reached in January 2012, in which Bethesda received full rights to the Fallout Online game for two million dollars.

Development

According to Interplay, they had created a large and multi-part "game-worldwide meta-puzzle". This meta-puzzle includes the puzzle structure, code system, and planned locations, which is designed to foster cooperation and competition among players for an extended time period.[1] Interplay claimed it had mapped out approximately 65,500 square miles (170,000 km2) of terrain which had textures, with objects and characters implemented into it. Several game zones had been blocked out with textured and populated 3D objects. The initial starting zones for each player character race have also been designed, making it so that each character of a different race has a different story to start with. Computer models for many types of creatures had been designed and the 3D geometry and textures created and some NPCs have been created to live in the game. Fallout Online combat, leveling, character development, item crafting, skills have been written and tested. Interplay has revealed that it has created player-run towns (towns controlled by players), guild centers and social centers for players to interact in.[2]

Black Isle Studios

According to Feargus Urquhart, when Brian Fargo was still the president of Interplay, Fargo proposed a possible Fallout MMO to be made by Black Isle, but Urquhart refused, saying, "The reason at the time, because I would have loved to have made a Fallout MMO, was that I believed that Interplay was just not in a situation where they had the resources to do it. When you go off to do an MMO it's going to cost $100 million before you get it on the shelf; you've gotta buy servers and you've gotta have service people, and you have to have Game Masters. It's an undertaking, and on top of that, it means that you do have to do all that stuff so what else are you going to focus on? What other games are you going to be able to make?"[3]

Interplay — Masthead Project

In November 2006, Interplay, headed by Herve Caen, filed a Form 8-K filing to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding a potential Fallout massively multiplayer online game. In April 2007, Bethesda Softworks, the developer of Fallout 3, purchased full rights to the Fallout IP for US$5.75 million. While Bethesda now owned the rights to the Fallout MMO IP as well, clauses in the purchase agreement state allowed Interplay to license the rights to the development of the MMO. Specific requirements were stated in the agreement that if not met, Interplay would immediately lose and surrender its license rights for Fallout. Development must have begun within 24 months of the date of the agreement (April 4, 2007), and Interplay must have secured $30 million within that time frame or forfeit its rights to license. Interplay would furthermore need to launch the MMOG within four years of the beginning of development, and pay Bethesda 12 percent of sales and subscription fees for the use of the IP.

On August 1, 2007, ZeniMax Media Inc., parent company of Bethesda Softworks, announced the creation of ZeniMax Online Studios. The division would be headed by Matt Firor, a well-known expert in the field of online gaming, and would focus on the massively multiplayer online game (MMO) market segment. It might work on a Fallout MMO in the future, if Interplay fails to gather enough money for their Fallout Online project.

In November 2007, Interplay reopened in-house development and hired Fallout developer Jason D. Anderson as creative director for an unannounced MMO. Given the aforementioned facts, it is most likely that the game Anderson was working on is Interplay's Fallout MMO, given that he was the contact name of Interplay's jobs appliance and that Fallout was referred in the job requirements. In March 2009, Anderson left Interplay and joined InXile Entertainment.

On June 30, 2008, it was announced that Interactive Game Group, LLC (created by Frederic Chesnais, former CEO of Atari, which now also owns MicroProse) purchased 2,000,000 shares of Interplay stock, as consideration for entering into a game production agreement, likely related to Fallout Online.

On April 2, 2009 Interplay announced a binding letter of intent with Masthead Studios, a Bulgarian-based developer, to fund the development of Project V13. Masthead and Interplay teams will work together under the direction and control of Interplay to complete development of the project. On June 15, 2010, the game was officially announced as Fallout Online. The game will be co-developed between Interplay and Masthead Studios, it will use Masthead's Earthrise Engine, use on Masthead's first game, Earthrise.

Legal dispute and cancellation

On April 15, 2009, it was announced that Bethesda Softworks moved to rescind the Fallout MMO license. Interplay received notice from Bethesda that it intends to terminate the trademark license agreement, claiming that Interplay is in breach of the agreement for failure to commence full scale development by April 4, 2009 and to secure certain funding for the game. Interplay disputes these claims.[citation needed] On July 15, 2009, "Project V13" developer Chris Taylor posted a reply on the Interplay website "Project V13" Forum thread refuting the claims that Interplay lost the rights to the Fallout MMO.

On September 8, 2009 Bethesda filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Interplay in the Maryland District Court. Bethesda claimed that Interplay had only licensed the Fallout name to use for their game and could not use any of its assets. Interplay counteracted this claim by stating that they did not license the name to make an online poker game named Fallout. They stated that what Bethesda was claiming was comparable to having a Snow White movie and the princess not appearing in it at all.[4] Interplay further stated that if Bethesda refuses to let them complete Fallout Online, then they will be able to release only one more Fallout IP with its DLCs before the rights revert back to Interplay, a notion that will give Interplay the full rights to Fallout Online and the rest of the Fallout series. Interplay won the injunction resulting in Bethesda calling for an appeal.[5] It was then revealed that prior to April 9, 2009 that Interplay had employed game designers, writers, and artists who had substantially completed the Fallout Online game design, including an online "wiki" dedicated to the games development, which when printed and produced to Bethesda's counsel as it existed on April 4, 2009 consisted of nearly 2,200 pages. Prior to April 4, 2009, Interplay had created substantial concept art, solidified its technology plan by licensing a game engine and development tools set from Masthead Studios that would have cost Interplay millions of dollars to develop from scratch. A playable game space also existed, based on Interplay's concept art and developed by Masthead and multiple users from Europe and the U.S. could log into and interact within the game. For the game, Masthead was tasked with revising and improving its technology, including its game engine, tools and network software.[6] On December 10, 2009 the court decided to deny Bethesda's request for preliminary injunction. Interplay was therefore able to continue development on the project until the case is finished.

Bethesda then sued Masthead Studios and asked for a restraining order against the company. Bethesda was denied this restraining order before Masthead Studios could call a counter-suit.[7] Bethesda was then denied its appeal against Interplay.[8] Bethesda then filed motion in limine against Interplay, who filed a motion in limine suit against Bethesda the day after.[9] The trial by jury requested by Bethesda was canceled due to the APA contract (contract that sold Fallout to Bethesda) stating that all legal matters will be settled via a trial by court and not a trial by jury. It is unknown if this was a simple oversight by Bethesda or something brought to the courts attention by Interplay.[10]

The Fallout Online title was cancelled by Bethesda following their acquisition of the rights to the entire Fallout franchise. However, Interplay and Masthead Studios will continue to work on Project V13 but will remove any and all references to Fallout to honor the settlement. [11] Because of legal terming and no previous legal action before Bethesda filed the suit, Interplay was forced to give over all property pertaining to the Fallout MMO. [12] Interplay may still be able to sell copies of Fallout, Fallout 2 and Fallout Tactics, but its permission to do so ends on December 31, 2013.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Fallout Online Gameplay". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  2. ^ "Setting of Fallout Online". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  3. ^ "Neverwinter Nights 2 Q&A Feature". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  4. ^ "Fallout Online compareable to Snow White and Daffy Duck". Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  5. ^ "The Sixth Fallout IP could be Interplays". Retrieved 4 June 2011.
  6. ^ "More info on the court case". Retrieved 30 June 2011.
  7. ^ "Bethesda's Restraining Order Denied". Retrieved 25 September 2011.
  8. ^ Goldfarb, Andrew (October 26, 2011). "Bethesda Denied its Appeal". IGN. Retrieved 27 October 2011.
  9. ^ "Bethesda Files Motion In Limine". Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  10. ^ "Trial By Court Ensued". Retrieved 11 November 2011.
  11. ^ "Interplay Loses Rights to Make a Fallout MMO". 1UP.com. Retrieved 10 January 2012.
  12. ^ Jones, David K. (2012-1-10). "All Fallout IP Rights Restored to Bethesda & New Vegas Ultimate Edition Announced". WouldYouKindly.com. Retrieved 2012-1-10. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= and |date= (help)
  13. ^ The Great Fallout Legal Battle Ends Without a Fallout MMO (Kotaku)

External links

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