Fallout Online Announced, Beta Signups Open.

[JediAthos]

Interplay has officially announced that Fallout Online, formerly known as Project V13, is in development and has opened beta signups on the teaser website.


by Alice O'Connor Jun 18, 2010 3:00pm CST tags: Fallout Online, Project: V13, Fallout MMO

Ending years of dancing round and refusing to confirm that its plainly Fallout-related post-apocalyptic PC MMO codenamed 'Project: V13' was its Fallout MMORPG, publisher Interplay has officially unveiled Fallout Online and opened beta signups.

Fallout Online is co-developed by Earthrise dev Masthead Studios and internally at Interplay, with Fallout designer Chris Taylor onboard as lead system designer.


The beta signup site and a little Project: V13 concept art.

The MMO has been the focus of a lengthy legal dispute between Interplay and current Fallout owner Bethesda. When Interplay sold the property to Bethesda in 2007, Interplay retained the rights to develop a Fallout MMO--on condition that it pay royalties and enter "full-scale" development within two years with a minimum of $30 million in funding.

Two years later, Bethesda charged that Interplay had failed to meet these requirements and so forfeited its rights. Bethesda further contended that Interplay's un-approved 'Fallout Trilogy,' 'Fallout Collection' and 'Saga Fallout' bundle re-releases of the first three Fallout titles were "confusingly similar to Fallout 3" and "cannibalizes on sales."

While Bethesda's bid to have development halted was not immediately successful, the court case continued. It's unclear whether the unveiling of Fallout Online represents a resolution of the legal battle or simply increased boldness from Interplay. "We cannot discuss the lawsuit," Chris Taylor states simply in a post on the Interplay forums. "Thank you for your understanding."

The Fallout Online site makes no mention of when its "early entry beta program" will begin, though Interplay stated in January that it would launch a "public beta" in 2012. There remains, of course, no word on a release date. Thanks to all who sent in tips

Source: http://www.shacknews.com/onearticle.x/64400

Fallout Online Website: http://www.fallout-on-line.com/


So what do you think Fallout fans? I think that with Interplay involved (the original publisher of Fallout) this stands a chance of being an awesome game. I'm certainly going to signup for the beta and will hopefully get in when it starts!

[PastramiX]

It'll be interesting, that's for sure. Whether or not the gameplay is any good, i.e. if it doesn't retain every MMO gameplay trope from EVE to WoW, then perhaps it might also work. As long as Bethesda's hands are off the development, then I know that it'll be better than Fallout 3, though, so at least that'll give it a better chance. Also, at least Interplay still has Chris Taylor, so it won't be a virgin team in the Fallout setting a la Bethesda in FO3. On a side note, Fallout Online also has the best game acronym ever: FOOL.

[DarthParametric]

I was going to sign up when it was first announced, but their Flash-based form is a POS that I couldn't get working in FF, so I gave up.

I'm not holding out any hope for it to be honest. The fact that Interplay is involved to me is just a sign of them desperately trying to cash-in on the franchise. It doesn't imply that the end result will be any good.

[JediAthos]

I think if they can do it right it could be an amazing game. I just think about the how large they could make the game world instead of focusing on just a small portion of the U.S. they could even expand to Europe or up into Canada and what not. They could even incorporate settlements from the Fallout Trilogy so you can see how they've progressed since the events of the games. The potential is there if they can do it right.

[Sabretooth]

Public beta in 2012. o_O

Good luck, Interplay.

[DarthParametric]

Originally Posted by JediAthos

The potential is there if they can do it right.

I think it's much more likely they'll go bankrupt again long before this ever sees the light of day.

[JediAthos]

Originally Posted by DarthParametric

I think it's much more likely they'll go bankrupt again long before this ever sees the light of day.

Pessimist

I do hope you're wrong but I wouldn't think they would make this type of announcement if they had any inclination they would be going bankrupt.

[Sabretooth]

I think they've made this announcement precisely because they know they're headed for bankruptcy. It's a do-or-die thing.

[Mandalore The Shadow]

Oh my god this is going to be amazing... I hope