Bethesda picks up Fallout series

Bethesda Softworks has purchased the rights to the Fallout series of videogames from Interplay for $5.75 million, according to an SEC filing.

Interplay previously granted Bethesda the rights to develop sequels in the series whilst keeping the option to produce a Fallout MMO, and work on a third instalment had already begun.

As a result of the new deal, Bethesda is the sole owner of the Fallout IP - and will be licensing rights to the MMO game to Interplay.

However, the licence is conditional on Interplay starting work on the game and securing at least USD 30 million in financing within two years. In addition, the MMO must launch within four years after development begins, or Interplay will lose the licence.

If the conditions are met and the game is released, Bethesda will receive 12 per cent of sales and subscription fees as payment for the use of the Fallout IP.