You might be incredibly cynical like me and assume that Interplay’s recent decision to resurrect the Black Isle Studios label is little more than an effort to draw in fans of the RPGs created by the studio. For those not in the know, Black Isle Studios shuttered its doors close to a decade ago, with most of its developers splintering off to other studios—most notably to InXile and Obsidian Entertainment.
Interplay CEO has since announced that the company plans to bring back the brand—perhaps only in name, if not in spirit—by developing games with a few of the company’s remaining intellectual properties. Although the company has since divested its most known IP, Fallout, the company still retains ownership of Dark Alliance, giving us good reason to believe that any game they make will carry the name of the well-known series.
“Black Isle Studios returns to game publishing and is inviting the best talent to join its team to bring to market new AAA innovative RPGs based on Interplay’s critically acclaimed intellectual properties,” Interplay CEO Herve Caen said.
“It really feels like getting the band back together as we’re seeing opportunities not available to us before. Given our unique position, expanding online and mobile platforms, and renewed interest in our proven properties, I see an incredible success potential for Black Isle Studios,” he said.
There’s little chance that they’ll be developing a Baldur’s Gate, Icewind Dale, or Planescape: Torment title, however, as Interplay gave up the rights to make Dungeons & Dragons games a long time ago.
Despite the announcement of the studio’s resurrection, Black Isle Studios alumni including J.E. Sawyer, Timothy Cain and Chris Avellone have noted (via Facebook) that they have nothing to do with Interplay. Likewise, Interplay co-founder Brian Fargo and former production director Feargus Urquhart have had little contact with Interplay since their departure ages ago.
Regardless of where you stand on Black Isle Studios, it’s always promising to see a new studio producing new games.
