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New Interplay developer Black Isle Studios has begun a crowdfunding campaign to revive development of post-apocolyptic MMO Project V13, previously known as Fallout Online.
The title is described as a strategy RPG that will have players leading a community of survivors by gathering resources and rebuilding the wasteland, as well as keeping people alive.
Funding tiers include $10, $20 and then ‘Top 20 contributors for anyone who pledges more.
Unlike many other crowdfunding campaigns that take place through websites such as Kickstarter, backers will not receive a copy of the game, or any physical reward. Donators will instead receive “special” forum access and profile badges.
The team will be using the funds to create a “proof of concept” prototype, as well as to hire more developers and staff, and it will then use an early edition of the game to attempt to generate further funding to complete the title.
There were no details on when the prototype was expected to be completed, or how much money was required for development to continue.
“The prototype will be a ‘proof of concept’. It won’t have the entire world or a finished game,” reads a statement on the studio’s website.
"We’ve got some great ideas, but they haven’t been tested in the crucible of actual play. We need time and money. We’ll have most, if not all, systems in the proof of concept. We’ll be able to run around the world, interacting with NPCs and objects, basic combat, building and work management, and test the other core gameplay mechanics.
“We can then use this prototype to raise the additional funds necessary to complete the game.”
In January earlier this year, Interplay reached a settlement with Bethesda after a lengthy lawsuit over the rights of the Fallout franchise, in which the cash-strapped publisher agreed to give up all rights to the franchise for a $2 million payout from Bethesda.
Although the new title will be using previously developed assets, it is not clear if it will also be an MMO as originally planned with Fallout Online. It was also not stated whether the game’s original developer MastHead was working on the project also.
Visit the Black Isle website for more information.
