Overview
Black Isle was Interplay’s RPG division, and for a brief period, they were untouchable. Fallout redefined player freedom. Planescape: Torment set narrative standards games still chase. The Icewind Dale series delivered combat-focused dungeon crawling. Then financial reality intervened, and one of gaming’s greatest studios dispersed.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1996 (as Interplay division).
- Parent: Interplay Entertainment.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Closed: 2003.
Key releases
| Title | Year | Achievement |
|---|
| Fallout | 1997 | Player freedom |
| Baldur’s Gate (published) | 1998 | D&D revival |
| Planescape: Torment | 1999 | Narrative peak |
| Icewind Dale | 2000 | Combat focus |
| Baldur’s Gate II (published) | 2000 | RPG pinnacle |
| Icewind Dale II | 2002 | Final release |
Cancelled projects
| Title | Status |
|---|
| Fallout 3 (Van Buren) | Development halted |
| Baldur’s Gate 3: The Black Hound | Cancelled |
Infinity Engine mastery
| Game | Variation |
|---|
| Planescape | Narrative focus |
| Icewind Dale | Combat emphasis |
| Publishing | BioWare titles |
Design philosophy
| Principle | Implementation |
|---|
| Player agency | Multiple solutions |
| Writing quality | Literary ambition |
| System depth | D&D fidelity |
| Consequence | Choices matter |
Studio closure
| Year | Event |
|---|
| 2003 | Interplay financial collapse |
| Staff | Dispersed across industry |
| Obsidian | Formed by veterans |
Legacy studios
| Studio | Connection |
|---|
| Obsidian | Direct successor |
| inXile | Brian Fargo |
See also