Overview
The house that CRPGs built. Black Isle Studios was Interplay’s dedicated RPG division, assembling talent that would define a generation. Fallout 2 expanded the wasteland; Planescape: Torment proved games could be literature; Icewind Dale delivered tactical dungeon crawling. When Interplay imploded, Black Isle’s developers scattered—many founding Obsidian Entertainment to continue their legacy.
Fast facts
- Founded: 1996.
- Parent: Interplay Entertainment.
- Location: Irvine, California.
- Closed: 2003.
Key releases
| Title | Year | Achievement |
|---|
| Fallout 2 | 1998 | Wasteland expanded |
| Planescape: Torment | 1999 | Narrative landmark |
| Icewind Dale | 2000 | Combat-focused CRPG |
| Icewind Dale II | 2002 | Final release |
Cancelled projects
| Project | Status |
|---|
| Baldur’s Gate 3: The Black Hound | Cancelled |
| Fallout 3 (Van Buren) | Cancelled |
| TORN | Cancelled |
Key personnel
| Name | Role |
|---|
| Feargus Urquhart | Division head |
| Chris Avellone | Designer/writer |
| Josh Sawyer | Designer |
| Tim Cain | Designer (Fallout) |
Infinity Engine mastery
| Game | Innovation |
|---|
| Baldur’s Gate support | Engine refinement |
| Planescape: Torment | Narrative focus |
| Icewind Dale | Combat design |
Legacy
| Impact | Expression |
|---|
| Obsidian founding | Staff continuation |
| CRPG standard | Quality benchmark |
| Fallout DNA | Series identity |
| Fan preservation | Continued play |
See also