UPDATE: Lawsuit not over yet.

In an unprecedented move, Bethesda has dropped their appeal against Interplay, thereby granting victory to the struggling developer. This means that Interplay can move full-steam ahead with their Fallout MMO codenamed "Project V13," according to Interplay investor Frymuchan. Here is what Frymuchan had to say:

Bethesda dropped their appeal of the lawsuit with Interplay and a secret deal was struck (maybe they will release the terms of the deal soon, probably so). Anyways, this is awesome news for Interplay stock. The appeal by Bethesda was dropped yesterday. I'm assuming part of the deal was that Interplay drop their countersuit against Bethesda.

At any rate, this will likely mean that V13 will be moving full steam ahead, terms of the new deal not yet known but the fact that the game will be made is nothing but good news for Interplay.

The following is the text from the drop of the appeal from Bethesda's law firm Steptoe and Johnson:

The undersigned hereby moves that the above appeal be dismissed upon such terms as have been agreed to by the parties. FRAP 42(b). Undersigned counsel represents to the Court that all appellate counsel of record consent to this dismissal.

Respectfully submitted,

/s/ Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov
Howard H. Stahl
Jennifer Quinn-Barabanov

STEPTOE & JOHNSON LLP

And the order of dismissal from the court:

This Court's order dismissing this appeal pursuant to Rule 42(b) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure takes effect today. This constitutes the formal mandate of this Court issued pursuant to Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure.

/s/Patricia S. Connor, Clerk

Hopefully Interplay releases some new Fallout MMO information soon. Stay tuned to DAC for updates.