Interplay Starts Selling IP

Not too long ago, we reported on the Sierra Humble Bundle. It was a noteworthy affair, as Sierra was a popular, downright iconic PC game developer back in the '80s and '90s, creating a whole host of the famous adventure games and RPGs that have helped define the genres in the years since. However, they were far from the only company finding success back in those foggy yesteryears: there was also Interplay, a company you younger folks may need to Google, as they were responsible for games such as Earthworm Jim, Alone in the Dark, and The Bard's Tale. They've... fallen into hard times as of late, and now, while they're still technically around, they've decided they need to take more dramatic measures if they plan on making money.

So, in that spirit, they've recently announced their plans to start selling some of their extensive library of IP so other studios can have a chance to make games based on the games they once helped pioneer.

In a press release, Interplay president Eric Caen had this to say:

"Interplay has entertained millions of players with its well-recognized games, including Earthworm Jim, Freespace, Giants, Kingpin, Messiah, MDK, Run Like Hell, Sacrifice, Battlechess, Clayfighter, Dark Alliance, and Descent. As game creators, we are proud of the entertainment these properties have provided over the years. With the proliferation of mobile, augmented reality, virtual reality and other new forms of consumption, we believe that consumers are ready to experience and interact with Interplay's characters, stories and game play in ways never possible before. We look forward to seeing how this unique portfolio of interactive entertainment icons will evolve for the worldwide audience."

Those are some solid titles and names, but the big question is, who will take them up on the offer? As of right now, no one has publically expressed interest, but then, this has only just started, and game developers and studios have a fair reputation for gobbling up the corpses of dying studios quite efficiently. I suspect it's only a matter of time before they get themselves a few interested parties... although how much they're charging for this IP hasn't been disclosed, so how badly they want it... or how badly Interplay wants to get rid of these creative assets--will just have to stay a secret, for the time being.

I wonder who'll bite first...?