Let’s Not Undersell Fallout 3

New Todd Howard interview at Videogaming 247 (never heard of it either):

videogaming247: You’ve been keen to stress that Fallout 3 isn’t a shooter, that it’s an RPG in which you shoot. Firstly, why does the game’s classification matter so much, and, secondly, doesn’t the fact that the game has shooting elements means it’s going to appeal to both those interested in RPGs and those interested in FPSs?

Todd Howard: You’re probably right, in that it appeals to fans of both, and we’re OK with that. I don’t know that the game’s classification does matter much. I like to think of RPGs as the best genre-blenders, in that you can do anything in them. No type of interaction is off limits and you can have action parts, puzzle solving parts, or anything else. When you’re making a shooter, you never ask “can the player get married and have kids?” When you’re making an RPG, that type of thinking goes on all the time, so while it may look like a shooter, I think that dramatically undersells what the game does.[...]

videogaming247: Twelve alternate endings sounds, to be frank, mental. Why so many? Do you feel the need for this product to be definitive?

Todd Howard: That number is artificially inflated, in that what you get at the very end is based on a number of things you’ve done. Some of those tweaks to the ending are pretty small, so I think it’s better to simply say the game has multiple endings based on what you did. Some of the really big decisions that affect the end you make right at the end, but some of them deal more with your karma, and how you’ve lived your life.

videogaming247: Finally, can we expect all the SKUs to launch at once, or are we looking at a similar situation to the Oblivion release, where Microsoft enjoyed an exclusivity period on the console side?

Todd Howard: They should all be the same date, that’s our plan.

Spotted at the BethBlog, you can read the rest here.

European Fallout 3

Zenimax, the company that owns Bethesda Softworks, makers of Fallout 3, is going to be a publisher in Europe now, based in London and keeping a few publishing and distribution agreements in some markets with third parties:

16th February 2008 (London, England) – ZeniMax Media Inc., the parent company of Bethesda Softworks®, today announced it has begun direct publishing operations in Europe with the establishment of its London-based subsidiary, ZeniMax Europe Ltd. ZeniMax Europe will be publishing titles throughout UK/EMEA territories under the Bethesda Softworks brand.

Bethesda Softworks has a successful history as a developer and publisher of award-winning titles, most recently with The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion®, which won critical acclaim and countless Game of the Year awards. While continuing to work with strategic European distribution partners, ZeniMax Europe plans to deliver a range of compelling titles to the European market in the coming years, including the highly anticipated Fallout® 3 in Fall 2008.

“This is an important step for us as we look to expand our presence in markets outside of North America,” said Robert Altman, CEO of ZeniMax Media Inc. “We want to establish direct relationships with retailers and distributors throughout Europe and the UK as we bring exciting titles like Fallout® 3 and Rogue Warrior™ to gamers worldwide.”

The European operations of the Company will be headed by Sean Brennan, an industry veteran with over 20 years experience in the European markets. “We are happy to be part of the ZeniMax family,” said Sean “Building upon their great reputation and extending their direct reach throughout Europe and the UK is an exciting, new phase in the expansion of the company.”

Working alongside Brennan are Greg Baverstock, Director of Sales and Business Development, and Christina Camerota, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. With a wealth of industry experience, the team has recently settled into the Company’s new European offices which are located in the heart of London’s West end.

About ZeniMax Europe Ltd.
Headquartered in London, England, ZeniMax Europe Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of ZeniMax Media Inc. ZeniMax Europe publishes original interactive entertainment content for consoles, the PC, and handheld/wireless devices throughout UK/EMEA territories.

Spotted at EvilAvatar, thanks NMA and Gimli.