Fallout 1 & 2 Source Code: Saved From Destruction, But Locked Away?

The fate of the original source code for Interplay's iconic RPGs, Fallout and Fallout 2, has been a topic of much speculation. For years, it was believed to be lost forever, a casualty of Interplay's strict policy of demanding that departing employees destroy all company assets. Now, a surprising revelation has surfaced: the code still exists, defying those orders, but its release remains uncertain.

The saga began when Fallout creator Tim Cain recounted his experience of being instructed to destroy all Fallout-related materials upon leaving Interplay in 1998. This included the source code for the original game. Ironically, Interplay later contacted him seeking the code, as they had misplaced their own copies.

Enter Rebecca Heineman, Interplay's co-founder and a key figure in the studio's early days. As Videogamer reported, Heineman, a champion of game preservation, revealed that she secretly archived everything, including the Fallout source code. "I made it a quest to snapshot everything and archive it on CD-ROMs," Heineman explained. "When I left Interplay in 1995, I had copies of every game we did. No exceptions. It included Fallout 1 and 2."

Heineman confirmed that Interplay did indeed threaten former employees with litigation if they retained company assets. However, she believed the company's legal standing was weak, and she took the risk of preserving the code.

So, why isn't this treasure trove of gaming history readily available? The answer lies with Bethesda, the current owner of the Fallout IP. As Heineman explains, releasing the code requires Bethesda's permission, as they still sell Fallout and Fallout 2. "I need expressed permission to release, despite the source code being pretty much obsolete," said Heineman. She intends to ask Bethesda, but her busy schedule, which includes reviving MacPlay and porting more games to Mac, has kept her occupied.

The rediscovery of the Fallout 1 and Fallout 2 source code is a victory for game preservation. It highlights the importance of individual efforts in safeguarding gaming history, even in the face of corporate policies. However, the code's fate remains uncertain, pending Bethesda's decision. Will they grant permission for its release, allowing fans and developers to explore these classic RPGs in unprecedented detail? Or will the source code remain locked away, a tantalizing reminder of what could be?

What do you think? Should Bethesda release the Fallout and Fallout 2 source code? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

• Bethesda
• Fallout
• Interplay