Vivendi Universal Games and Interplay have today announced that they have resolved their prior legal disputes and reinstated the distribution agreement they signed in August 2002. As a result of today's announcement, VU Games will distribute Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel in North America and Asia-Pacific and will retain exclusive distribution rights for all Interplay titles in these regions through August 2005.

　　"Our distribution agreement with Interplay has been a mutually beneficial and valuable partnership for both parties since 2001," said Philip O'Neil, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Vivendi Universal Games. "We are pleased to have come to an understanding with Interplay and look forward to the upcoming launch of Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel."

　　"We look forward to extending our working relationship with Vivendi Universal Games," added Herve Caen, chairman and CEO of Interplay. "This will be an ideal fit for Interplay's needs going forward, particularly based on VU Games' strong and respected distribution network, as well as their familiarity with Interplay titles."

　　Fallout: Brotherhood of Steel went gold last month, but no release date has been confirmed for the game following today's announcement. Previous release dates muted for the game would see it arriving in stores both before Thanksgiving and early in 2004--a revised, and hopefully concrete, release date is expected to be announced shortly. For more information, check out our previous coverage of the game.