As reflected in Jason Hall's .plan, Black Isle Studios (makers of the RPGs Baldur's Gate and Fallout in addition to others) have licensed Monolith's LithTech Engine to make "the next generation of role playing games." Here's the press release, with all the vague details:

(Kirkland, Wa February 1, 2000) LithTech Inc. today announced they will license the powerful LithTech Engine to Black Isle Studios, the role playing game (RPG) division of Interplay Entertainment Corp. (NASDAQ: IPLY). The LithTech Engine functions as a complete 3D game operating system that allows game developers to quickly and easily design, develop and focus on content without reinventing technology from scratch each time a new project begins.

“The Black Isle name is synonymous with quality RPG games,” comments Jason Hall, CEO of LithTech Inc. “The versatility of the LithTech Engine will allow the team to create the most dynamic, graphically beautiful game possible. We can’t wait to see the end results.”

The LithTech Engine, the technology behind Shogo: M.A.D. and upcoming Monolith games Sanity and No One Lives Forever, allows for a full range of cutting edge graphic effects, from spectacular lighting to highly detailed character models. The engine also allows designers to create breath-taking outdoor areas from magnificent mountain ranges to sprawling cities.

“In researching all the available 3D Engine technology out there, we were very impressed with both the support and advanced feature set of the LithTech engine. It is an engine that will definitely help Black Isle create the incredible worlds we are known for,” said Feargus Urquhart, Division director for Black Isle Studios.