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Mailing List Logs for ShadowRN

Message no. 1
From: adamjury@*****.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:44:56 -0600
Hiya all,

Passing this along. If you have questions, which I'm sure you will,
please form and orderly line, read the other replies to the thread
before firing off your own reply, don't top-post, etc. thanks!

cheers,
Adam

INMEDIARES PRODUCTIONS LLC. ENTERS NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE CLASSIC
BATTLETECH AND SHADOWRUN LICENSES FROM WIZKIDS INC.

Everett, WA, April 20, 2007—InMediaRes Production LLC has entered
into negotiations with WizKids, Inc. and FanPro, LLC to explore the
acquisition of RPG publishing rights for the Classic BattleTech and
Shadowrun Intellectual Properties. IMR is confident in the strength
of Shadowrun and Classic BattleTech and the commitment that WizKids,
Inc. has shown in supporting these two long-standing properties.

About InMediaRes Productions LLC
InMediaRes Productions LLC has developed BattleCorps.com as the
premiere on-line fiction source for Classic BattleTech.
BattleCorps.com actively support the Classic BattleTech community,
their BattleShop offers everything from poster maps to PDF
sourcebooks, miniatures to software, and is the one-stop-shop for any
fan of the BattleTech/MechWarrior universe. Their subscription-based
services also take the Classic BattleTech experience to a whole new
level, featuring a stable of authors from national best sellers to
great new talent, new art, unique product previews, faction specific
message boards and moderated chats with authors and developers.

About WizKids, Inc.
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a
Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating
tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates
brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with
over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For
additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.


Loren Coleman’s Letter to the Community

Some of you may have heard the rumors beginning to build. Well, the
announcements are now getting out there. Negotiations have begun,
seeking to move the Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun properties to a
new company, InMediaRes Productions.

As this moves forward, I'm certain we will hear information of long-
time employees moving between companies, as well as dark rumors as to
the fate of CBT and Shadowrun. I want not only to strike down such
rumors, I can tell you that I see nothing but brighter, better days
ahead for both game lines.

I have spoken with WizKids, and can assure you that this move is in
the best interest of both Classic BattleTechand Shadowrun. I have
every confidence in WizKids, in their support for the game lines, and
their ability to ensure that the games we enjoy so much will only
grow stronger.

I also think we owe a deep debt of gratitude to FanPro and its
employees, as well, for bringing the properties this far. They have
done an exceedingly hard job, taking over after FASA closed its
doors, and the quality of the product we've seen in the last several
years is a testament to their hard work and love for the games.

I know that I, and all other industry professionals I've spoken to,
have re-committed ourselves to the game lines, no matter what. This
is not something we would do if we were worried about their future.
In fact, we are more excited than ever to have the ability to take
both Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun to new and greater heights.

We look forward to seeing you there, along for the ride!

Loren Coleman
InMediaRes Productions


Rob Boyle’s Letter to the Community

I've been the lead Shadowrun line developer for FanPro LLC since the
day it started, through good times and bad. Along with the other
developers and freelancers, we have all been absolutely committed to
continuing and and growing this game line in new and exciting ways.

The time has now come to transfer the Shadowrun line into the hands
of a new company. We are not saying goodbye, however--we're coming
along for the ride as well. Everyone who is part of the core
Shadowrun production crew is looking forward to relocating the line
to IMR's stewardship and continuing to publish one of the best games
out there. Despite the delays we've recently faced, we are excited
that things will be getting back on track quite quickly.

Rob Boyle
Shadowrun Line Developer


Randall Bills' Letter to the Community

The last ten years I’ve seen the Classic BattleTech property and
community thrive. I’ve been a part of the development of over one
hundred products and novels for this universe. I’ve also been the key
driving force behind the largest re-branding and revitalization
Classic BattleTech has seen in well over a decade, including the
creation and launching of the Dawn of Jihad sourcebook and storyline,
as well as Total Warfare.

FanPro has made the above accomplishments possible. With the
expiration of the license and WizKids’ desire to position the Classic
BattleTech product to achieve even more, WizKids, Inc. is working
with both FanPro LLC and InMediaRes Productions LLC. to transition
the Classic BattleTech license to InMediaRes.

I have immensely enjoyed the working relationship between myself and
WizKids and the other licensees surrounding Classic BattleTech/
MechWarrior, such as Iron Wind Metals, InMediaRes Productions and so
on. I completely support this move by all involved and look forward
to an even stronger relationship between the various licensees that
positions Classic BattleTech/MechWarrior to even greater heights.

Randall Bills
Classic BattleTech Line Developer
Message no. 2
From: toast.in.the.machine@*****.com (Mark)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 18:24:10 -0700
On 4/20/07, Adam Jury <adamjury@*****.com> wrote:
> Passing this along. If you have questions, which I'm sure you will,

The Battlecorps web site seems to suggest offices in Seattle. Is that
where the home of Shadowrun will be?

Would this imply a working relationship with FASA Interactive?

Mark
Message no. 3
From: davek@***.lonestar.org (David Kettler)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 01:34:37 +0000
Predictions for the future:

Soon we will hear announcements about a 5th edition of Shadowrun. It will be a complete
rewrite that will be based on a d20 system and set in 2080. In it the matrix will have
crashed (again), but this time with good cause: The reality distortion field that was
making SR4's matrix possible fails and everyone is forced to go back to using wires ;)

Riggers will now be known as drivers, so as not to confuse people.

Hackers will be known as script kiddies.

Magic traditions will be elminated entirely.

The effectiveness of magic against mundanes will be doubled so as to even further
discourage anyone from ever playing a street sam again.

Those who purchase the new edition will wonder why they bothered...

Am I being too cynical? Perhaps.

--
Dave Kettler
davek@***.lonestar.org
SDF Public Access UNIX System - http://sdf.lonestar.org
Message no. 4
From: cmdjackryan@**********.com (Phillip Gawlowski)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 03:41:06 +0200
Adam Jury wrote:
> Hiya all,
>
> Passing this along. If you have questions, which I'm sure you will,
> please form and orderly line, read the other replies to the thread
> before firing off your own reply, don't top-post, etc. thanks!

How will that influence publishing in Germany? I've checked both FanPro
Germany's websites, but found no information regarding a change
concerning publishing in Germany.

Does InMediaRes already have ideas concerning new products? Translating
the BattleCorps.com into a Shadowrun equivalent seems to be the most
obvious.

> Loren Coleman’s Letter to the Community
>
> As this moves forward, I'm certain we will hear information of long-time
> employees moving between companies, as well as dark rumors as to the
> fate of CBT and Shadowrun. I want not only to strike down such rumors, I
> can tell you that I see nothing but brighter, better days ahead for both
> game lines.

I'm a bit jaded concerning those statements..

Will the core team be able to act more-or-less independently?


--
Phillip "CynicalRyan" Gawlowski
http://cynicalryan.110mb.com/
http://clothred.rubyforge.org

Rule of Open-Source Programming #11:

When a developer says he will work on something, he or she means
"maybe".
Message no. 5
From: adamjury@*****.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:45:49 -0600
On 20-Apr-07, at 7:24 PM, Mark wrote:

> The Battlecorps web site seems to suggest offices in Seattle. Is that
> where the home of Shadowrun will be?

IMR is based in Seattle. Rob will still be working on Shadowrun out
of Chicago. Seattle & Bug City. Can it get better?

> Would this imply a working relationship with FASA Interactive?

Such discussions are premature. :-)

Adam
--
Adam Jury
adamjury@*****.com | www.talkinabout.com
Message no. 6
From: adamj@*********.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 19:52:33 -0600
On 20-Apr-07, at 7:41 PM, Phillip Gawlowski wrote:

> How will that influence publishing in Germany? I've checked both
> FanPro Germany's websites, but found no information regarding a
> change concerning publishing in Germany.

IMR and FanPro LLC cannot speak for FanPro GmbH's future plans.

> Does InMediaRes already have ideas concerning new products?
> Translating the BattleCorps.com into a Shadowrun equivalent seems
> to be the most obvious.

Yes. The long-planned HoloStreets subscription service will happen,
and there are plenty of ideas for new Shadowrun products, both
traditional game books and other add-ons and accessories.

>> Loren Coleman’s Letter to the Community
>> As this moves forward, I'm certain we will hear information of
>> long-time employees moving between companies, as well as dark
>> rumors as to the fate of CBT and Shadowrun. I want not only to
>> strike down such rumors, I can tell you that I see nothing but
>> brighter, better days ahead for both game lines.
>
> I'm a bit jaded concerning those statements..
>
> Will the core team be able to act more-or-less independently?

Yes. IMR will be working closely with WizKids to ensure that both
companies are satisfied with the game lines and their direction, to
ensure greater brand cohesion, and to make sure stuff is awesome and
fun.

cheers,
Adam
Message no. 7
From: swiftone@********.org (Brett Ritter)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 02:27:30 -0400
On 4/20/07, Adam Jury <adamjury@*****.com> wrote:
> INMEDIARES PRODUCTIONS LLC. ENTERS NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE CLASSIC
> BATTLETECH AND SHADOWRUN LICENSES FROM WIZKIDS INC.

What? Did they put out a Rigger book when I wasn't looking?

--
Brett Ritter / SwiftOne
swiftone@********.org
Message no. 8
From: korishinzo@*****.com (Ice Heart)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 09:07:53 -0700 (PDT)
Dave Kettler wrote:

> Those who purchase the new edition will wonder why they bothered...
>
> Am I being too cynical? Perhaps.

*is laughing soooo hard right now*

Is there such a thing as "too" cynical? I think there is cynical
enough, and preceding that, various levels of credulity.

For example, anyone who believes the new stewards of the existing
game lines will not succumb to the temptation to put their stamp on
the product at some fundamental level.

I recall Atlas Games promising not to change Ars Magica...

I can't recall a single game that has changed hands with the promise
of "it won't change, but any changes will be for the better" where
the inevitable changes have not ultimately ruined the game for its
existing fanbase.

So no, I don't think you are being "too" cynical. *smile*

======Korishinzo
--Cynicism is just amortized disappointment.



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Message no. 9
From: adamjury@*****.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 17:02:58 -0600
On 21-Apr-07, at 10:07 AM, Ice Heart wrote:

> For example, anyone who believes the new stewards of the existing
> game lines will not succumb to the temptation to put their stamp on
> the product at some fundamental level.

The same people who worked at FanPro will be working at IMR; the
games are already stamped. If you didn't like what FanPro was doing
with SR and CBT in the last few years, this probably isn't going to
change your mind. If you did, hopefully you'll be rewarded with more
timely releases and other cool stuff. :-)

Adam


--
Adam Jury
adamjury@*****.com | www.talkinabout.com
Message no. 10
From: lrdslvrhnd@*****.com (Kevin McB)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 22:35:36 -0400
On 4/21/07, Adam Jury <adamjury@*****.com> wrote:
>
>
> The same people who worked at FanPro will be working at IMR; the
> games are already stamped. If you didn't like what FanPro was doing
> with SR and CBT in the last few years, this probably isn't going to
> change your mind. If you did, hopefully you'll be rewarded with more
> timely releases and other cool stuff. :-)
>
> Adam


FanPro was doing anything with CBT, other than hosing it and skipping ahead
60 years or whatever? 8-}

Kevin
Message no. 11
From: adamjury@*****.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 21 Apr 2007 20:48:43 -0600
On 21-Apr-07, at 8:35 PM, Kevin McB wrote:

> FanPro was doing anything with CBT, other than hosing it and
> skipping ahead
> 60 years or whatever? 8-}

FanPro has released well over 20 books for Classic BattleTech,
including the brand new full-color core rules Total Warfare in 2006,
independent of WizKid's MechWarrior: Age of Destruction game line.

Total Warfare: http://www.classicbattletech.com/index.php?
action=products&mode=full&id7

Adam
--
Adam Jury
adamjury@*****.com | www.talkinabout.com
Message no. 12
From: mightyflapjack@*****.com (Mightyflapjack)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Sat, 28 Apr 2007 20:23:59 -0400
Sorry to resurrect an old thread.

Adam, is there any possibility of new SR novels within say 6 months? Any of
them based in year 2070+?
Message no. 13
From: adamj@*********.com (Adam Jury)
Subject: Shadowrun [and Classic BattleTech] License News
Date: Tue, 01 May 2007 14:59:08 -0600
On 28-Apr-07, at 6:23 PM, Mightyflapjack wrote:

> Adam, is there any possibility of new SR novels within say 6
> months? Any of
> them based in year 2070+?

Within six months? No; simply not possible. Somewhere down the road?
Boy, it sure would be nice ... ;-)

cheers,
Adam
--
Adam Jury
adamjury@*****.com | www.talkinabout.com

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These messages were posted a long time ago on a mailing list far, far away. The copyright to their contents probably lies with the original authors of the individual messages, but since they were published in an electronic forum that anyone could subscribe to, and the logs were available to subscribers and most likely non-subscribers as well, it's felt that re-publishing them here is a kind of public service.

Thwap!