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FASA Dies
To0n writes: "Thought all you Mechwarrior fans would like to know. FASA, after 20 years of being in the role playing game business, has decided to close up shop. Instead of just stopping all the lines, FASA has decided to hand over the reigns to WizKids LLC and Ral Partha Enterprises. Offical press release is here. Sad to see them go, especially after the launch of two new systems, VOR and Crimson Skies."
For those looking for Whiz Kids, you can find them at http://www.mageknight.com.
The WK press release can be found at: http://www.mageknight.com/company_landing.htm?sid= 89&cid=4501
While it sucks that an old friend like FASA is going the way of the dodo, it's actually a Good Thing [TM] for the BattleTech and Shadowrun product lines. Additionally, it's a good thing for Ral Partha. As WK is FAR better funded than FASA "EVER" was.
FASA is going to settle out all their debts, finish up and publish their last project or two (including the much awaited Periphery Field Manual), and that's it. The novel contracts will stay with ROC until the end of the current BTech story arc. After which time, WK will probably begin shopping the line around to other publishing houses. Especially since ROC didn't exactly treat FASA very well.
Unofficially (so far), Mike Stackpole is being brought back into the fold here. So fans of his BattleTech series of books may see him actually finish out his post Clan Invasion story arc.
As to what form BattleTech and SR might take when they re-emerge under the WK imprimature, we don't have any clue right now. From a hardcore gamefan's POV, the best thing they could do is not really change the game, and simply make the supplements for the game better.
From a businessman's POV, BT's fanbase has been gradually shrinking over the last several years (though those who remain are usually VERY hardcore). This presents a barrier of sorts to the entry of new players. WK may (or may not) convert portions (or all) of BattleTech/SR over to a MageKnight format of game play. Which would probably simplify an already simple game.
As for FASA's MechForce fanclub and their Games Workshop-esque Marauder program (sanctioned event hosting). Both programs are probably going to be allowed to quietly die away (some disgruntled members of both organizations would say they already have). Later on, something like MechForce could be resurrected by WK or by someone willing to buy a license to run MechForce in North America.
As to FASA's licenses for VOR, Crucible, and Crimson Skies projects. Crimson Skies reverts to Microsoft. VOR and Crucible revert to their own holders. They may shop the properties around, or simply re-license them to WK under similar terms.
About the only REALLY messed up thing was that most of the EMPLOYEES weren't told till right before the announcement hit the net. And some of their freelancers actually found out about it before being alerted by FASA.
So it's not technically a bankruptcy. Basically, a major, important part of the FASA corporation is being melded into the WK corporation.
Additionally, for those hoping for the Unseen (the mechs that caused the lawsuit with Harmony Gold) to return. Don't bet on it. It'll probably be WK stance that licensing the images from Harmony Gold would simply be money ill-spent.
In short, this is a black cloud with a lot of silver in the lining.
Chas - The one, the only.
THANK GOD!!!
Chas - The one, the only.
THANK GOD!!!
As I was hanging around my favorite gaming store yesterday afternoon I heard some interesting news. It seems one of the heads of Wizkids and one of the heads of Fasa were related, more over fasa, when it acquired another company last year picked up a few debts. It's been discussed that this could be a way to drop the debt, and still keep some of the games "in the family" It'll be interesting to see what's next.
Sig: "Examine the road over which the fault has passed"