Yup.  As I reported on my site, ArtHaus picked BESM 3e for a January 2007 release.  Here's the official press release from White Wolf.

I'm happy for the BESM fans.  I don't like to see any game people love die off like that.

Cool, I'm pretty interested in how the 3rd edition will turn out.

January 2007 release? I guess they won't be doing any major changes to the book's crunch, and will publish what GoO had.

How is Art Haus related to White Wolf?  Does WW just publish the material that AH produces?  Or is there more involvement at the design/business levels?

Quote from: VellorianHow is Art Haus related to White Wolf?  Does WW just publish the material that AH produces?  Or is there more involvement at the design/business levels?

AH is an imprint that does smaller print runs. At least it was originally.

Quote from: JongWKJanuary 2007 release? I guess they won't be doing any major changes to the book's crunch, and will publish what GoO had.

From  what I have heard the game is "Done" and all it needs is to be published.   So GOO finished it but could not afford to publish it.

Hmmm, the announcement says that part of the agreement with GoO is that fans who pre-ordered and prepaid for BESM3 will be in "good hands" and will get details this month.

It also says that Arthaus has not assumed any of GoO's liabilities.

hmmmm.

Color me surprised.  I thought BESM3 would just quietly disappear.  Then again, there's plenty of time between now and January for it to slip through the cracks.

Is there any concern over the fact that the two largest elements of anime gaming will now be controlled/published from a single source?  (Exalted and, now, BESM)

Is it conceivable that WW will dictate to AH to make changes so as to steer fans toward Exalted?  

I remember what happened when Wal-Mart acquired Woolco (in Canada).  They kept the President of Woolco on board for a year (primarily due to Canadian law in that respect) and slowly converted all the Woolco stores into Wal-Marts.  They didn't convert any of the union dominated stores, and those subsequently closed.  By the end of the year, there wasn't even a hint that those stores had once been Woolco stores, and the former President of Woolco was fired (despite doing a reportedly good job) exactly a year later.

WW has a serious investment in Exalted, do you think they'd so willingly support two lines that are directly competitive?

Quote from: VellorianIs there any concern over the fact that the two largest elements of anime gaming will now be controlled/published from a single source?  (Exalted and, now, BESM)

Is it conceivable that WW will dictate to AH to make changes so as to steer fans toward Exalted?

Exalted and BESM play to two very different audiences. Besides, White Wolf's usually pretty cool about what happens on their subsidiary imprints.

Yeah, their treatment of Pendragon has been beyond repproach really.  I'm just hoping they start republishing the excellent supplements, some of which could really do with a little updating... if only in layout.

If I was a BESM fan I'd see this as a positive thing because they'll likely get a new edition out of it and some support should it sell well.

Quote from: Mr. AnalyticalIf I was a BESM fan I'd see this as a positive thing because they'll likely get a new edition out of it and some support should it sell well.

And the selling well bit is crucial. If I remember correctly AH lines can only do their next book's print run once they have enough sales from the prior book. It's meant to mimick small-press business models with the benefit of a large-press distribution network and materials.

Though the honoring preorders is a phenomenal move on their part, if you ask me.

Well if that's true then Pendragon must be selling like hotcakes seeing as it was barely off the presses before they brought out the Great Pendragon Campaign.

Cover art:




Ugh...

I think it's nice enough.  The art certainly looks more "anime" than what a lot of people seem to think is the anime style.

If it were in a store, the red cover would make it stand out, and increase the probability of someone pulling it out to look at.

I should clarify: I have a serious, serious dislike of that logo, and those squares don't do anything for me. The red background and the girl are ok, though.