As reported by IMR/BattleCorps (http://www.battlecorps.com/BC2/news.html?article=241):
QuoteINMEDIARES 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
More information here (http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=17320), including Rob Boyle's answers to some questions.
Another Shadowrun move?
Huh. Can't say that it's a very exciting press release for me.
Quote from: C.W.RichesonAnother Shadowrun move?
Huh. Can't say that it's a very exciting press release for me.
Many details aren't public yet, but on the whole this move seems
very positive.
Sometimes I wonder just how Wizkids have ever remained in business.
It´s good!
FANPRO is down dying.
Cool, maybe we will get another great series of Mechwarrior PC games.
Quote from: RockViperCool, maybe we will get another great series of Mechwarrior PC games.
Entirely unrelated matter, that.
FASA Interactive is the sole rights holder for video and computer games based on Battletech, Mechwarrior, Shadowrun, and Crimson Skies, and can do basically whatever they, and Microsoft (their current owners) want to do with them.
Wizkids has no say in the matter whatsoever, nor does Fanpro, or this possible new owner, as Fanpro is only licensing the rights to the original tabletop games from Wizkids, who itself is the primary rights holder for the IP of the series and any tabletop adaptations of the properties.
It has to do with the way they split up what was left of FASA after the oriinal entity closed it's doors.
Quote from: signoftheserpentSometimes I wonder just how Wizkids have ever remained in business.
FanPro only licenses SR and BT from WizKids-WK themselves seem to be doing rather well in their end of the market.
Well they pretty much have a empty license then. Battletech is a perfect example of a tabletop RPG/War-game that blends well with Computer games.
Quote from: J ArcaneEntirely unrelated matter, that.