Aahz: Where's Loren? Vairdic> Fashionably late as usual :) Vairdic> Ok folks, welcome to today's chat. rumor> aww... man. Who told Mohan about this?!? Vairdic> And there he is.... Vairdic> Today we'll be fielding questions about the recent closure of the WizKids division of Topps. For obvious reasons there are things that we can't talk about, as well as questions that will be clarified as things progress. Vairdic> We'll also be taking general Catalyst Questions if you have them. rumor> we will not be discussing the impending death of a major BattleTech character, or news of secret special shadowrun annivesary products. won't even hint about them. so don't ask. Vairdic> We have Loren L. Coleman, Author and InMediaRes Productions Owner, Randall Bills, Managing Developer, and myself David Stansel-Garner Operations Manager (and the only serious one here I swear). rumor> i am the walrus.... googoogajoo! Vairdic> So with that said, I open the room to questions. For those of you who haven't done a chat before, simply type in your question, and the moderator will forward it to the appropriate person for answering. rumor> if there are no questions, I will simply recite Beatles lyrics. or quote shakespeare, as the mood fits. DEZOAT: Did you all know about Wizkid demise , but didn't know when? rumor> Actually, this came as a complete surprise. To WK as well, apparently. Our best intel was that Topps was signing a lease on a new office, and everything was set to proceed as normal for the next few years at least. trboturtle: Hoiw long have the talks been going on? rumor> Well, we heard about this on the Monday of the announcement... that morning. We began talking to friends and deep cover spies immediately after, and I believe we formally contacted Topps on Tuesday. We submitted our initial offer on Wednesday night. So it all happened recently, and fast. Aahz: So when is Bonfire of Worlds going to hit the stores? Precentor_Martial> The launch of the novel line was pushed back to start in 2009 to be able to work on special promotions with mass market and hobby trade stores to ensure a solid market penetration right at the start. We'll have an announcement detailing this information posted in the near future. Specter831: Has Catalyst had any talks with the owners of Pinata? rumor> Yes. The owners of PInata are also two very talented managers/develoeprs who could be important to the furture success of HeroClix. We hpoe to work together as friendly rivals, or maybe something closer. If you can't beat 'em, recruit 'em. RedLancer: Does the collapse of Wizkids mean that the release schedule may be further juggled? Does it mean any books may be shifted to the back burner are brought forward in the schedule compared to before, or perhaps *Gasp* new products? Precentor_Martial> The collapse of WK itself does not change our release schedule. Whether we acquire properties from WizKids may or may not affect the release schedule based upon which ones we acquire and in what time frame. Obviously there are some 'core' products that won't change regardless of what happens. But there could be a small juggling based upon what occurs in the next short while. Just have to wait and see how that turn sout. RedLancer: Absolute shot-in-the-dark: Is Renegade Legion one of Wizkids properties and if so is/will Catalyst contemplate acquiring it? rumor> I believe RL was retained by FASA... I don't think WK ever owned it. but if ends up on the list, yeah, I'd pick it up. Again, though, don't believe it's available through this buy-out. RoundTop: Why did you release CAT35303 ISP2 and CAT35303X Blake Docs with the same code? (On the spine Blake Docs says CAT35303). I ended up having issues when I ordered one and got the other (though I was ordering both anyways) Precentor_Martial> Simply an error that occured, unfortunately. BDS: If you can discuss it, what would be the timeframe on whether or not Catalyst will be able to purchase the former WizKids IP? rumor> there is no hard and fast deadline. yet. but my best guess, based on current information, is that it will happen sooner rather than later. By the end of the year. Maybe faster. But that all depends on Topps, which I'm sure will move at the pace they see as best for hte different properties, and for their own interests. rumor> the duplicated bar code was a blakists plot I tell you!!! they want to discredit us, to bring about the dark times!!! Goose: Could you really still get clicktech stuff built in China right now? Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> There is no reason to think that the Chinese maufacturers who produced the miniatures for WK would not want to work with whomever gets the property. wolfhound_88: is the closure going to affect teh day to day operations of CGL? Vairdic> We're suprisingly un-affected by the closure really. There would be a slight delay in approvals while we changed over who we need to contact, but luckily we got everything we'll need approved in for the next while. So for us, it's business as usual! Solarmech: BattleTech has proven to be a property that is successful and can grow. Are there peopel/entities that are looking to buy Battletech. (People that we as players would not be comfortabel with). sm rumor> I'm sure there are plenty of people who are now thinking about it. I"m not aware, yet, of any separate entities who are actively pursuing the license. the only offers I know on the table for BT are as part of the whole package, and publicly those offers are in from CGL and Pinata. woudln't surprise me if at least one more player made his presence known soon, though. Specter831: Who is this 'rumor' individual replying to questions? Vairdic> Rumor is Loren Coleman, company owner. rumor> googoogajoob! Centurion03: This might not be the place to ask, but I would like to establish a Commando here in South Africa, but would like to do this as soon as possible. Sending in an application via Snail Mail seems to me to be a bit ineffcient but I will do if that is what is takes. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Right now the Catalyst Demo team and the submission process is being reworked. Paul is working hard to fix some kinks and make everything a smother process. That said I am not sure when it will be finished. So even if we got the email from you this week it would not be processed until he has everything worked out. Why don't you email me and give me all your info and I will get it to Paul to see what he can do. Centurion03: This might not be the place to ask, but I would like to establish a Commando here in South Africa, but would like to do this as soon as possible. Sending in an application via Snail Mail seems to me to be a bit ineffcient but I will do if that is what is takes. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> tara@catalystgamelabs.com Blackthorne: Does the closing affect any current licensing? rumor> Nope. Our license is secure for the next two years, basically. business as usual for CAtalyst. :) we spent a few frantic days in research, making sure. AWP: What is the state of the Clan intro box and is there a detailed content? Precentor_Martial> The Clan Box Set will be a 2009 release. As for detailed contents, this is the current projected contents (subject to change): 48 page The Clans At A Glance, 48 page Introductory Rulebook Expansion, Clan Painting and Tactics Guide, 64 page record sheet booklet, reference cards, maps, 15 'Mech miniatures, 5 battle armor miniatures. Jim_diGriz: When will the Strategic Ops PDF be available in the Battleshop approximately? Vairdic> Much closer to its actual release. The book is printed overseas, so is still a while away. HunterADA: A general Battletech question- StratOps has gone to the printers. Any word on the PDF release date? Precentor_Martial> Unfortunately we don't have that date yet. However, I plan on starting up a weekly blog (as I did with Total Warfare and Tactical Operation) for the next several weeks were i'll discuss different aspects of SO, the decisions behind changes made and so on. Pile of great 'behind the scenes' info I hope to provide as we move towards PDF release and then print release. Atlas3060: will Bonfire of Worlds give us any clues as to who caused the Blackout? Precentor_Martial> Yes. Ward: Hello everyone. (sorry about my english, not my mother thonge) I have read that you have bid topps for wizkids rights even heroclix. It?s there a posibility that you only get part of them? (the ones related to CBT and Shadowrun) rumor> All IPs owned by WizKids are currntly on the table. We are making an offer on the entire package. I am very determined to keep all the licenses intact and safe. However, sure, that is one posisble outcome. We may end up splitting things up. It depends a great deal on TOpps, and how determined others are to own specific pieces of WizKids. Chris: Is CGL adequately resourced to take over WK properties, or will it be a strech? Should we be worried that CGL will pull a FASA? Vairdic> Part of the acqusition of any new product or property is finding the right people for the job. We would expand our resources to include experts on the properties, and as we've proven with BattleTech and Shadowrun, take any properties or products to the next level. RedLancer: Loren - how much caffeine have you consumed before coming here? rumor> NONE! NADDA, ZIP, ZERO! I'm sick, slept only five intermittent hours, and I may have fallen out of bed and hit my head this morning. Ain't got nothin but love, babe, eight days a week!!!!! Atlas3060: Will we be able to look forward to any Christmas or Winter Seasonal releases? Vairdic> There's one more product for CBT coming up this year. Adam_M: Very quick question - will MW:AoD storyline be frozen to the time, when CBT will reach it?? Precentor_Martial> Well, I tend not to worry about that. Even at our current 'accelerated' Jihad roll-out, it's still two years in-universe time for every real year; most of CBT's life across 20+ years has been one year for one year (with the obvious exceptions of the time jumps). So unless there's a time jump, we're looking at 28 real world years before we run into MWDA 3132 territory. If the game is around to hit it's 50th anniversary, I'd love for us to have to 'deal' with that problem at that time. Jim_diGriz: What's the last product for the year? Vairdic> Record Sheets: 3039 trboturtle: Does owning the Battletech IP outright change anything in the timeline you have laid out? Precentor_Martial> To be honest, we'll just have to wait and see. Does it automatically mean a change. Absolutely lot. Could it mean a change, or a change in how we're going to proceed...possibly. Again, just have to see how this plays out. incrdbil: Will there be a noticeablet reduction in the overall average time it takes to bring a product to market if Catalyst owns the IP and no longer has to get approval from WK/Topps? Precentor_Martial> Not really. We build in approval times into our schedules...removing those times simply means we get a 'little' more breathing room. After all, we have a pretty ferocious schedule of products for 09 for all our lines, so we could use a little wiggle room. Jim_diGriz: When is the Periphery Sourcebook slated for release? Vairdic> Now now, we don't comment on release schedule that detailed anymore, remember? ;) wolf_lancer_4: Randall, Is there any news on the next release of the Founding of the Clans Trilogy? I have been eagerly awaiting the next part since the last one a while back. Precentor_Martial> No and that one is totally on my shoulders. Just so busy I can't get back to it. However, the albatross of SO off my shoulders (Matt is exporting the final bits and uploading to the printers today!!!!), which has taken up a giant portion of my schedule the last few months, should give me the extra wiggle room I've needed to get back to those and make sure they get out in the near future. I appreciate everyone's patience on this front. Atlas3060: for those who bought the 3039 Record Sheets on Battlecorps, will we get an update for the new RS:3039? Vairdic> This is a seperate introductory product not associated with the BattleCorps Record Sheet book (which is ALL record sheets, whereas the print product is a selection). wolfhound_88: has loten always been crazy or is it only since starting IMr that he went nuts? Vairdic> Pretty much always. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Loren has been crazy as long as I ahve know him. Jim_diGriz: If the takeover of the former Wizkids lines takes place, could you give us ball park estimate of how long it will take? Also, what will full ownership of that line allow you to do that you couldn't before? rumor> No idea how long the full process will take. I'm assuming that the initial negotiations will happen quickly, in the next 4-6 weeks. Or less. But final signatures and all that may take a bit longer. For BattleTech and Shadowrun, full ownership will not change much in our current, short-term plans. It could impact long-range plans only because we'd have more control over sublicensing and therefore possible cross-promotion events. It can only provide MORE great opportunities. BH-21: Has the response to the new e-book "Turning Point Luthien" line been positive? Precentor_Martial> Overwhelmingly positive (with some great suggestions from the fans on how we can tweak the series to make it even better) and the next one (New Avalon) is already in the works. trboturtle: So, stupid question. If FASA still owns Renegade Legion, and FASA is no longer in business, how can they own anything? Vairdic> FASA still exists as a property holder (Earthdawn, possibly Renegade Legion, and others). They do not produce anything though. RAE: Only one? So no Handbook: Major Periphery States this year? Precentor_Martial> It's in layout and art is coming in, but it's not likely to make the end of the year, unfortunately. HunterADA: I've heard rumors of a new Periphery sourcebook. Any details on that, or a possible release date? Precentor_Martial> yes, Handbook: Major Periphery States (done in roughly the same style as the Steiner, Marik and Davion Handbooks) is in layout. However, we do not yet have a release date. blacky_: no comments on release dates, but is there a list of products in the works for us to pine away over??? Vairdic> Possibly a bit later in the year ;) Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Isn't Dave such a brat? Sticking to his Guns and all. wolfhound_88: are the turnig points e-books just for playing? I'm more of reader then a player Precentor_Martial> there's several pages of pure source material describing the units involved, the setting that led to the batttle and so on. Whether 'only' that material justifies the $5 purchase price...well, that's really up to you, unfortunately. You may need to try the first one out to decide for yourself whether you'll continue the series or opt out. Tony: Topps assured you they'd honor the contract you signed with WK. Does it mean until the 2-year license deal comes to an end in a year and a half, the BT and SR IP is safe and can't be taken over by another company? rumor> We have a signed license for Bt and SR that lasts until mid 2010, and a six month grace period after that. Selling the IPs elsewhere does not void our contract. ANyone else buying SR, for instance, would also be taking our licensing contract. S ,the IPs CAN be taken over. But we retain control of the products being released for the duration of our license. If someone wanted to buy it, and sit on the property for about two years, sure, I guess they could. But why would they want to? Blackthorne: Does your offer have a good vibe about it or is it to early to tell? rumor> I like the vibe. We are getting great cooperation from Topps and WizKids. Acquiring data we may use to upgrade our offer, to remain competitive and fair to the current license owners. But yeah, it's still too early to tell if we're the leading contender. Not that it matters. I intend to be the last offer on the table. rumor> Help! I need somebody. Help! Not jsut anybody. Help! You know I need someone. Helllllp.... Atlas3060: When will we see Solaris record sheets? Precentor_Martial> We're working on all the 'missing' RS books, including the Solaris VII record sheets. To date it has been a case of not having the proper program that has all the equipment available and that makes it difficult in the extreme. We're in the process of finding a way around that. Again, as soon as I've more information, I'll be excited to share it. Wantec: the initial offer you guys submitted to Topps, was that for all of WizKids games/product? rumor> I think I answered this one above... but what the heck. Yes. We are making an offer for WizKids in toto. That includes the WizKids name, and all IP assets. General308: I know you do not give exact release dates but how for out is eclipse phase? Next year? Firt half? Second half? Vairdic> First half of next year :) That's as close as I'll go. (I'm feeling generous since its such an amazing setting & game) Aahz: Loren, is there any estimate on how long the process will take for you to submit a bid for the IP and to get a response? rumor> WEll, we've already had a response. It's jsut not a yes. Yet. Topps is going to allow a little time for others to make competitive bids. I expect a period of data gathering, negotiation, alliances, and a final handshake somewhere in the next month or so. aclawson: Is there going to be a "push" to get what is in the works out early or is everything going to go on as scheduled? Precentor_Martial> There's no possible way to push harder than we are, especially with the coming line up of products we have. Regardless of what happens (i.e. if we get the properties or not) we'll be publishing our current line-up of products. CaineHazen: Will this delay the Shadowrun novel line? Precentor_Martial> The launch of the novel lines (both SR & CBT) was pushed back to start in 2009 to be able to work on special promotions with mass market and hobby trade stores to ensure a solid market penetration right at the start. Specter831: Can we expect any e-books for other eras besides the Jihad? Precentor_Martial> Let's leave it at a strong maybe for now. SirBedwyr: @Loren: how much can you tell us about what properties you're looking to buy off Topps and an idea of "yes, we can absorb it, no we can't absorb it? rumor> BattleTech. Shadowrun. HeroClix. HorrorCLix. ActionClix. MechWarrior. The Clix system. Pocketmodels. Pirates. Mage Knight. ROcketmen. There might be a few other IPs lurking aorundi n there, but those are the obvious candidates of WizKids -owned IPs. BAsically, we are trying to absorb them all. ANd yes, I feel we are able to do so or I woudnl't make the offer. Atlas3060: Turning Points New Avalon? :) When?! Vairdic> In the future. Likely shortly after I post it to the website for purchase. AWP: @PreMar How much more artistic freedom will CGL have if it acquires the IPs? Precentor_Martial> It's less about artistic freedom (WK has always given us tremendous freedom, well more than most licensors) and more about the opportunities that we can explore and weave together when there's no restriction on what we can and can't try and do. trboturtle: Anything special planned for Battletech's 25th year? Precentor_Martial> Yes. rumor> Awww.... such a short answer. And after gave his life to help us set up such a great year! RedLancer: If Catalyst acquires Wizkids' properties, are we likely to see any CBT products set in the 3130s any sooner? Precentor_Martial> I won't say yes'..but on the other hand we've talked about numerous different print products for that time period for a while... jrp3477: Any chance on any new computer games like the old Mechwarrior series? Precentor_Martial> That is ultimately out of our hands. Even if we acquire the CBT property from Topps, the electronic rights to the CBT IP are owned by WK and currently licensed by Jordan Weisman. Obviously he didn't license it to sit on it...but what his ultimate plans are...just have to wait and see what comes down the line. AWP: Will CGL only buy the IPs or will it be more then that? rumor> Well, I really am not insterested in the office furniture, but there might be some inventory or convention support materials I'd ask for. Mostly, in companies like ours, IPs are really the only property you worry about. That and any in-progress work to keep the line moving. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> I think it might be time for me to start singing Violent Femmes BrianDavion: please please tell us the clan box set wqill include rules fro zellbrigen.. Precentor_Martial> Um...beyond the rules found in Total Warfare (pages 273-275)? Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Why cant I get just one kiss why cant I get just one kiss? wolfhound_88: loren: we were told that the novel of SOF will have a lots of stuff that wasn't in the portion tht wa relased on site. how much is lots? rumor> well, SOF released online was about 20,000 words or so. The full novel will be 80-90,000 words. so lots. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> we need 5 more pople to join chat so w can break 100 we have never broken 100 call your friends im your enemies lets get everyone here. wolfhound_88: If you get Wizkids in toto would taht mean that you could, theroitcally, resume the MWDA novel line? Vairdic> The MechWarrior novel line already is continuing with "A Bonfire of Worlds" coming soon. Blackthorne: If your offer is accepted would you be supporting Wizkids' other products as well? rumor> well, we'd own them. so of course we'd like to support them. but by necessity we'd triage the IPs. Keep PIrates and HeroClix coming ourt regularly would be our likely first priority. Looking at the other IPs to see which of them would bear new product releases. Some might lay fallow for a year or more, until the time was right. As with most companies, the amrket demand will drive our efoorts. Ward: Are we sure that the Blakist didn?t do anything related with the demise of wizkids? rumor> It's been considered. After the holy schism, where PRecentor Weisman led the true believers off to form their splinter group, now known formally as Smith & TInker, we've been scouring the HPG transmissions to see if there are any viruses or hidden messages sent back to moles hidden within secular WizKids. But for now, it would seem that any fault must lie with the Draconis Combine and their underminging of the PReentor MArtial, who does not deny his samurai prejudices. BrianDavion: owned by MS don't you mean? Vairdic> yes, Randall meant to say MicroSoft, not WK. Electronic rights are owned by Microsoft and licensed to Smith & Tinker Mindwiper: Hi, is Interstellar Operations in the product line for 2009? Vairdic> Its in the future product line. I won't assign any further dates though. It very well could be 2009, or it could be later (though not LIKELY sooner honestly). RunnerPaul: What's the status of the Video Game Rights to Shadowrun. Does Weisman have a license to those as well? Vairdic> Yes. Colodie: The Luthien book contained a Dark Ages timeline symbol. Was that just an odd coincidence, considering the timing? Precentor_Martial> Just coincidence. trboturtle: I've submitted a couple of stories to BattleCorps consideration back in May, but I have not heard back from them. Is there someone I can address a letter to there at BattleCorps so i can follow up on these stories? Vairdic> Jason "Erewhon" Schmetzer would be the best contact. Jim_diGriz: Are there any plans to release fiction in English detailing the real fates of Andery and Nicholas Kerensky? Precentor_Martial> Yes, the Founding of the Clans Trilogy first book is alredy available on battlecorps and the other two novels will publish in 09. Vairdic> On BattleCorps. Wantec: is 2008 the 25th anniversary year or is it 2009? Vairdic> 2009. 1984-2009 blacky_: is CGL in such a good state to be buying other systems in such a bleak economy? rumor> If I didn't believe it worth it, I woudln't try. BUt securing the BT and SR licenses are important to our current efforts, and I am a fan of the Clix system and believe HeroClix and Pocketmodels are both industry stalwarts that deserve to be secured and strengthened as well. Catalyst has always favored bold expansion, which is why we were bringing back the novels and a new line of casual games in 2009. This is a continuation of that policy. incrdbil: All: What do you want from Santa ? Vairdic> Sleep. I wouldn't mind some sleep. CharlieTango: What is the expected timeframe for Topps to make their decision? rumor> my estimate on their estimate is 4-6 weeks. End of the year, if not sooner. (see above for more detail, or watch for a release of the transcript, which I'm sure David will be posting). :) incrdbil: All: What do you want from Santa ? Precentor_Martial> Print SO in my hands...but that's not happening...so a good nights rest is a solid runner up. AWP: Are there any new ideas for use of the clix system? Precentor_Martial> yes. phobia: Are there any plans to release more sets of plastic mech miniatures? Precentor_Martial> Yes. RunnerPaul: Is HaloClix included in the WK deal? rumor> hrm... not sure. I know the Clix license overall would be included. HaloClix would likely depend on the state of the Halo license. If there is any time left on it. EVen so, I'd want to consider the market demand. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> What Mr Moderator, you dont forward me the christmas Question? Is it cause you know what I will say???? Goose: Will you bid for GM, next, or Crysler? rumor> sorry. I only want to acquire stable properties. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> OUCH chanman: Is the term Hyper Pulse Generator just a ruse to disguise the HPG's actual acronym of Huge Pimpin' Gizmo? Precentor_Martial> hahaha...that's a detailed write-up that'll appear in IO about ComStar Adepts run as pimps. Wantec: I was 1 in 1984, so I don't remember that far back Precentor_Martial> ahaha...wow...I've been playing CBT 'almost' as long as you've been alive...my back suddenly hurts (looks to see if hair is falling out...) Highball: With the rush into the Jihad will we see the Liao & Kurita Handbooks back in the production schedule anytime soon, or are they off the schedule until further notice? Precentor_Martial> The current plan it to produce a Handbook a year until we're finished...Liao is already assigned and being written. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> no its just got LOTA of grey incrdbil: All: What do you want from Santa ? rumor> to finish my f&@*#%)#%^ house. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> I want Lorens house to be done as well. Then he will sop being so dam anoying Aahz: Other than Pinata, do you know of any other competitors for the IP? rumor> Possibly. I know that at least one other offer has been placed for one of the IPs in the batch... and I know of another company thinking about getting into the tussle, but nothing I can publicly report. There is interest abounding... but not a lot of formal offers. yet. rumor> We all live in a yellow submarine... a yellow submarine... yellow submarine.... HunterADA: Since e-books/PDFs have an incredibly high profit margin compared to paper publishings, especially in small sales runs, is there any chance of seeing more niche sourcebook products (Handbook: Minor Periphery States, in-depth examinations of specific clans, or even prominent merc units) in an online-only format? Vairdic> Actually, that's a common myth. PDFs sell significantly less copies at a significantly lower price, yet the content is the same costs (art, writing, etc.) So we'll be evaluating e-products on a case by case basis. However the chances of seeing a full length sourcebook exclusively PDF are slim at this time. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Let me go on like a blistr in the sun. Oh wait I cant sing that one till midnight BrianDavion: assuming you get everything you want from WK, whats the situation with the lisences wizkids holds, Heroclix obviously has a whole network of lisences and one of the pocket model sets is star wars, would CGL "inherit" these lisences? rumor> Most of the Clix licenses are likely expired, or so close to the end of their life as to not be worthwhile. Some are, and yes, we would reaffirm these licenses. For the ones near end of life, we could, and will, look into renewing any that are still valuable. This owuld, of course, include Star Wars. It's a great game and a great IP and I'd hope to continue the brand. Specter831: Can you say anything more about the mapsheet tile product? Precentor_Martial> Not much beyond what we've mentioned. i.e. we're still resolving production issues but are confident it'll be a 2009 release. As mentioned at Gen Con, the basic concept is a pack of thicker cardbard groups of hexes in a variety of configurations and sizes that'll allow players to quickly and easily customize any playing maps. Once we're closer to release we'll be able to provide more details. One cool addition I'd like to mention, however, is we're currently looking into a return of the heavy-card board playing maps; i.e. a "Introductory Maps Box Set" that would include a selection of the best of the already printed maps, but done in the heavy cardstock of the original mapset (if it does well, we'd obviously release more). This, combined with the hexpacks we hope will significantly elevate the quality and ease of setting up, as well as fantastic modularity, for game play. Ward: Any news about the Liao proliferation story rumor> I was working on something with JAson Schmetzer, who then went off on a sprint to write the follow-up to the Liao prolieferation story. :) So one or both of us hopes to get back on task eventually. my guess is it will be a little bit longer. sigh. there are a few things demanding our attention right now. Actually, I'd like to see this done. It's a great story begging t be written. Just need to have big priojects stop falling in our laps for a bit. Vairdic> Last call folks, we've got quite a few questions that I'm weeding through (some are duplicates) so we'll be answering for a little while more. Solarmech: Does all this corporate work take to much time away from writing and the creation of products? Or is the change of pace a nice break? Precentor_Martial> Well part of the whole reason I moved to Managing Developer was so that I could act as insolation against this type of things, allowing the line developers to stay focused on product creation as much as possible. General308: When you started did you honestly ever thing you would be in a position to attempt to buy Battletech? rumor> When we started BC... maybe. the thought might have lurked back there. By the time we got around to forming Catalyst, absolutely. It was already in my plans to try and acquire that license. The decision by Topps merely speeds up my plans to rule the worl... errr... secure the property. Lusitano: So there is hope fort the MW clix game ? Precentor_Martial> Well I'm a glass half-full kinda of guy, so there's always hope. But if it comes to it, we'll obviously need to take a long, hard look, including looking at the market, and then see what happens. Specter831: When can expect to see Paparazzi(sp?) hit the shelves? Vairdic> Early 2009 General308: If you guys win the bid. I hope you do. Would you guys consider a Clix Areotech game? Seems like it would be a godo fit Precentor_Martial> That is one of the things I've thought of, yes. Again, whether we go that route...way, way too early to tell. But after all the Hurculean effort to take SO and the aerospace rules in SO to a whole new level, I'd love to see that translated into other things. Just have to see... RunnerPaul: Any chance of seeing some plastic Shadowrun Minis? The Iron Wind Metal Classics are nice, but having some prepainted plastics would be nice too. Precentor_Martial> Yes. Solarmech: Would Catalyst to be open to "new" or different IP's (say a Half Life game for instence). sm rumor> of course. we'd be silly not to consider how any acquired mechanics systems (Clix, PocketModels) might play to other licensed IPs. Like Dr. Who. Firefly. Avatar. Hannah Montana. Cabbage PAtch kids. The Republican Party. In about that order. krazzyharry: If the IPs are aquired will all the "loose ends" in the storyline such as the fate of Devlin Stone and Jacob Bannson going to be cleared up or is the CBT timeline going to catch up to the DA timeline Precentor_Martial> I wouldn't say 'all' of them. But the first MechWarrior Dark AGe novel that Catalyst will publish in 2009 (A Bonfire of Worlds) will start answering a lot of the biggest outstanding questions. Atlas3060: Will Stackpole write a Jihad novel? Vairdic> Yes. Adam_M: will be another novels about jihad ( except shadows of faith )?? Vairdic> Yes Wantec: for the Clan Box Set, is the goal to have the pricing be the same as the Intro Box Set? Vairdic> That's yet to be determined rumor> Mike and I are working on how to divide up the known galaxy. we will fight a trial of possession for certain cahracters. BrianDavion: speaking of record sheets... I want my warlord! when's TRO 3075 come out? Precentor_Martial> Well, to be honest, we've been holding off trying to figure out how to make it work so that we can release it with all the RS in the new RS format of TM. One way or another the release is not too far off. Xtrahmxwohld: would you be trying to revive the MW:AoD game? Precentor_Martial> Every property that we acquire we'll take a hard look at to determine if and when we can support it, or as Loren said earlier whether a property needs to lie fallow for a while before we attempt a relaunch. AWP: CGL is growing quickly and showing a lot of talent in improving games. Any interrest of doing anything with a Bubblegum Crisis 2033/2040 licence? rumor> wow! there is a left-field (and a left-brain) idea. I can honestly say I hadn't thought about it. (But I am now). IvanR400: y'know the "crazy owner" routine had me worriued, but Loren's conviction just won me over ;) Vairdic> Worries you? How do you think I feel.... thankfully Loren is not crazy like Max Liao, but crazy like Hanse Davion. rumor> I am VERY convicted (to being crazy) Jim_diGriz: If the Wizkids line is acquired, is there any chance that the MW minis that were physically altered (Atlas, Koshi) from their CBT appearance will be returned to their original appearance? Precentor_Martial> Way too early to tell at this point. However, that's not very likely. Most of those were done with a "project phoenix-esk' mentality. An in universe progression of the looks of the unit. However, doesn't necessarily mean 'all' 'Mechs in MWDA adhere to that look, though... rumor> Hey! I do NOT want to be Hanse Davion! (I jsut want his PR Firm!) ColonelBosch: Since Loren is singing, I'm going to ask specific product questions. ;) Clan Intro Boxed Set: is it stand-alone or an expansion? Is the fighter stuff still in it? Precentor_Martial> Expansion. It is NOT a stand alone product, but is a building block between the Introductory Box Set and Total Warfare and yes, it will include Aerospace QSR, just as the Introductory Box Set includes Vehicle and Infantry QSR. Ryoken: Are there plans to push Battletech in Germany, and where is help needed? rumor> BattleTech has a storng licensee in Germany now, with Pegasus Games. We are working out how best to work with them, to strengthen BattleTech in Germany and several other intenrational markets. As to the "help" question... you might want to be more specific. RunnerPaul: I understand that the SR Sourcebook Expansion Digital Grimoire has been something of a success. Any thoughts to putting out small PDFs of supplemental material at this pricepoint for the CBT line? Precentor_Martial> You mean like Jihad Turning Points: Luthian? Or are you referring to more gear related? If that's the case, we've got a "Technical Readout: Experimentals" PDF in the works as well. BH-21: Any chance of getting Robert Charrette writting again? rumor> we've worked on that. I"m not giving up, but I know he's had some life issues in his way. I hope to bring him back to the fold eventually. incrdbil: ok, perhaps a silly question, but thats never stopepd me before: Could the Mechwarrior Dark Age miniatures game be revived in a similar format? Could it come back in a non-collectible, and/or non-Clicky format? Ok, now that the easy 'could' part of the question is done, how about the more tricky 'How likely is it?" Precentor_Martial> it's simply too early to tell. If we acquire the properties, I envision a host of meetings headng into the future as we evaluate each property and game and then decide what's best for the brand, the community and ultimately for Catalyst (as the strength of the brand and the community that follows it ultimately is what makes Catalyst strong). BrianDavion: I hear heroclix hasn't been performing as well as it has in the past does catalyst intend to contiune publishing it if they buy the rights? Vairdic> HeroClix is an exceedingly strong and vibrant line that has a very stable and dedicated following. Its a line we'd be proud to conitinue and help keep on its rising sales trend. Gasboy: Are you able to say how good a chance you guys have at acquiring the licenses? rumor> I plan to be in to the end of any bidding, and I plan to win. So I feel pretty good. That isn't to say that someone who has deeper pockets than me and doesn't care if they lose money can't push the envelop farther than I'm willing to go... but I'll make 'em earn it. trboturtle: How many Novelsahve been written so far (In all lines)? Precentor_Martial> I don't have that information at hand. I do know that an entire year's novel line has been set up and is being written. Exactly where that's at, I've not had an update in a while (things have jumped in the way... ;-)) CaineHazen: How long until we see Series 3 Shadowrun Action Clix after you get the licenes Precentor_Martial> ahhaha...no idea. And I happen to love those figures...I'm looking at both series on my shelf now. But they ran into a lot of problems in stores and were amazingly expensive; i.e. the profit margins were the thinnest you could imagine. So that's gonna be a real hard one to look at. General308: Is Mage Knight a line that would have a real chance to come back? It seemed to me to be a game that was going strong and then bang it was cancelled rumor> I'd htink MK would have a decent chance. That's one I'd want to take a long, har dlook at to answer that quesitons. IvanR400: not reallly a big issue, but why the use of CGL as the corporate entity instead of IMR? rumor> CGL is IMR. it's a "doing business as" name, niot a separate LLC. they are interchangeable, depnding on who we are trying to reach. BH-21: Have you ever thought of a BT novel hall of fame, of Which Wolves on the Border and Heir to the Dragon would have to be the first inductees? rumor> actually, yes. I've started collecting works for what I like to call the "BattleTech museum" which would include special pieces that were important to the line. the problem is we've got no great place to display it. :( Goose: What would it take for CGL to support these extra games? Vairdic> We'll have to expand, and bring in experts on each line like we did with BattleTech and Shadowrun. Goose: What is "trashuman" if not just "cyberpunk"? Precentor_Martial> Transhuman is the next step beyond "cyberpunk" Cyberpunk is enhancing various body aspects through bioware and cyberware. Transhuman is a whole body evolution, often moving the human form beyond recognition in efforts to 'improve it.' Not it 'can' be just small alterations. But generally the feel of cyberpunk is using technology to aide the current human body, while Transhumanism embraces the concept of using technology to hyper-evolve the human form to its ultimate stage of power...what ever that might be. General308: Any tease as to what you guys are planing for Gencon 09 rumor> Death, havoc, and some really product. trboturtle: With all the economical problems happening, how hard is the gaming industry, already in a weaken state, going to be hit? Vairdic> While the economy affects us all, the Game & Hobby industry generally isn't hurt as bad. In a tough climate, people can spend $40 on a night at the movies, or $40 on the box set and a million nights of fun. Tara_yesHISwife_Bills> Guys enjoy the rest of chat I have to step out to go take car of a Convnetion support emergency (the second one this wekend.) Take care Specter831: From the buisiness side of the house, has sales of Jihad Turning Points Luthien been up to expectations? Vairdic> Yes, we're very happy with both sales and the fans reaction. RunnerPaul: Assuming Catalyst can aquire the rights to the tabletop games from Tops, are there any plans (even if only long term) to pursue obtaining the Video Game rights as well, to reunite the entire IP under one company again? rumor> that would be nice, woudln't it? but MicroSoft has not shown a willingness to sell those licenses. of course, I will alway skeep an eye open to that posisbility. trboturtle: How many CBT, MW and SR novels do you plan to publish per year? Precentor_Martial> 6 to 12 novels a year, depending upon market demand (that market demand will also determine the exact mix of novels as well). Goose: How annoying is the approval process, and are you looking forward to it being over? Vairdic> Actually, WK and Topps have been fairly easy to deal with in regards to approvals. roosterboy: Can you give us any hints about novels beyond the first in each line? Authors, plot hints, titles, etc? rumor> In SR, after Mel Odom, we have Phaedra WEldon exploring Technomancers and other fun things, followed by some intersting developments being set up in the Artifact Cycle, and a JAson HArdy novel set somewhere off the beaten path in Africa, if memory serves. Of, and Steve Kenson is gonna show up sometime, I hope. Nathan18: I love the new E-Books and cannot wait for the next one, also I cannot wait for all the new products coming out in 2009. Is there any way of getting TRO 3060, 3067 and 3057 Upgraded? Precentor_Martial> Not that I'm aware of in print form, though you can ask your local retailer to try and order it; there may be backstock available some where. 3067 and 3057, Revised are available in PDF form and I hope to have 3060 available in PDF form in the near future. DEZOAT: I wonder CLG is on the stock market? Vairdic> No, we're privately owned RunnerPaul: Would the WK deal impact the Holostreets/Shadows of Latin America situation any? Precentor_Martial> ultimately we'll have to see...but we believe that it'll bring resources to the table that will allow us to kickstart these projects. roosterboy: Can you give us any hints about novels beyond the first in each line? Authors, plot hints, titles, etc? rumor> for MW/BT.... Steve Mohan (seen in the chat room today) will do the next MWDA novel, and it's a kickass read. Randall Bills and Jason Schmetzer are collaborating on a follow-up. For BT, it will be myself, Mike Stackpole, and then maybe a special guest, all detailing out years from the Jihad. ColonelBosch: Now that the connection between the Wolverines, Rim Worlds, and Blakists has been "confirmed," could we get a record sheet for the Orca? Precentor_Martial> Maybe. blacky_: anyword from the Tinker dudes about anything related to Mechwarrior PC games or what not??????? rumor> nothing official. Lots of behind the scenes muttering is all I can report. sorry, but I think this is a don't give up hoope, but don't hold your breath, kind of hting. RedLancer: Can we look forward to a Turning Pont: Sian? Precentor_Martial> I can't make any promises, but if the Jihad Turning Points: New Avalon is as well received as Luthian, then I think we've got a good series that'll allow us to touch on a lot of different battles, including Sian. Jim_diGriz: Do you think the economic downturn might make it less expensive/easier to acquire Wizkids? rumor> doubt it. it's really gonna come down to the strength of the leading IPs. Nathan18: Since Battletech will be 25 years old (or in existence), will there be something special made, produced or created for it. Precentor_Martial> Oh yes...we've got several very cool plans for next year...and for those SR players that didn't realize it yet, next year is 20th anniversary for SR...got big plans for both of these perennial lines. BrianDavion: will Turning Point New Avalon include a reprint of the Vengence Gambit scenerios? Precentor_Martial> Unknown at this time. wolf_lancer_4: can you tell us the names of any of the other future ebooks beyond New Avalon or will we have to wait? Precentor_Martial> Just have to wait. General308: Hannah Montana please don't do that my daughter would bankrupt me! rumor> We jsut can't decide if whe willbe armored and armed with a PPC (and a fusion-powered mic) or she gets a sword and Uzi to go and raid Aztechnology (for those lost CD tracks). Ryoken: Considering help I wonder why there are no translations into German, there a quite a few people here who could to the job or is a licensed translation office needed for that? Vairdic> A publishing company in Germany would have to approach us about securing a license for the German translation of the game. The best way to have that happen is to show a demand in Germany for the product. Now is the time to get old fans back in with the new box set, or introduce friends and family members to the game! BrianDavion: any chance of a mage knight roleplaying game? I think as an RPG setting it could have potential Precentor_Martial> We're not ruling out anything. If we take a good look, and the numbers support it and we've got a good gut check that we believe it can work, then we'd go there. But again, just have to wait and see. Xtrahmxwohld: Is Crimson Skies ones of the IPs on the table, or does Microsoft own that IP? rumor> I think Jordan WEisman actually owns that one. 100%. something to look into. SMohanJr: Any word on Leviathan? Precentor_Martial> Stop that... ;-) Now that the 448-page Albatross known as SO is off my plate, I plan on having a new version of Leviathans out to playtesting next month, as well as starting to draft up the universe book...and yes, Steve, I'll be looking at you for some fiction... The_Livewire: Any regrets about connecting the Wobbies/Wolverines/Rimmers? Precentor_Martial> Well, the real question is, are they truely connect?...As for do I regret the Blake Documents and what we did? Not really...I'm exceptionally proud and excited for the product we produce and the excitment it generated both online and at Gen Con that it got noticed on a host of various boards, including some big gaming news sites...that time of exposure for a '25 year old game" is not only super cool, but priceless for what it brings to us..."come play our game, it's cool a fun." trboturtle: How do you think the Gaming Industry is shaping up for the next several years? rumor> I think it will continue to shrink overall, with certain brands holding their own or even growing slightly against the current. I plan on BT and SR being among those that are continuing to grow. You will liekly see the same thing with game companies. Some will continue to shrink (1 or 2 will die and get absorbed by others), most will hold on, and a few (Catalyst among them) will continue to expand. dnc: Here in Europe we have often a hard time acquiring any new products,or there is a delay of several months to an year before we can get our hands on something new.Will there be any improvement in that next year? Vairdic> It depends on the distributors in the various countries. We make the books available to all distributors, and if they have demand, they pick it up from us. Sometimes that doesn't always translate. BrianDavion: whats Leviathan? Precentor_Martial> In 1878 the Polish genius Rynchowski isolated an electrical fluid with remarkable lifting capabilities. A single, pivotal event that would change the world. The smartest military minds of the coming generation Zeppelin, Jellico, Fisher and others diverted their attention to the glorious new technological revolution and sea-going battleships were abandoned around the world. In their place, armored giants took to the skies. In 1906, Great Britain launched the HMS Leviathan, the first of the super air ships, sparking an arms race around the world. By 1910 the most powerful nations boasted large High Fleets, and the start of small skirmishes left the world uneasy welcome to Leviathans! BH-21: @ Loren do you know what happened to the rights for "Bushido"? rumor> errr... hroo? BrianDavion: whats Leviathan? Precentor_Martial> Leviathans simulates combat between warships that have taken to the air in an alternate history 1910. The king leviathans, the battleships, are the largest vessels. Maneuvering in support are the smaller ships of light cruisers, destroyers, and others ships. Will you captain your fleet for king and country, expanding your nations power and becoming legend? Or will you fall from the sky, forgotten? You will determine the outcome! BDS: Any rough idea on when we might see the updated RPG core book? Precentor_Martial> 2009. That's all I'll say for now...but we're hard at work on it. trboturtle: I think the Pulp Heroes of the 30s and 40s would be an ewxcellet addition to the Heroclicks line... rumor> interesting idea, actually. though that limits the market to older players. Most younger players jsut don't have an appreciation for the history of pulps. still, they could be educated... hrm.... phobia: Are there plans to bring the large 3 legged 'Mechs from MW:AoD (Posideon) into CBT? Also, how do these things figure into the fiction? Precentor_Martial> Unknown on both accounts at this time. HunterADA: Is there any chance that some of the WK lines might come out in a non-random distribution system? Precentor_Martial> Yes. And by that I mean we will look at every option as we take a look at the various properties and try to decide what's the best direction to move (again, of course, all dependent upon us acquiring the properties). Goose: If CBT and MWDA look so diffrent, how will you keep that shtick going? Precentor_Martial> If you mean the look of the units and their progression, not all of them look different. All the Project Phoenix 'Mechs are identical (or close), almost all of the batttle armor remained the same, many vehicles and so on. General308: How hard is it to keep a book like the Blake Documents that secret untill it is released? Precentor_Martial> ahhaha...very, very hard. We thought we had leaks several times, but at the end of the day I was actually amazed and very proud that we pulled it off. phobia: Does CGL have any other game product in planning stages in the event that you are unable to grab up the battletech and shadowrun IP? rumor> well, we will still produce BT and SR product for at least the next two years or so... but yes, we do have other properties of our own in the works. Besides working with outside studios to do CthulhuTech and Eclipse Phase, we are working on a possibly new superhero game, we've already announced the Paparazzi card game, we're acquiring High School Drama from Shifting Skies, the Leviathan minitatures game (see Randall's post above), Henchmen the card game, and another half dozen or more ideas which should all see publication in 2009 or early 2010. Goose: How well would working with DC and Marvel go? rumor> I think it would go great. We are all fans of the DC and MArvel properties, of course. And we'd bring in new developers who are familiar with working on HeroClix. I think it would be a mooth and rapid taransition, with hardly any delay in getting the next sets out into the market. Vairdic> To clarify: New Developers to Catalyst, not to HeroClix CharlieTango: If CGL is able to obtain the Battletech IP, would we potentially be able to see reprints/PDFs of the BT material from the Fanpro timeframe? Precentor_Martial> Actually, regardless of this acquisition, we've cemented a deal to outsource the creation of out of print FASA/FanPro SR and CBT titles so we can start publishing those in PDF format again on a regular basis in the future. Once we have more information we'll post that, obviously. Ryoken: Well we keep doing so by organising Battletech Conventions by fans for fans (http://battletech-convention.de/). Also we try to run some road shows across Germany to get more Fans involved. Is there some person who could try to coordinate the actions here in Germany? As I think a main Problem here in Germany are the many dismembered projects and groups. rumor> I think the best hting you could do would be to contact the some of the German publishers and see if ay of them are looking at BattleTech, might be convinced that BT is stilla great property, and see if they need any support in bringing it over. I can say, carefully so that David does not have an aneurism, that we have had interest form a few German publishers. My guess is we will be negitating something by end of the year. But local ground support is always appreciated. BrianDavion: what ARE the properties involved, I know WK owns battletech and shadowrun but what other ex-fasa properties are involved? rumor> see above. :) HeroClix. MAge Knight. PocketModels. and Ips rumor> IPs that are related to those mechancis are potentially involved. emergencyoverride: Are the 3060, 3067 tech readout pdfs updated to the total warfare/ techmanual rules? Precentor_Martial> Not sure what you mean by that question. Mech construction and weapons across all the Technical Readouts have always remained completely compatible with all the various rules iterations, including Total Warfare. if you're asking whether they're going to get an "Update" akin to 3058, 3055 and 3050, there is no plans for such at this time. The_Hawk: On the same general topic as HaloClix, WK appears to have a lot of licenses from outside companies to keep HeroClix going -- will any of those be affected by a CGL acquisition of the WK IP? rumor> HeroClix will have to come with renewed licenses form DC or MArvel, obvisouly, or there is no HeroClix. AS for other lcienses, those we will have to deal with on a case by case basis. But we'd be very interested in finding ther fune licenses as well. trajan331: I've heard rumors about Interstellar Operations and, the content within. Will it allow players to actually recreate or play out entire Succession Wars? If not are their plans for a project that might be similar to the old Succession Wars board game? Precentor_Martial> Yes, it will. And even though it will, I still have a pet project dream to do a big Succession Wars box set game...but we'll have to wait and see if we ever get there. Xtrahmxwohld: do any of you play Heroclix? Vairdic> We've all played it at one time or another, sadly a game developers life tends to center more around analyzing games than playing them for fun. I keep a stack of the minis (with my Cthulhu) next to my bed though :) Smoge: "Crimson Skies" are dead and buryed? rumor> not quite buried, but maybe spending a another yea ror so dead for tax purposes (HHGTTG reference, sorry). I don't know of any current plans to bring CS back, but I hope they do. It's a fun game, dnc: when will we see record sheets for all new dark age units? Precentor_Martial> I would like to do that, yes. How quickly it happens, however, we'll have to see. trajan331: Loren in the Beatles song Glass Onion, Jon says that the Walrus is Paul. Do you believe this to be true? rumor> NO NO NO! I am the eggman! I am the walrus! GOOGOOAJOOB! ImperiumKnight: is there any plans to see something along the lines of the Phoenix Upgrades RS for 3067 mechs equipped with the new TW tech? Precentor_Martial> Ah...not at this time. UTSU: When the BattleBlog about SO will begin? Precentor_Martial> Today. SMohanJr: What is the status of the negoitations? Do you have an idea when you can give us news? rumor> someone slap that guy. now he's jsut trying to be funny. and failing, as usual. it's sad, really. all the lonely people... where do they all come from.... RunnerPaul: On a less serious note (feel free to save this question for the end), what do you have to say about the following image, found somewhere on the intarwebs: http://i38.tinypic.com/2jwjz6.jpg Precentor_Martial> ahhaa...that's fun! Course I love anything like that...loved the Mech treehouse I saw several years back. RedLancer: Is the Clan boxed set going to include all Clan 'Mechs? In that case, which of the Clan Omnis will not appear? Precentor_Martial> Yes, all Clan Mechs...one of the lights...unsure yet which one. RunnerPaul: On a less serious note (feel free to save this question for the end), what do you have to say about the following image, found somewhere on the intarwebs: http://i38.tinypic.com/2jwjz6.jpg rumor> lol... thanks, that was cute. life is always funnier with Mechs. RunnerPaul: On a less serious note (feel free to save this question for the end), what do you have to say about the following image, found somewhere on the intarwebs: http://i38.tinypic.com/2jwjz6.jpg Vairdic> pat now plz CharlieTango: If CGL picks up the license from WK, would that allow CGL to reprint/PDF products from the Fanpro era? Precentor_Martial> We have that right now, but generating PDFs of older products has proven exceptionally difficult and time consuming..hence why those releases dropped off. As I just mentioned we've outsourced that to another company so that in the future we can start up a regular release schedule for the SR/CBT out-of-print FASA/FanPro products. Goose: If all goes well, will you be hireing? Vairdic> Selectively, we try and be very careful with our growth, but there's always contract positions that we solicit for. (Writing, Artwork, etc) BH-21: Did Wizkids close in debt, meaning any leans against the properties rumor> No idea. and I likely coudln't (or shouldn't) comment even if I knew. I know we'll be taking on no liabilities with any acquisition of the IPs. trajan331: If you plan to rework anything involving the MWDA clix game do you plan to make sure it is compatible with the pieces already in circulation? Precentor_Martial> Completely unknown at this time. i.e. we wouldn't go out of our way to do that...with CBT we've bent over backwards time and again to ensure that everything we do remains compatible with the 'designs' in existence as much as possible. At the same time, there might be changes there. Simply have to see what develops. Tony: Does the closure affect sublicensing contracts signed with foreign publishers before WK's closure? rumor> not in any way I'd think. if youa er talking about CGL sublicensing. Our license s still good, so our sublicensing process is still intact and moving forward. trboturtle: Are there plans for another Battletech Cortoon series? ::tongue Precentor_Martial> ahhaha...actually I'd love to see that happen. And acquiring the properties would allow us to pursue something along those lines. Again, a cool possiblity down the line. Lugh: Okay, so if Microsoft own electronic IP, and WK owns the rest, who ensures canoninity of the products? Precentor_Martial> Smith & Tinker (who has licensed the electronic rights from MS) have already contacted us over some of the various concepts they're potentially looking at; I'm confident we'll have a very close working relationship heading into the future, regardless of what happens with the WK properties. rumor> I believe it is the responsibiolity of whomeever holds the main license, not the electornic rights, to ensure things are vetted properly. but tha's a guess right now. pianobar: Type hereAny chance of seeing CBT images brought to our rooms via 'fathead' wall graphics? Vairdic> Hahaha, that would be cool.... but nothing in the works, no. aclawson: When (not if) you get the whole boat load of IPs do you plan on having MWDA and CBT continue on as two seperate products at the same time (like it was in the past)? Precentor_Martial> To early to tell at this time. There's so many ways to handle it. Keep them seperate. Combine them. Time jump. And so on. Again, if we do acquire the IP, then we can start the long process of determine exactly 'what' to do and how best to do it, keeping the strength of the brand and its communities in mind the whole time. trajan331: I am unsure how close of a relationship CGl has with Rick Raisley. Are there any plans to bring him close to the group so he can be privy to rule changes and possibly get additional support for writing the Heavy Metal series of design programs? Precentor_Martial> We'll absolutely take a very close look at the relationship if we acquire the properties. Regardless of what happens, we'll obviously want to get out a newly upgraded series of programs completely compatible with all the latest rulebooks. rumor> Paperback...writer... Hey my friend will you read my book, it took me years to write, will you take a look.... rumor> I"m gonna jump ship here in a minute. last chance! BrianDavion: I'm curious BTW, will playing Leviathan online over a chat client (those of you who played CBT online prior to megamek will know what I'm talking of) be at all possiable? Precentor_Martial> electronics is always going to be apart of what we look at for any property, so yes, that would be something we'd investigate. ColonelBosch: Speaking of Albatross, he asked me to ask you guys about his fansite's approval. Namely, he had a very permissive agreement with Wizkids to put old FASA material on his page. Should he expect that to be limited? rumor> err... I'd have to know al ot more about that before I could answer. And even then, I'd pry shove it onto randall's plate. Vairdic> Ok folks, looks like Loren's into his singing again, so we're wrapping it up here to protect everyones ears. Thanks to everyone for the great questions. We'll endevour to have a transcript up as soon as possible (though it's a BIG transcript). Thanks again!