New Licenses [Archive] - Skotos Forums

Lady

08-28-2000, 12:49 AM

This might seem a little odd considering its only really re-hit the Market at GenCon and such. But a license I think might be interesting: ShadowFist.

Right now, its only a CCG as far as I'm aware. The Owners of it re-released it GenCon this year after acquiring the rights last year. And I don't know if anyone else noticed...it made a HUGE splash. They sold out of just about /everything/ they'd bought with them. They literally said they were walking home empty handed (a good sign.) I spoke with the different people who demo'd it and bar none -- they loved it.

I also had a chance to speak with the owner of the game when he first acquired it last year, he was really excited about it. And has always remained very friendly and open. I had toyed around with the idea of asking him about any interest in pursuing an RPG out of the game. The reason? It has all the makings of something that could have a huge following.

1.) Eastern Flavors. Its always had an allure for a great deal of people and there's been a boom of interest in it off and on pretty steadily over the last decade especially. And even for those not familiar with the 'culture' necessarily, it doesn't matter. That's why I said 'flavors' because the factions aren't exclusively Eastern, and some aren't even all that Eastern based. For instance, the Architects of the Flesh are very sci-fi like, and the Dragons are all kinds of everyday people, ect.

2.) Theme. You have the heroes of different factions fighting for control of nothing less than the Destiny of the world. You have the Dragons who are a very popular set, a group of heroes who just stumbled onto this War. You have the Architects (and if I remember correctly), they are the cyberneticists, scientists, and nasties from the future who've come back to try and secure their hold, the Shaolin Monks who want to try and stir Mankind away from technology, ect.

I think with the different factions, there's already something in it for a lot of people. And working together with the ShadowFist folks, I think the cross-marketing possibilities would be great.

I know I can't seem to get that game out of my head, I only demo'd it once. But the excitement of the players and the owners was something you just can't easily forget.

Nikki

Kenjiro

08-28-2000, 01:18 PM

I for one would love to do a Mage game. I know that it would work beautifully with what is planned here, and I certainly can run it. I suppose all that matters is the licensing.

My ideas for licenses to look into:

1) Vampire
2) Mage or Werewolf (very deep themes that are in the oral tradition that works well here)
3) Imajica by Clive Barker.

Edward1968

08-29-2000, 08:35 AM

Ken,

While I think that a Mage game would be a great idea, I think that White Wolf might have HUGE problems with licencing. Plus, to code the magic system would be nothing but a headache considering its subjective and abstract nature.

Ed Wisniowski

Brian Pettera

08-29-2000, 03:43 PM

posted 08-24-2000 04:51 PM

Even though I originally posted this last week on "General Skotos" I'll reprint the edited version here. Most of us want to be one of the Seven so I,m already giving thought to being a 'company man'. Skotos should give thought to obtain the license
for the RPG "Metamorphisis Alpha". It came out by TSR shortly after Advanced Dungeon & Dragons in the mid-seventies. It was also by TSR. (Then Tactical Study Rules). It was designed to be the mutant and technology version of D&D. It eventually evolved into Gamma World. (de-evolved realy) It was originally designed by James Ward but I notice that the New Gamma World does not have his name on it. Its format is perfect for your (our) system. The players are on a lifeship traveling between stars, when the ship is hit by a massive radiation storm and the crew is killed. The ship is like 60 miles long and thirty wide with massive amounts of vertical levels that each represent a different eco-system. Players are either tribal mutants trying to learn and survive or colonists awakened from cold sleep by the damaged ship's computer. It has its own built in constraints both physical space and knowledge constraints also. So, go get it!

Brian http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

Lady

08-29-2000, 03:50 PM

A different kind of licensing....

First, I fully agree that Mage would be great. But if White Wolf has a deal with Activision already for at least one of their games, I'm sure they may or may not get first choice of the others in any sort of on-line venue. But, it certainly doesn't hurt to find out.

But something else to consider is a comic license of some sort. We have the boom of such movies as: Blade, Spawn, Batman, and the latest hit of comic book movies: X-Men.

I think the X-Men in particular lends itself to a wonderful and complex world. Though coding of such varying powers could be difficult. As well, if we can't get a World of Darkness (per se) Gotham would be the next best thing. Its got a built in dark, gothic feel to it that I think people could appreciate.

Kenjiro

08-30-2000, 11:42 AM

The only problem I, personally, have with using a comicbook license is the idea that it will not attract some people automatically, and may indeed drive some people to not participate in that given stage. WoD lends itself to many themes and moods and settings that while are reproducible in a "gotham" setting, you can't help the fact that some people are going to not want to join that stage because they fear at some point Adam West and Burt Ward are going to leap into the room from the windows with their Batarangs and Bat-Fish Repellent in hand.

I as a former comicbook writer know that is a huge misconception of Batman and what he stands for symbolically, it is nevertheless an impression that one thinks of when roleplaying and anything remotely comicbook oriented comes together. It has it's own niche, and I'll admit I've had a blast playing comicbook RPG's I think the particular things I personally would like to explore with others could best be taken elsewhere.

As for the Mage abstract magic system being unreproducible in this environment... well after giving it some thought I've come up with this:

1) all games with magic systems are abstract in some degree. And NEVER can you get the precise intent of magic in any RPG down perfectly in a computer game. For instance for the sake of the game, the magic system should never take precedence over the game itself. In Baldurs Gate you cannot shoot fireballs at buildings and expect them to go up in flames... etc.

2) Can't the Mage magic system be broken down into simple categories that can be cross referenced into specific effects on objects in game? For instance there are 9 spheres of magic. They allow you to:

1) Destroy (object is destroyed; damaged)
2) Create (object is created; repaired)
3) Heal/Change form (object is healed; turns to other object
4) Displace (object is teleported/summoned
5) Decipher/imput information (objects statistics are revealed or possibly changed)

Those are the five basic things you can do with the system that would be important. I do not see why you could not accrue spheres to do a specific effect and as long as you meet the requirements you could get a shot at making the effect work. In game objects would have to be given a value that would allow it to be affected, and it could be tricky to create, but I've heard of much more difficult things done through a browser interface.

Most importantly, I think the idea that interaction with other players is more important than the system of how magic works, so the oversights in not being 100% accurate to the PnP magic system is to be expected if not embraced by its players. What do you think? Or am I just nuts?

Lady

08-30-2000, 11:54 PM

Kenjiro, I can see what you mean up to a point, but then I'm forced to think that comic books aren't the only things that suffer a negative stereotype or have their own niche. World of Darkness is one that comes to mind immediately.

I know quite a few people, Gamers included in this, that think only a bunch of Goth Vampire-wannabes play Masquerade. That Werewolf is for a bunch of hack and slash and little else. But just because these stereotypes exist, I don't think that takes away from the popularity or the following that the White Wolf Games have. X-Men sells thousands upon thousands upon many thousands of copies world wide (each and every month), same for Batman. I think pure dollar signs show popularity (In merchandise, movies, books, ect.)

I've seen the successes of too many comic book on-line text based games to not think it won't attract some people automatically. And some very quality people at that. I'm not saying it has as wide a base or appreciation for Gamers as something like Vampire, but I do not think it should be automatically discounted.

As far as an adaption of Mage would be concerned. I don't initially see the problem of having cross references for spheres and effect (basically, a bunch of coded rotes) and think it would be a good idea even.

I wondered if perhaps this would change the feel of the game because it does allow so much freedom and creativity in abilities that players of the system seem to like. No two people will ever necessarily do the same effect the same or even do it again the exact same way.

But then that reminded me of the Mush arguments and players being disappointed with a lack of 'freedom' if you will. I think people would be willing to trade that 'freedom' in an innovative system such as this one. Though there would almost have to be literally thousands of rotes available to the player base to account for different levels of spheres and then the infinite combinations.

Kenjiro

08-31-2000, 10:25 AM

Well, the stereotype of Goth-wannabe's is pretty accurate actually. There *is* a large number of them that play Vampire, most of whom affect the "goth" look without seeing the game has nothing to do with the "lifestyle". But the important thing here is they're gamers (and we all know gaming freaks come in different sizes shapes, and levels of coolness). So that being said, you have a ready made core audience to cater to, and dump all the angst-ridden dramas you can muster up. And for what it's worth, I think anyone that plays Vampire or Werewolf and limits it to Goth clubs, and stupid cliche's and megaviolent-teeth-and-claw-fur-gnarl-fests don't do *ANY* service to the game at all.

The problem with comicbook audiences is that they typically know little about the gaming world. Think I'm crazy? Look at Wizard Magazine, they acknowledge the roleplaying world in the context of "red headed step-children", or even better: (in reference to the success of Knights Of the Dinner Table busting the top 100 comics list)"Who'd have thought a comicstrip about roleplaying nerds would have made it? Who knew?"

The point being is, and as a comicbook insider I can attest to, pick up jsut about any comicbook these days and read it. The plots and story lines are usually sub-par for the typical roleplayer. And most comicbook fans are *not* roleplayers. Does this mean that we should not produce comicbook roleplaying games? No not at all. As I said, it has its niche. But historically speaking they've not been nearly as popular as Fantasy or Sci-Fi, or Horror games. I'm inclined to believe the same here.

<G> I knew I wasn't crazy about the Mage magic system... As far as freedom and creativity on the usage of the magic, well it's part and parcel of the limits of the medium. I'm inclined to believe that if the system is as workable as we've suggested, then improvements can be made along the way so that we get it as close to the game as possible.

Lady

08-31-2000, 03:44 PM

I'm afraid that I still have to disagree about comics not being a viable license. You make very interesting points and I respect your opinion. Its just that from my own personal observations, I have found that there is an audience out there for it.

First, let me say 'Wizard' has said quite a few inane things over its long history. About comics. Creators. And many other subjects. I would really be wary of saying their view reigns supreme. Its just easy to point at and read. I respect them as an Industry magazine, I look to it for news, and frankly, find it funny. But their opinions are just that...their opinions.

I do read comics and have for many years and collect them every month (What can I say, its like a soap). Some are good. Some are horrid. Just like RPGs and anything else in life. But anyone who's read the Sandman series by Neil Gaiman, who has read The Dark Knight Returns by Frank Miller, or The Watchmen by Alan Moore knows comics can be truly great.

But overall on-line roleplayers do not always do RPGs, and vice versa. I was roleplaying on-line before I even picked up and RPG myself. In fact, its what spurred my interest. The reason most people don't buy a lot of Superhero RPGs? Frankly, they're not often done very well. And unlike Vampire and some others, are not necessary for on-line roleplay. Its a neat reference at times, but that's about it.

I appreciate your prospectives and even agrees with some of your points, but the audience is there. I know, I see them every day. I staff and have staffed on over half a dozen places on-line with various superhero themes. I've helped to build quite a few as well. Maybe they're not the 'Gamers' of the RPG markets...but they are people already playing on-line. And its no small amount either. These people are eager and I have been deluged with enough applications a day that testifies to it. So, there's the fan base for the Skotos game.

And while I whole-hearted admit it will not likely have the following of Vampire or the like, I was under the impression part of what the Skotosians were looking for was variety. Something to appeal to different senses. Different audiences. And a superhero place ran as an occassional stage and/or Grand Theatre I think would be a fun break from the 'norm' as it were.

Maybe I am wacky. But it wouldn't be the first time. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif

Kenjiro

08-31-2000, 05:51 PM

Oh I didn't mean for you to think that I was saying a comicbook license wouldn't be worth getting. I was only implying that perhaps there might be other licenses worth pursuing if Skotos's resources are limited that can keep its momentum going. In other words, a couple of really popular licenses with strong followings might be more prudent than one of moderate following.

I think, and I know personally that I would certainly participate in any comicbook licensed game. You cited the three best reasons to read comics: Dark Knight, Sandman, and Watchmen. Aside from Frank, Allen, and Neil theres precious few truly talented writers... of course those three you mentioned are luminaries, in truth, most books (especially from Marvel these days) have way too much Editorial "imput" and others like the beautiful crap churned out by Image who have artists that think they're writers. I think that there are enough small treasures in the comicbook world to easily make somre truly great roleplaying stages. I only question the timing of it. And that is something that only the Skotos people can decide. I agree in the spectrum of roleplaying possibilities you *MUST* at some point have the super-hero genre... the question is when?

By the way, have you read 'Rising Stars' by Strazynciski?(sp?) simply superb.

shannon_appel

09-01-2000, 09:53 AM

Kenjiro,

You make some good points about comic books having limited appeal and/or crossover with the roleplaying genre. However, I think it's really more an issue of the super-hero genre than comic books in general.

If you haven't already read Scott McCloud's _Reinventing Comics_ (his quasi-sequel to _Understanding Comics_), I highly, highly recommend it. It was the most fascinating three or four hours of reading I've done this Summer. Scott talks a lot about how the medium of comic books has gotten pigeon-holed into the super-hero genre. It's a uniquely American phenomenon--in one of the few places where comics have been able to develop with little cultural contamination (Japan) there's a whole wide variety of genres available.

So, it's useful to think about super-heroes and comic books separately. (As I'm sure you already do, since you mention _Sandman_ in your post.)

Super Heroes have been a really hard sell in the RPG market. The biggest RPG company (TSR) couldn't make the biggest super-hero license (Marvel) go. And Mayfair failed with DC. Then there's Superhero: 2044, Villains & Vigilantes, Supergame, Superworld, Golden Heroes, and all the rest... Dead, dead, dead. The only people who have made any type of a go are Hero and Palladium. (Hero, I think, because they were one of the most professional early super-hero publishers, Palladium because they picked up some unique licenses, like TMNT).

We at Skotos haven't even considered super hero games for our early releases. If we did, I think a big question would be: why would multiplayer interactive fiction games be the best computer medium for the super-hero genre? There are definitely some comic book writers out there who do a fine job of telling stories that extend beyond beating up bad guys: Mark Waid, Gerard Jones, Alan Moore, Christopher Priest, and Grant Morrison are a few of the names that leap to mind. They include characterization, plot, background, development--all of the elements of good storytelling. But, still, even in the works of these notables, the super-hero stories do eventually come down to punch 'em ups--sometimes pages and pages and pages worth. How can text-dominant games improve on first-person shooters for such a genre totally centered upon and embroiled in conflict?

(And, I'm not saying it's impossible, just that it's something that requires thought; the main thrust of the super-hero genre seems to point toward a weakness of the interactive fiction genre rather than a strength.)

I think there's an obligatory mention here of the Questprobe games--which were interactive fiction games based on the superhero genre put out by Scott Adams. They were a contributing factor in Scott Adams' company going out of business, or so says the grapevine. Definitely, he never finished the eight-game set that was originally planned.

Anyway, that's super heroes. Stories outside this genre do show up in the comic book medium, and there are many that provide wonderful backgrounds that I think would be intriguing to Skotos players--whether they read the comics or not.

A few folks mentioned _Sandman_. The mythological and theological background of the series is rich. Imagine a Stage set in The Inn at World's End or at the courts of Fay or even a Grand Theatre set in the Dreaming.

And, there are many other comic worlds that bear attention: the whimsical 1950s science world of _Zot!_; the harsh yet humorous future of _Transmetropolitan_; the sprawling medieval world of _Cerebrus_ (or _Poison Elves_ or _Thieves and Kings_).

Some fine ideas out there.

We're not pursuing any of this right now, but I do think there are some very vividly realized worlds out there on the comic racks, especially when you look beyond the superhero genre, and I think that someday someone might find that they make excellent bases for Skotos games.

Shannon

Lady

09-03-2000, 03:32 PM

Its good to see we're on the same page http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif

I would absolutely and fully agree with you (Kenjiro) that early release wouldn't be good for Skotos to go for, but something to think in the future with comics. As I believe Shannon has pointed out now as well.

And you mention Rising Stars. Absolutely, a very interesting plot. I like everything being done with it so far. I even read that J. Michael has either already composed or is in the process of composing the screenplay for it.

Which, I'm more than sure, will be excellent. And, while I have the oppourtunity, I highly, highly, highly recommend to anyone interested in his work or movies and television composition at all to read his Complete Book of Screenwriting. 2nd Ed. Its a wonderful reference tool, contains several original scripts by him, including a Babylon 5 script as good examples.

While admittedly, I wasn't a huge fan of Babylon 5, I am a fan of his work and respect most of what he has put out.

Although, I haven't kept up much with what's been going on in the recent issues of Rising Stars. Time to raid the roommates stashes again. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif

Kenjiro

09-03-2000, 08:56 PM

Yes, I agree that theres a huge difference between "comics" and "superheroes". You do pique my curiosity bone a bit tho...

Someone suggested a "Gotham" stage... but why not something a bit larger with (ka-ching!) it's own fan following that tend to be a bit more literate? That being, "The Dreaming"? It would be a wonderful license that technically encompasses many others in the comic-book field.

delicious thought...

Buggy

09-05-2000, 08:01 AM

If Skotos is seriously considering licensing comic book worlds, may I suggestthe city of Anvar from the comic book Finder by Carla Speed McNeil? Now there's a place full of depth, secrets, and adventure. It's an RPG waiting to happen.

Or perhaps the Gallumafrey or New Hong Kong from Phil Foglio's Buck Gadot series? Lots of politics and intrigue in the former, and adventure in the latter. Foglio has done an excellent job of "world" building in the Buck Gadot universe.

Mike

Kenjiro

09-06-2000, 10:53 PM

What about literary sources?

There's a fantasy series by Raymond Feist, called 'Magician' that is very well developed and has plenty of room to host a World Stage quite easily, with a ton of room to grow.

I know the world itself is owned partially by Ray and his friend Steve Abrahms of Midkemia Press. Last time I comunicated with Steve he said that he and Ray were looking to do something RPG'like with Midkemia but weren't sure about going PnP or online. I know the series has a very loyal following and caters to high and low fantasy. It's defintely something worth looking into.

Kenj

LisaD

09-07-2000, 09:18 AM

I'm curious if there's any interest in CyberPunk out there anymore? Keep in mind that the R. Talsorian game is CyberPunk 2013, or 2020. Mike Pondsmith does not have a copyright on the name 'Cyber Punk' itself, and for Skotos, it might just be a decision on our part to do that sort of game, rather than a 'license wrangle.'

Of that similar vain, I also have to ask if there's interest in "Shadow Run?"

-- Lisa Eichler

Buggy

09-07-2000, 09:49 AM

Originally posted by LisaD:
I'm curious if there's any interest in CyberPunk out there anymore? Keep in mind that the R. Talsorian game is CyberPunk 2013, or 2020. Mike Pondsmith does not have a copyright on the name 'Cyber Punk' itself, and for Skotos, it might just be a decision on our part to do that sort of game, rather than a 'license wrangle.'

Of that similar vain, I also have to ask if there's interest in "Shadow Run?"

-- Lisa Eichler

Well, I did submit both a cyberpunk and a steampunk game proposal. I suspect my inspiration for the former was actually the Netrunner card game by WotC. My inspiration for the latter was my own twisted impagination (and many other sources).

Buggy

ChristopherA

09-07-2000, 11:25 AM

Originally posted by Kenjiro:
There's a fantasy series by Raymond Feist, called 'Magician'

We are definately interested in literary sources. I am very familiar with Feist's work, and have corresponded with Steve Abrams several times. What has made a license from them difficult is that they licensed Midkemia for popular "Krondor" series of computer and console games.

I'd dearly love to have a license to CJ Cherryh's Pride of Chanur books, or to Anne Rice's vampire books, or any mid-list author who has an ongoing series.

In particular I think it makes sense for mid-list authors as we give them continuity between book releases and a place for their fan to congregate and get excited about the next book.

-- Christopher Allen

JeffCrook

09-10-2000, 09:30 PM

Licenses? Why, yes.

Aliens
Bladerunner

Tony

09-11-2000, 09:40 PM

Originally posted by LisaD:
Of that similar vain, I also have to ask if there's interest in "Shadow Run?"

I thought you'd never ask. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

Shadowrun would present a very cool setting to play in. Not only does it cover Cyberpunk, but you have the fantasy elements of magic and metahumans too. Lot's of variety as far as characters and roles for people to play.

There are two Shadowrun MUSH's out there that I know of and I'm curious how they approach the Matrix and Astral Plane. Has anyone here ever been to either of them?

If Skotos isn't interested in that particular license, I still think that some kind of Cyberpunk would be nice addition and that's why I went with that genre for my proposal.

Kenjiro

09-13-2000, 09:44 PM

<bonks himself on the head>

Cyberpunk!! of course!

Defnitely a genre worth delving into. I thought Talsorian did a marvelous job with the Cyberpunk 2020 game. Even had some authors do sourcebook material on their own novels for it... simply superb.

I prefered straight Cyberpunk over Shadowrun, I never liked the mixing of fantasy and science fiction... bit of a purist in me. But either way, I think it would be a superb setting to set a stage in. Cyberpunk fiction tends to have heavy narrative or none at all with tons of description, so in a text based game it will work out supremely well.

Thumbs up! Cyberpunk! WOOHOO!

JeffCrook

09-14-2000, 09:39 AM

This was inspired by my recent Tech post.

Sherlock Holmes' London. If you could get the license to develop games there, that would be fantastic. I'd love to do a stage where a couple of people play Holmes and Watson, other people play Moriarty, the victims, the witnesses, the accomplices, etc. That would be fun. A mother to design, but a blast to play.

Lady

09-14-2000, 03:13 PM

I will fully admit I'm not terribly familiar with Shadow Run, but it sounds like my kinda game...in more ways than one it seems.

I've heard of it to be sure, but never really read anything on it. I'm personally a big fan of cyberpunk, but I happen to love fantastical elements in sci-fi games, and I think it makes for a wide area of appeal and seems to work. I mean, just take a look at Star Wars...I think that's the perfect example of not just a Space Opera, but the science fantasy genre at its best.

JeffCrook

09-14-2000, 09:09 PM

There is another world that I would like to see Skotos acquire a license.

The Hyborian world of Conan.

Brian Pettera

09-16-2000, 06:54 AM

Another world to consider would be Edgar Rice Burroughs "John Carter on Mars" series.
Swords, rayguns, flying ships and 7 foot tall, tusked, green martians mounted on thoats! That would be cool. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/cool.gif

barney_oldfield

09-20-2000, 01:03 PM

One of my favorite movie quotes is, "We've got to find a lot of superheroes really fast!" from "Mystery Men." I think that a loser street-level superhero campaign might be nice--something on the order of "Mystery Men" or its parent comic "Flaming Carrot." Or "The Tick," which supposedly is coming live-action on Fox this year, or "Megaton Man," or Valentino's "Normal Man," who is the only citizen on planet Levram with no super powers. The planet is wired with video cameras, and everyone hopes to get into a fight worthy of the evening news.
There is also Alan Moore's "Top Ten," an area of Manhattan so full of super-types that the police force has to be super-powered as well, and Brian Michael Bendis' "Powers" (which was recently optioned for a movie) in which an ordinary police detective must investigate the murder of a popular superheroine. As you can imagine, she had powerful enemies.
Going back to Alan Moore for weirder stuff, we have "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," which is about the Victorian action heroes--Captain Nemo, the Invisible Man, Dr. Jeckyll (but more Mr. Hyde,) etc. combining forces to fight evil, and each other...
Alan Moore used public domain figures for this new fiction, and this brings to mind a question--why license? Let players poke around a new area and find out for themselves where the power lies...
Anyway, here's hoping I didn't need tags to start paragraphs...

soulzero

10-10-2000, 08:47 PM

Anyone here familar with the novel Snow Crash? That would be one fun book to turn into a full-fledged "cyberpunk" RPG.

Kargh

10-10-2000, 11:54 PM

One that might be easier to do, license anyways, perhaps not build off the bat would be Amber.

Kargh

Devin

10-17-2000, 03:28 AM

I hope you folks don't mind me posting here, but I couldn't resist reading the topic and putting in my two cents.

First, I think a cyberpunk setting would be great. I know that there tend to be two camps: those who enjoy cross-genre settings, and those who don't. I've always preferred Shadowrun over Cyberpunk 2020, not only because I thought the inclusion of mystical stuff added a fun extra dimension, but also because I felt the world FASA created was so much more fleshed-out and consistently detailed. So I would love to see a Shadowrun setting here.

Since R. Talsorian's been mentioned, though, I would suggest another of my favorites - Castle Falkenstein. I absolutely love this setting - it's one of my all-time favorites. Of course, that's also cross-genre. If you prefer straight steampunk (an odd thing to say), there's always Space: 1889.

A few others that pop into mind:

Tribe 8 - Dream Pod 9's post-apocalypse/fantasy setting

Fading Suns - Medieval-style space opera; Though I believe this Holistic Games RPG grew out of a computer game, so I can't imagine doing anything with it would be easy in this context.

2300 AD - The best durn Hard SF game setting I've ever played. I think this is currently owned by Tantalus, Inc., who, while allowing fans to make websites for it, isn't allowing much else to be done with it...

Erm, that's all that comes to mind right now, and I may simply be dreaming with these suggestions, but there they are. Let me add that I'm thrilled to death that Skotos is going to be doing Lovecraft. I can hardly wait...

All right, I'll hobble back to the Story Player area now. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif

- Devin, aka Gideon

Devin

10-17-2000, 03:36 AM

Heh, heh...

Just thought of a few more:

Terry Pratchett's Discworld

Blue Planet RPG (just came out with second edition - hard SF, and it's all on one planet! No worries about planet-hopping...)

Conspiracy X - Actually, any number of X-Files-style games could work, from Delta Green to Dark*Matter, but I mention this one because I know Eden Studios has had troubles lately, and I'd love to see them helped out somehow...

All Flesh Must Be Eaten - Something akin to Romero's Dawn of the Dead and the PlayStation Resident Evil series: A world where the dead have risen! People with shotguns, shooting them! Woo hoo!

Okay! Don't throw things, I'm going!

- Devin http://www.skotos.net/ubb/wink.gif

Nameless

10-17-2000, 09:32 AM

I am thinking If a lot of people want to use white wolf's VTM why not compromise and use another system with vampires. I am thinking why not use In Nomine by Steve Jackson Games. The In nomine setting is based on present times and PC play as angels , demons, vampires, mummies, minor spirits(sprites and imps), powerful humans (Soldiers of hell and heaven), half angels (Nephilim) and a host of others. The system is pretty simple too(table top wise that is). Anyway I think you should just hold a poll and see what people want.

Kargh

10-17-2000, 06:16 PM

I would love to see Discworld done. Along with Amber that is my favorate fantasy setting.

Jess

Devin

10-18-2000, 01:19 AM

Okay, I couldn't resist:

Over The Edge, from Atlas Games. You've got:
- A game where the rules are simple to encourage roleplaying and character creation in terms of concepts rather than stats
- Characters who can have just about any kind of profession, background, etc. in a modern day setting (which doesn't bar supernatural/weird stuff)
- Characters are encouraged to have a Secret, which they [try to] keep from other PCs
- A limited setting, the Island of Al'Amarja.

Seems tailor-made for this style of RP/MUDding...

- Devin http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

J.Edward Tremlett

10-18-2000, 02:20 AM

If White Wolf's non-Vampire games are still open, I'd vote for Wraith: The Oblivion. My biggest concerns would be how to do Shadowguides in this kind of medium, though I suppose you could do the same thing other chat sites that host Wraith have done and have the players Shadowguide themselves.

Past that, I'd agree with Cyberpunk -- there's tons of stories you could do with the system that could probably work just fine with this kind of medium.

Anyway, this is my first time posting and this seemed like the right topic. Please be kind http://www.skotos.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

Kurt Brown

10-22-2000, 12:48 AM

I think this format would be good to revive the "Ringworld" license, or possibly the entire Larry Niven "Known Space" universe. I don't think anyone has the license currently (Chaosium had the RPG AGES ago), but I think it would be worthwhile to look in to it.

Kurt

stanleyteriaca

10-24-2000, 02:24 PM

May I sergest, prehaps, Big Eyes, Small Mouth? Or, if you realy want to go the comic book rout, Ninja High School/Gold Diggers?

Stanley R. Teriaca, Anime Fan.

Monkey

10-24-2000, 10:07 PM

If you folks can snag a license for White Wolf's Changeling game, I'll write a proposal to build for it.

I think that the concept of division between 'real' and 'chimerical' things and events as described in Changeling could be enhanced by the use of a computer intermediary which filtered out those things and events certain characters couldn't perceive. And it's my all-time favorite role-playing game http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

Another idea I've been toying with is a setting based on either the 'Illuminatus! Trilogy' or the 'Illuminati' game (another Steve Jackson game). I'd write a proposal to build for that too.

Atama

10-24-2000, 10:41 PM

I know that Avalon Hill has recently been acquired by Hasbro (sheesh, what the hell hasn't? WotC, TSR...), but would it be possible to have a game based on Tales from the Floating Vagabond?

In my experience, this game gave you the greatest flexibilty as far as character choices of any game I have ever played. I also love the skills, reminiscent of "Toon". It all centers around a bar in space, called the Floating Vagabond.

And it would be so fun to roleplay...

Any interest in a game like this?

Or have you ever played HoL? (Human-Occupied-Landfill). This was by Black Dog, an offshoot of White Wolf. It is very similar in its flexibility, and is flat out the funniest RPG ever made (I dunno if I've ever laughed as hard in my life as I did reading their rulebooks...)

fiendlet

10-31-2000, 08:43 AM

Has anyone considered asking about the Harry Potter licence?

I've always thought it would make a fantastic MUSH, so I bet it would work well with this kind of environment also.

Darren Brimhall

11-20-2000, 04:04 AM

How about aquiring a license for the newly revamped Space:1889 or GURPS Supers and any International Super Teams (IST) related materal?

Darren Brimhall

Darren Brimhall

11-20-2000, 04:08 AM

Then there's the Boarderland book series, which involves a series of short stories of what occurs when elves and magic return quite abruptly to the modern world.

Darren Brimhall

ShannonA

11-28-2000, 05:36 PM

We've just announced a new license, as well as the sixth member of the Skotos Seven. We're going to be working with Sanguine Productions to produce an Ironclaw game.

Check out http://www.skotos.net/about/pr/ for complete information.

Shannon

brianm

11-28-2000, 05:52 PM

Originally posted by JeffCrook:
This was inspired by my recent Tech post.

... other people play Moriarty ...

I claim dibs on that character. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

- B. James Moriarty
- The Napoleon of Crime

JeffCrook

11-29-2000, 06:41 AM

Originally posted by brianm:
I claim dibs on that character. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

- B. James Moriarty
- The Napoleon of Crime

OK, but I get to play Mrs. Hudson.

Atama

11-29-2000, 09:26 AM

Ok... if Ironclaw is about medieval-style anthropomorphic animals, I get to play the rabbit samurai bodyguard! http://www.skotos.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

jwalton

12-21-2000, 10:50 AM

Okay, first off, let me throw my vote in for SJGames _In Nomine_, which happens to be one of the most original and diverse settings on the game market today. I mean, who wouldn't be interested in a game about angels and demons in the War for the souls of humanity (that was a rhetorical question, obviously some people with certain religious beliefs might have some problems with it)? I've been active in the In Nomine community for some time now, and I think that a great many people (including the In Nomine "Powers-That-Be" at SJG) would be excited about converting that system to the Skotos format.

Also, I personally think that David Wingrove's _Chung Kuo_ series, based on an incredibly rich future where Chinese civilization (and not the West) is the most powerful in the world, would adapt especially well. It probably wouldn't work best as an initial offering, perhaps, simply because it would have some overlap with the _Qi Gung_ setting being developed, but it would be something to look in to.

Also, the reason that most superhero settings don't work in RPG or MUSH format is simply because of the character choices. Everyone would want to play Wolverine or Batman or Spawn or what have you, and that simply wouldn't work. The reason that games like Palladium's _Heroes Unlimited_ have succeeded is because they've avoided the idea of using pre-made, famous characters. I agree with whoever said that a _Mystery Men_ style game would work very well. I'd be surprised if something like that isn't developed once the Building Kit is released. On that subject, the old computer game _Superhero League of Hoboken_ would be great source material.

As far as other licenses go, _the Matrix_ would have an amazing amount of potential, instant recognition, and an immense following, especially since the next two movies as being made as we speak (with Jet Li, on top of the already amazing cast). It would also take an immense amount of thought and planning to make it work well. It would definately have to be an in-house project and something not simply cobbled together.

As far as game potential goes, I'm trying to think of great games that have had little support recentlyn and so would be easily acquired as a license and would have fans burning for new material. Palladium's "Nightbane" comes to mind, as does White Wolf's "Trinity." "In Nomine" would also fall in this catagory. Also, I think something in the style of a "Black Ops" or "Men in Black" style game could be very popular.

Just some thoughts.

Slade650

12-23-2000, 07:08 PM

Hey everyone,

Two Licenses that I think would be awesome would be the Aliens Universe, and Deadlands.
I'm a huge fan of both.

Saurus

01-01-2001, 07:44 PM

Hey, I just read Robert Silverberg's Lord Valentine's Castle, again and I realized that Silverberg's world of Magipoor would make a great setting for this type of game. I don't think there've been any games using its license... As least so far as I know. Has anyone else read any of Silverberg's work? If you havn't, they're great, fairly quick reads, and I suggest them whole-heartedly.

Atama

01-01-2001, 08:31 PM

I read that book. Very interesting. Actually, this castle reminds me of that world, alot.

Phinias

02-02-2001, 10:20 AM

We are definately interested in literary sources. I am very familiar with Feist's work, and have corresponded with Steve Abrams several times. What has made a license from them difficult is that they licensed Midkemia for popular "Krondor" series of computer and console games.

I'd dearly love to have a license to CJ Cherryh's Pride of Chanur books, or to Anne Rice's vampire books, or any mid-list author who has an ongoing series.

In particular I think it makes sense for mid-list authors as we give them continuity between book releases and a place for their fan to congregate and get excited about the next book.

-- Christopher Allen

I would love to see Skotos move in this direction, especially if they could strike some good co-marketing deals.

It seems like there could be a =respectable= target market of avid readers who have never touched a role-playing game, but who would absolutely love the "story-participation" opportunities that Skotos is developing - especially if their favorite authors were involved. http://www.skotos.net/ubb/smile.gif

I would personally love to see anything by Ursula LeGuin, especially EarthSea. Peter S. Beagle comes to mind with The Last Unicorn and Giant Bones etc. all. Samuel DeLaney's Neveryon series. Anne McCaffery already has a major online following. A Grand Theater set in Marion Zimmer Bradley's Mists of Avalon.

I think Stages based on the works of authors like Jorges Luis Borges and Italo Calvino would be intense...

Even major poets are often in need of extra income - how strange and delightful to wander and interact in a reality of poetry!

Romance and Historical Romance novels sell by the bucket-load, and women are an important part of your market - there is a Stage or two somewhere there.

I know you've said that three-way license deals are difficult, and I could see that the fruit of a Skotos, Activision, White Wolf deal might not be worth it. However, wouldn't the taste of a Skotos, Author, Publishing Imprint deal be sweet, with the right co-marketing? Skotos, Author, and Barnes & Noble...? Skotos and a popular Science Fiction or Fantasy magazine? Customers like myself might even be willing to pay a little extra every month for these Premiere games, if they are done well.

Role-playing licenses are great, and you need them; but it seems to me that the mainstream fiction market is a MUCH larger pot, especially with all the hoopla about e-books, and especially since your target market seems to be a more mature, culture conscious individual to begin with.

Two cents or so,

BJ