 March 11, 2009 - 10:16am | So, here's some questions... After all, we have to discuss this every 6 months or so... With the recession and all, what are the chances of just BUYING Star Frontiers from Wizards of the Coast? Are they cash-starved yet? How much do you think they would want for it? I know we've gone over this a zillion times already, but hey, maybe the situation has changed? If they only knew what they had... Fools. Such fools. |
 March 11, 2009 - 12:27pm | http://www.chipin.com/ :-) |
 March 12, 2009 - 5:23am | I cant imagine it being chump change. We need something like a prof. sports player who loves the game and wants to save it like what happened with Advanced Squad Leader. I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers! |
 March 12, 2009 - 7:45am | I actualy wrote a letter the WotC CEO about a month ago trying to start a discussion on this very topic. I'd have written the Licensing Manager but my previous attempts to contact that title have been unsuccessful and I figured I'd got straight to the top. I asked him about either buying the game rights (reserving WotC free use of the SF aliens in their existing products they are already included in) or licensing the rights so that I could produce SF materials. I haven't heard back. WotC seems to be a black hole. Everything I've sent to them has gotten no response. I'm tempted to take a few days and go up there and visit in person. Ad Astra Per Ardua! My blog - Expanding Frontier Webmaster - The Star Frontiers Network & this site Founding Editor - The Frontier Explorer Magazine Managing Editor - The Star Frontiersman Magazine |
March 12, 2009 - 7:52am | Its a lot harder to blow someone off face to face. Its always easier to say no over the phone too. I might not be a dralasite, vrusk or yazirian but I do play one in Star Frontiers! |
 March 12, 2009 - 12:48pm | I can't see them being willing to sell; I can see them killing the extant free license after a credible purchase offer, and then mangling it beyond recognition. |
 March 12, 2009 - 4:23pm | I agree with aramis on this. Might have better results going straight to Hasbro, maybe? "You're everything that's base in humanity," Cochrane continued. "Drawing up strict, senseless rules for the sole reason of putting you at the top and excluding anyone you say doesn't belong or fit in, for no other reason than just because you say so." —Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stephens, Federation |
March 12, 2009 - 6:38pm | Of course showing up on their door step may not help either if you can't get passed the receptionist and/or security guard  . The truth is, I'm just trying to start a conversation. Even a "No" would have been useful but so far I haven't heard a peep. They did sign for my letter though so I know they got it.If I can't talk to anyone at WotC, going straight to Hasbro is probably the next step. Although at that point you are so far removed for the relevant business unit that it may not do any good either. Honestly I don't see them being willing to sell either, but it never hurts to ask. I'd settle for a licensing deal where I do the work and they get a (preferably small) cut of the profits (if any) for use of their IP. And as far as I know, there is no extant free license for them to kill. If someone knows of one and can point me to a copy I'd love to see it. Tim and Bill can post the rules (original and remastered respectively) through special dispensation and only because WotC hasn't told them to stop. Actually, I'm not completely clear on exactly the permission that Bill got but Tim was granted permission by TSR and then by WotC to post the original rules for free download until such time as WotC asked him to stop. So far, they've never asked and it's been ~7 years. Ad Astra Per Ardua! My blog - Expanding Frontier Webmaster - The Star Frontiers Network & this site Founding Editor - The Frontier Explorer Magazine Managing Editor - The Star Frontiersman Magazine |
March 14, 2009 - 1:12pm | Good ideas Terlo... I am inclined to agree with aramis as well on this one as well. When you think about it, Hasbro might actually benefit from the recession, as people are looking for mega cheap entertainment. Over time, nothing is cheaper than a board game. Based on an hourly rate (hours paid vs. price paid), I would say that Star Frontiers has cost me a net of 11 cents! Nevertheless I am curious as to what they would say. It is fun to think about - I'm sure within 12 months of a deal we would fill a whole store shelf with new modules! I for one would start writing immediately. |
 March 14, 2009 - 6:30pm | I have tried getting a license to the rights for SF as well. Took something like nine months to get a response and it was shot down without even looking at my request. Just said sorry we cannot help you at this time.... Confucious Says: Man with one chopstick go hungry. Man who eat many prunes get good run for money. Man who live in glass house should change clothes in basement. |
