INMEDIARES PRODUCTIONS LLC. ENTERS NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE CLASSIC
BATTLETECH AND SHADOWRUN LICENSES FROM WIZKIDS INC.
Everett, WA, April 20, 2007—InMediaRes Production LLC has entered
into negotiations with WizKids, Inc. and FanPro, LLC to explore the
acquisition of RPG publishing rights for the Classic BattleTech and
Shadowrun Intellectual Properties. IMR is confident in the strength
of Shadowrun and Classic BattleTech and the commitment that WizKids,
Inc. has shown in supporting these two long-standing properties.
About InMediaRes Productions LLC
InMediaRes Productions LLC has developed BattleCorps.com as the
premiere on-line fiction source for Classic BattleTech.
BattleCorps.com actively support the Classic BattleTech community,
their BattleShop offers everything from poster maps to PDF
sourcebooks, miniatures to software, and is the one-stop-shop for any
fan of the BattleTech/MechWarrior universe. Their subscription-based
services also take the Classic BattleTech experience to a whole new
level, featuring a stable of authors from national best sellers to
great new talent, new art, unique product previews, faction specific
message boards and moderated chats with authors and developers.
About WizKids, Inc.
A wholly owned subsidiary of the Topps Company (TOPP), WizKids is a
Seattle-based game developer and publisher dedicated to creating
tabletop games driven by imagination. Its HeroClix® and Pirates
brands are among the most successful games on the market today, with
over one hundred million miniature game figures sold worldwide. For
additional information, visit www.wizkidsgames.com.
Loren Coleman’s Letter to the Community
Some of you may have heard the rumors beginning to build. Well, the
announcements are now getting out there. Negotiations have begun,
seeking to move the Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun properties to a
new company, InMediaRes Productions.
As this moves forward, I'm certain we will hear information of long-
time employees moving between companies, as well as dark rumors as to
the fate of CBT and Shadowrun. I want not only to strike down such
rumors, I can tell you that I see nothing but brighter, better days
ahead for both game lines.
I have spoken with WizKids, and can assure you that this move is in
the best interest of both Classic BattleTechand Shadowrun. I have
every confidence in WizKids, in their support for the game lines, and
their ability to ensure that the games we enjoy so much will only
grow stronger.
I also think we owe a deep debt of gratitude to FanPro and its
employees, as well, for bringing the properties this far. They have
done an exceedingly hard job, taking over after FASA closed its
doors, and the quality of the product we've seen in the last several
years is a testament to their hard work and love for the games.
I know that I, and all other industry professionals I've spoken to,
have re-committed ourselves to the game lines, no matter what. This
is not something we would do if we were worried about their future.
In fact, we are more excited than ever to have the ability to take
both Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun to new and greater heights.
We look forward to seeing you there, along for the ride!
Loren Coleman
InMediaRes Productions
Rob Boyle’s Letter to the Community
I've been the lead Shadowrun line developer for FanPro LLC since the
day it started, through good times and bad. Along with the other
developers and freelancers, we have all been absolutely committed to
continuing and and growing this game line in new and exciting ways.
The time has now come to transfer the Shadowrun line into the hands
of a new company. We are not saying goodbye, however--we're coming
along for the ride as well. Everyone who is part of the core
Shadowrun production crew is looking forward to relocating the line
to IMR's stewardship and continuing to publish one of the best games
out there. Despite the delays we've recently faced, we are excited
that things will be getting back on track quite quickly.
Rob Boyle
Shadowrun Line Developer
Randall Bills' Letter to the Community
The last ten years I’ve seen the Classic BattleTech property and
community thrive. I’ve been a part of the development of over one
hundred products and novels for this universe. I’ve also been the key
driving force behind the largest re-branding and revitalization
Classic BattleTech has seen in well over a decade, including the
creation and launching of the Dawn of Jihad sourcebook and storyline,
as well as Total Warfare.
FanPro has made the above accomplishments possible. With the
expiration of the license and WizKids’ desire to position the Classic
BattleTech product to achieve even more, WizKids, Inc. is working
with both FanPro LLC and InMediaRes Productions LLC. to transition
the Classic BattleTech license to InMediaRes.
I have immensely enjoyed the working relationship between myself and
WizKids and the other licensees surrounding Classic BattleTech/
MechWarrior, such as Iron Wind Metals, InMediaRes Productions and so
on. I completely support this move by all involved and look forward
to an even stronger relationship between the various licensees that
positions Classic BattleTech/MechWarrior to even greater heights.
Randall Bills
Classic BattleTech Line Developer
--
It is simply breathtaking to watch the glee and abandon with which
the liberal media and the Angry Left have been attempting to turn
our military victory in Iraq into a second Vietnam quagmire. Too bad
for them, it's failing.
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