Goodman Games Offers Assurances About Judges Guild Royalties

Goodman Games has issued another statement regarding the situation surrounding its upcoming City State of the Invincible Overlord crowdfunder.

Goodman Games CEO Joseph Goodman opened by saying "I was personally very affected by the comments because many of the people I know and love are in the groups that were heavily affected so I don't agree with the bigotry, I don't agree with the transphobia, I don't agree with the homophobia, I don't agree with the racism, I don't agree with any of it and I don't want to be associated with it and I don't want any money from Goodman Games to ever fund it or be perceived as funding it."

The short version of the statement --

• The funds which would have gone to Judges Guild (which appears to be 10% of the Kickstarter) will be placed in an escrow account managed by Goodman Games. Those funds will be used to reimburse the backers of the earlier unfulfilled Judges Guild Kickstarter.
• The print run will be limited to ensure that once those backers have been reimbursed, no further revenue will be generated. This ensures that Judges Guild will not make a profit on this project.
• If in some way the Kickstarter does exceed this threshold, Goodman Games is legally obligated to pay the excess royalties to Judges Guild. However, Goodman Games will match that excess with a charity donation.

Hi everyone,

Over the last day, I’ve been listening and reading the comments made in relation to our City State of the Invincible Overlord crowdfunding project. Many of you have legitimate questions which we could have done a better job addressing initially. I realize that, in the initial rollout, I should have better explained how Goodman Games plans to publish this product in a way aligned with our company’s core values.

A common sentiment in many comments is: “How do you know the royalties will be used as intended?” As we shared yesterday, our agreement with Judges Guild is that royalties from “our” 5E+DCC City State of the Invincible Overlord will be used to repay unfulfilled backers from “their” Pathfinder CSIO Kickstarter from many years ago. There is legitimate concern from many commentators asking how we will ensure that would happen and ensuring that no funds are used for any other purpose. I and the entire Goodman Games team personally agree, as we do not want any funds from a Goodman Games project (this or any other) used for any causes or purposes related to the things that we are diametrically opposed to. (Including antisemitism, racism, homophobia, or other bigoted causes.) Concerns about funds being used for other purposes by other parties have been taken very seriously.

Therefore, Goodman Games will set up an escrow account specifically to receive any royalties due to Judges Guild. Effective immediately we will take over administering the refund process for the 2014 Judges Guild “Pathfinder edition” CSIO campaign. All royalties generated from “our” 5E+DCC CSIO campaign will be paid directly into this account. No royalties will be paid directly to Judges Guild.

We will limit the number of copies printed of “our” CSIO project to ensure royalties do not exceed the “full refund threshold” of the original Pathfinder CSIO campaign. In other words, if every single backer of the original campaign requests a refund, and we sell our entire print run, the full value of refunds will be granted and not a cent will be left over for additional royalty payments.

All reimbursements to backers of the previous Pathfinder campaign will come from this escrow account, managed by Goodman Games and overseen by a third party to ensure the funds are used as intended with no other parties being a part of this process.

For the record: Goodman Games has no access to the original Judges Guild Pathfinder Kickstarter campaign. We were not part of it. Operationally, legally, morally and financially we have no connection to it (other than this new development). We are unable to access backer records. Currently we would ask that backers of that original project email info@goodman-games.com and include a screen capture of their original pledge info, with backer number as well as full name and mailing address. (This email address may change as we set up the mechanisms to deal with this process.) We will begin to process refunds following the close and settlement of the crowdfunding campaign. To the extent that the funds accrued in the Judges Guild royalty escrow account cover some or all refund requests, we will administer an evenly prorated amount or a full refund.

The goal of this post is to answer any remaining questions, so here is an answer to one more that I anticipate. “What happens to any money left in the escrow account after the refunds are paid out?” The “Pathfinder edition” CSIO project generated $85k in revenue. For “our” project to generate $85k in royalty payments, it would have to break $850,000, which would be an extraordinary campaign. I think it’s highly unlikely that will happen.

However, it has been represented to me that Judges Guild has already refunded some of the original Pathfinder backers, so perhaps the total refund requests will be less than $85k. And perhaps “our” campaign will do better than expected, generating a larger-than-expected royalty payment. The combination of these two factors means it’s possible there will be money left in the escrow account.

We are legally obligated to pay those funds to Judges Guild. If that happens, Goodman Games will match that remaining payment with a donation to a charitable cause that supports our values of inclusivity. We have requested that Judges Guild make a similar donation.

We will also be limiting the print run of the campaign to manage the amount of royalties generated by this campaign so that there should be no excess. This campaign will be a “one-and-done” print run. PDF copies of the materials will only be sold during this crowdfunding campaign. There will be no additional printing. If the crowdfunding backers do not pledge for the entire print run, the remaining printed copies will be sold into distribution to generate funds for the remaining reimbursements of the “Pathfinder edition.”

I hope this addresses the concern around “where the money goes.” If there are other questions I can address, please send them our way and I’ll try to address those too. As we said yesterday when the events of 2020 occurred, we had several projects in the works related to the Judges Guild property. This is the last former Judges Guild product Goodman Games will be publishing that we do not own the rights to. We have rights to other products, which we do not intend to develop.

The original City State of the Invincible Overlord, as first designed by Bob Bledsaw Sr and Bill Owen in 1977, is an amazing piece of TTRPG history that deserves to be seen by 2025 gamers. Our hope that we can find way to share this brilliant creation with 5E and DCC gamers, help resolve outstanding refunds for the prior Kickstarter backers and do so without any connection to racist, homophobic, antisemitic and other bigotry exposed in 2020.

Thanks for your patience as we got everything pulled together behind the scenes and having the faith in Goodman Games as a company and myself to do the right thing.

Sincerely,
Joseph Goodman

 

[Nightfly]

If JG had to pay reimbursements, and now GG is paying the reimbursements (at least in parts), how does JG not profit from that? It's less money they have to pay.

That Kickstarter is 11 years old. If JG hasn't paid by now, they never will. And apparently they can't be forced to, or else someone would have done so. So in that context, they do not "have to pay" except in a moral sense, which they've long since shrugged off.

So it seems Goodman Games isn't relieving JG of any debt which is actually collectible. Whether or not that absolves them of blame is a matter of opinion. It matters a good bit to me that JG isn't benefiting in any tangible way (probably, apparently) but others will see it differently.

 

[Morrus]

What I don't get:
If JG had to pay reimbursements, and now GG is paying the reimbursements (at least in parts), how does JG not profit from that? It's less money they have to pay.
Maybe I am a little slow right now, can somebody explain it in easy terms?
Hopefully, the net winners will be the backers. I had no intent to pick this up, but that whole thing has made sure I won't. Made me unsure about picking up DCC in the future, too. Shame.

The bit you’re missing is that JG did not have to pay, and were probably never going to be able to. So this really changes nothing for JG. They weren’t going to pay it, and they still aren’t. It does change things for the screwed backers though.

My brain starts hurting at the thought of GG backers effectively paying for their own refunds though. So if you were screwed by the JG campaign, by backing the GG campaign you fund your own refund. At which point—did you actually get a refund?

 

[Deset Gled]

If JG had to pay reimbursements, and now GG is paying the reimbursements (at least in parts), how does JG not profit from that? It's less money they have to pay.
Maybe I am a little slow right now, can somebody explain it in easy terms?
Hopefully, the net winners will be the backers. I had no intent to pick this up, but that whole thing has made sure I won't. Made me unsure about picking up DCC in the future, too. Shame.

JG is supposed to pay reimbursement or provide product. But the reality is that there's not a good way to enforce that. Even if a class action lawsuit were started (at high cost), JG would just declare bankruptcy and no one would get anything. Their current state is effectively judgement proof.

So, as you correctly surmised, what GG has offered is a net win for the earlier backers. By using an escrow service, GG can ensure the funds go to reimbursement first.

It's not perfect, but the world is an imperfect place.

 

[zottel]

That Kickstarter is 11 years old. If JG hasn't paid by now, they never will. And apparently they can't be forced to, or else someone would have done so. So in that context, they do not "have to pay" except in a moral sense, which they've long since shrugged off.

So it seems Goodman Games isn't relieving JG of any debt which is actually collectible. Whether or not that absolves them of blame is a matter of opinion. It matters a good bit to me that JG isn't benefiting in any tangible way (probably, apparently) but others will see it differently.

The bit you’re missing is that JG did not have to pay, and were probably never going to be able to. So this really changes nothing for JG. They weren’t going to pay it, and they still aren’t. It does change things for the screwed backers though.

My brain starts hurting at the thought of GG backers effectively paying for their own refunds though. So if you were screwed by the JG campaign, by backing the GG campaign you fund your own refund. At which point—did you actually get a refund?

JG is supposed to pay reimbursement or provide product. But the reality is that there's not a good way to enforce that. Even if a class action lawsuit were started (at high cost), JG would just declare bankruptcy and no one would get anything. Their current state is effectively judgement proof.

So, as you correctly surmised, what GG has offered is a net win for the earlier backers. By using an escrow service, GG can ensure the funds go to reimbursement first.

It's not perfect, but the world is an imperfect place.

Thanks for the replies!
But wasn't it stated in the other thread that you could ask JG for a refund and you would get it?
Because it reads to me like GG has no info about the backers from the old KS, so you have to contact them. So I guess I am still a little confused.

 

[Morrus]

Thanks for the replies!
But wasn't it stated in the other thread that you could ask JG for a refund and you would get it?

I dunno! Are they actually doing that? Are folks getting their refunds? I was under the impression they were not. But I don’t actually know.

Because it reads to me like GG has no info about the backers from the old KS, so you have to contact them. So I guess I am still a little confused.

Yes. What’s the confusing bit?

 

[zottel]

I dunno! Are they actually doing that? Are folks getting their refunds? I was under the impression they were not. But I don’t actually know.

Yes. What’s the confusing bit?

Well, if the backers get the refunds from JG if they ask, and now they get the refunds from GG if they ask, my initial question still stands. How is that not money saved by JG?
If backers don't get refunds from JG, its all clear. But what I read from comments in the other thread, they do.
But I guess at the vry least more people will be made aware of the possibilities of a refund, so that's good.

 

[mamba]

If JG had to pay reimbursements, and now GG is paying the reimbursements (at least in parts), how does JG not profit from that? It's less money they have to pay.

JG does not have to pay reimbursements, failed KS generally do not, as the money they collected was spent

 

[mamba]

Well, if the backers get the refunds from JG if they ask, and now they get the refunds from GG if they ask, my initial question still stands. How is that not money saved by JG?

I guess the difference is that JG could afford to refund the handful of backers that did ask but is in no position to do so if many backers were to ask - and would not have to either. With GG paying for the refund, more backers can be refunded.

The question is how many will even be aware that after over a decade, they can get some kind of refund if they ask for it…

 

[polyhedral man]

I dunno! Are they actually doing that? Are folks getting their refunds? I was under the impression they were not. But I don’t actually know.

Yes. What’s the confusing bit?

Yes, JG are offering refunds. I pre-ordered that version of CSIO after the campaign ended, and I have been in touch with Robert Bledsaw II since 2018. The man genuinely did his best to correct RB III's mismanagement of the project, despite considerable health problems getting in his way.

I was sent the miniatures by RBII back in 2018, and although I offered to pay shipping he was adamant that JG should cover the cost. Robert also sent me a number of PDFs from the old CSIO for free when it became clear to him that RBIII would not be able to deliver the project.

More recently, once funds became available I was offered not just a refund but a refund with interest, for the part that was not fulfilled. I rejected the offer for the interest, the man has been through enough hell with that project as it is.

In all my dealings with RBII, I found him to be extremely gracious, kind and conscientious. I don't know what are the exact views/posts that led to him being characterised as an antisemite, but it's sad for me to see this man and the company his father built vilified like that.
Even if he does hold reprehensible opinions, I don't appreciate ostracizing and scapegoating people like that. In fact I think it's an ugly thing, when people form a "righteous" majority and are scapegoating one individual that can't defend themselves about their perceived wrongdoing - they can't defend themselves, not when it catches fire like that. People will argue, he did something wrong to cause it to catch fire. Yes, but is it worth losing his business and be unable to support himself and his family over that mistake?

If we are genuinely interested in winning hearts and minds, I look at people like Daryl Davis as the best kind of example - he engaged with people who had genuinely been indoctrinated by the worse kind of ideologies (KKK), and managed to free them from that.

And sure, you can choose not to support someone you don't want to. But this insistence that they should not get royalties seems disproportionate. it's their IP.

On the other hand, you can also argue that "Caesar's wife should be above suspicion" when you're running a business. Anyhow, I thought I'd mention my personal experience dealing with JG. I wish them well. I hope everyone else gets reimbursed, just like I did. And I look forward to the new KS.

 

[Metroido]

Yes, JG are offering refunds. I pre-ordered that version of CSIO after the campaign ended, and I have been in touch with Robert Bledsaw II since 2018. The man genuinely did his best to correct RB III's mismanagement of the project, despite considerable health problems getting in his way.

I was sent the miniatures by RBII back in 2018, and although I offered to pay shipping he was adamant that JG should cover the cost. Robert also sent me a number of PDFs from the old CSIO for free when it became clear to him that RBIII would not be able to deliver the project.

More recently, once funds became available I was offered not just a refund but a refund with interest, for the part that was not fulfilled. I rejected the offer for the interest, the man has been through enough hell with that project as it is.

In all my dealings with RBII, I found him to be extremely gracious, kind and conscientious. I don't know what are the exact views/posts that led to him being characterised as an antisemite, but it's sad for me to see this man and the company his father built vilified like that.
Even if he does hold reprehensible opinions, I don't appreciate ostracizing and scapegoating people like that. In fact I think it's an ugly thing, when people form a "righteous" majority and are scapegoating one individual that can't defend themselves about their perceived wrongdoing - they can't defend themselves, not when it catches fire like that. People will argue, he did something wrong to cause it to catch fire. Yes, but is it worth losing his business and be unable to support himself and his family over that mistake?

If we are genuinely interested in winning hearts and minds, I look at people like Daryl Davis as the best kind of example - he engaged with people who had genuinely been indoctrinated by the worse kind of ideologies (KKK), and managed to free them from that.

And sure, you can choose not to support someone you don't want to. But this insistence that they should not get royalties seems disproportionate. it's their IP.

On the other hand, you can also argue that "Caesar's wife should be above suspicion" when you're running a business. Anyhow, I thought I'd mention my personal experience dealing with JG. I wish them well. I hope everyone else gets reimbursed, just like I did. And I look forward to the new KS.

Oh, hi Bob!