Arthaus reverts rights to Ravenloft and Gamma World back to Wotc

[Mouseferatu]

Well, I for one will greatly miss Ravenloft, no matter who's publishing it. Not only am I a huge fan of the setting, but I'd have given my right leg to write more for it professionally. I'm proud of my work in Dark Tales and Disturbing Legends, but while that particular book is very "Ravenlofty" in terms of content, it didn't provide me the opportunity to play with any of the setting's most identifiable aspects. Specifically, I didn't get to do anything regarding the Dark Lords, nor did I get to play with the concept of creating new domains. Combine those two wishes with writing novel-length fiction, and you've got the three things I most wanted to do with Ravenloft.

Looks like I may never have the chance, now.

I know it's unlikely, but I hope WotC decides to offer some minimal amount of support--if only in the form of the occasional piece of fiction.

 

[Ranger REG]

With a few noteworthy exceptions, Arthaus did Ravenloft vastly better than TSR ever did. It's a damn shame they won't be continuing on with it. I recommend everyone take a look at "Denizens of Dread," the Ravenloft monster book, while they still can. It's one of my favorites, and makes most "Libris Mortis" monsters look pretty tepid in comparison.

Probably because the folks of the Kargatane web site had more involvement in the line.

 

[Barendd Nobeard]

What do you think, that WotC will do with the ravenloft setting? .... simply take it to the grave?

Take Ravenloft to the grave? Sure, no problem! It'll just rise again after the next full moon!

 

[Kid Charlemagne]

I know it's unlikely, but I hope WotC decides to offer some minimal amount of support--if only in the form of the occasional piece of fiction.

I'm sure Dragon and Dungeon would accept quality articles on the subject...

 

[Drew]

I bought the Ravenloft Player's book when it came out and found it kind of lackluster. I received the monster book as a present, and thought it was kind of neat. I'm genuinly a little surprised that the Ravenloft stuff was so well regarded. When it first came out, the community seemed underwhelmed.

Since its going away, I wouldn't mind picking a few things up while I still can. So, what are the really cool books?

 

[devilbat]

A pitty, really. I enjoyed the RV Gazetteers.

Yeah, me too. I really enjoyed Arthaus' Ravenloft books. I had hoped the company would at least finish releasing the Gazeteer series, before inevitably dumping the line.

 

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

While the loss of Ravenloft is regretable, there are other choices for material that has a very Ravenloft-esque feel. It's called Midnight.

I totally disagree. While both are dark, they're miles apart in flavor and mechanics.

 

[Staffan]

Are there any other licesnses out there for D&D properties?

Dragonlance and Hackmaster. The HM license in particular is very broad - apparently it allows Kenzer & Co to publish things based on anything 1e, 2e or Original/Basic D&D, as long as it's "hacked."

 

[devilbat]

While the loss of Ravenloft is regretable, there are other choices for material that has a very Ravenloft-esque feel. It's called Midnight.

I enjoy Midnight, and I own every release for it, save the 2nd edition book. My players find te setting too dark and hopeless. They prefer Ravenloft.

 

[Jack of Shadows]

Well,

This is hardly surprising. I can't speak for Ravenloft but Gamma World was obviously a dismall failure. That the rights would be allowed to revert to WotC is just a natural conclusion. As has been noted previously Darwin's World 2 just totally blew D20 GW out of the water. When I read GW I kept getting the feeling that it was the author's half-finished manuscript prior to playtesting. They had some interesting ideas but the execution was abominable.

I also believe that WotC still has a valuable IP in Gamma World. It was, after all, what was done with it that so disillusioned buyers, not the brand itself. Does this mean WotC is likely to do anything with it? Probably not. I suspect they won't even be allowing a third party to license it again.

That said I would love to see the guys at RPGObjects or those behind Spycraft 2.0 to take a crack at it.

Jack

P.S. I wonder if we'll ever see another edition of Gangbusters or Boot Hill?