Or maybe, it is a given fact, that Atari signed a 10 year deal back in 2007, to be the holder of the IP gaming (video game) license. Until 2017.
It is indicated that Wotc or Hasbro, have been in talks, for the last several months for some type of resolution to whatever matters they wanted to resolve. And nothing came of it.
Generally, I suspect that Hasbro wanted out of it, and Atari probably said, 'No', cause much money was spent on the license fees, back in 2007, for the 10 year deal.
Despite the lack luster of (making) games or good titles to bring in the good dollars.
I suspect, it was the last hold over, on who had the license outside their comfort zone. Keep in mind, before 4E came about, there was a 'withdraw' of outside licenses from publishing companines back then.
This is this technically the last one, a major one to boot. So...all this talk of 'breach' of contract, maybe a smoke screen, for Hasbro trying to break that last major hurdle, and of course, hit a roadblock.
A deal is a deal, signed for, and paid for...upfront. If there is outstanding proof, of it being broken on the part of Atari, then it shall be proven in court.
The clue pointed out was on the premise, that they said, they were talking for months, (in this year or the last). Trying to reach some level of understanding or settlement...of the matter.
But with Hasbro/Wotc's track record, going back to the beginning of when Wotc was takenover by Hasbro, and then followed the licenses being 'sucked' back after that process. And then the deal in 2007, with Atari back then, and now this...
This is my conclusion, as I see it. Bad game, or no game, side deal or no side deal, if done by accident or intent.
This is what the truer picture, I do see.
And here is a
link to the history of what games with the D&D IP, going back to 1975.
And finally to add, for all the D&D type-emulated games that have existed, the main D&D games, haven't been smash hits to the my memory.
There is no game I can recall, that has been a total sucessful, that has stayed on the gamer's mind, for the last several years.
WOW, Everquest, Ultimate, Final Fantasy, Guild Wars (as examples), to me...has been ongoing titles, that been successful franchies, since their release.
Where is D&D staying power (and I don't count the latest from Turbine), throughout this?
Others have taken it, and made the theme more successful, in tha last 10 years or more.
Not saying TSR, then Wotc squander the time to make a true impact, and create a true staying power to keep the IP as a franchise in people minds.
It is just the fact...others have beating them to it, and is quite ahead, far ahead, that honestly...making a game now, with reference to the IP (4E included), will not have the staying power, they are seeking and looking for.
Honestly, it will take frakkin' miracle, a miracle...to change that slide around.
Most of you guys have played many PC games before me, be honest...do you see that 'staying power' ever existing in the current climate, with what is out now?
Peace.
