Mongoose's Cyberpunk? Details anyone?

[storyguide3]

It's an interesting release for several reasons...

Cyberpunk is a trademark of R. Talsorian. It's actually registered trademark, I believe.

The term "Core Rulebook" cannot be used in conjunction with the d20 License.

The d20 License specifically requires that the book state explicitly that it DOES require the use of a WOTC core rulebook (either the Player's Handbook, DMG, or d20 Modern or some combination thereof).

Frankly I don't know what they are doing in that release. Maybe they are pushing the boundaries of a press release like Clark Peterson did-- just after Valterra's interesting press release regarding the BoEF...?

I would be impressed if that were the case, but I think it is more likely we will see some rapid backpedalling (especially regarding the Cyberpunk trademark, unless they intend to challenge that as well).

Wulf

The book is obviously not being released under the d20STL, only the OGL. That much is plain from the fact that it says you only need the one book to play. Therefore they can call it a Core Rulebook and not claim the need for a WotC book. What is less clear is whether they can use "d20". Wizards trademarked "d20 System", not just d20. It's probably a grey area, one that more than a few people seem to be wandering into (see AEG's Warlords of the Accordlands website).

As for the Cyberpunk trademark, that term might be easier to challenge, as its not like R. Talsorian coined it, they just took it as their own to describe a game using conventions of a genre already called cyberpunk. Frankly, I have always hated companies that do that sort of thing, if you didn't come up with it, don't try to corral it off.

 

[jmucchiello]

What is less clear is whether they can use "d20". Wizards trademarked "d20 System", not just d20.

Wizards has no trademark on 'd20'. It is not a gray area. It is more of a goodwill area. d20 in this case could be considered descriptive.

 

[Shadowdancer]

Mmmmm! d20 Cyberpunk. I can't wait.

 

[dropshadow]

It's an interesting release for several reasons...

The term "Core Rulebook" cannot be used in conjunction with the d20 License.

Wulf

Looks like Swords and Sorcery snuck one by then...

http://secure.white-wolf.com/catalo...ull&cart=3138297959700103&--eqskudatarq=08300

-dropshadow

 

[storyguide3]

Looks like Swords and Sorcery snuck one by then...

http://secure.white-wolf.com/catalo...ull&cart=3138297959700103&--eqskudatarq=08300

-dropshadow

Actually, that book predates the change to the d20 Trademark License that prohibits the use of the term Core Rulebook. In fact, it was because of books like this one that Wizards changed the d20STL to prohibit the use of the term. Wizards felt that there might be confusion over what actually constituted a core book for D&D.

 

[dropshadow]

Ahhh I bet so.

I noticed both Creature Collections and Relics and Rituals I have "Core Rulebook" on the front, while RR II says sourcebook.

-dropshadow

 

[Benedict]

As for the Cyberpunk trademark, that term might be easier to challenge, as its not like R. Talsorian coined it, they just took it as their own to describe a game using conventions of a genre already called cyberpunk. Frankly, I have always hated companies that do that sort of thing, if you didn't come up with it, don't try to corral it off.

Amen, brother. I haven't bought an R Talsorian product since I found out they did this... and I was heavy into Castle Falkenstein at the time. In my opinion this is intellectual plagiarism, taking (financial) credit for an idea that they didn't originate. On top of that I don't like cyberpunk 2020, so they tie up the name of the genre with a bad product. Shame on you guys.

I once contacted Mike Pondsmith about this issue, to find out if it was true, when I was creating a cyberpunk LARP. He confirmed that he owned the term and that he had very nasty lawyers... then he invited me to send along a copy of my game. "Um, yeah, right", thought I.

benedict

 

[Cergorach]

Like i said in another tread:
Damn, i must be the richest man in the world... I own the word "God". I also patented the concept religion. The things people allow you to own...

 

[Dextra]

Just saw this on Gaming Report, anyone from Mongoose want to give up the ghost on more details? Any support from Rtalsorian at all or going for generic CP?

Unless Alex or Matt have some pretty damned incriminating blackmail material on Mike or Lisa (Pondsmith from RTalsorian Games), there's no way that Mongoose has any official cooperation from RTG to do a d20 Cyberpunk product.

BTW, Digital Burn is pretty okay for a start for d20 cyberpunk genre book using the Modern ruleset. Not nearly enough details to be fully satisfying, but a good start. For non-Modern d20, there's always Dark Quest Games Cyberstyles series.

As for non d20 Cyberpunk genre:
Cyberpunk & Cyberpunk 2020
Shadowrun
Real Cyberpunk
Underground
Cyberspace
Traveller 2300 ventured into it sometimes
CyberGeneration
RIFTS in the cities was pretty Cyberpunk
GURPS Cyberpunk
And really pushing it... Cyborg Commando

(We're just a LITTLE interested in the theme... and also are writing a Modern cyberpunk game for release next year)

 

[Mytholder]

I'd add FFG's Blue Planet to the list. It's got a lot of cyberpunk-inspired elements.