Mystique Enterprises acquires rights to Behind Enemy Lines WW2 RPG

[Mystique]

April 21, 2005 – Mystique Enterprises Inc., a small independent Role Playing Game publishing company based in Massachusetts, is thrilled to announce that they have completed the acquisition of all rights to the Behind Enemy Lines Role-playing Game.
Originally released in 1982 by FASA Corporation, Behind Enemy Lines is a World War II squad level role-playing game set against the tumultuous events of the Second World War. The game’s original contributors included Jordan Weisman (co-founder of FASA Corporation and founder of WizKids Games), William H. Keith, Jr. (Science Fiction novelist and artist) and Ross Babcock (Author & co-founder of FASA Corporation).
Mystique Enterprises Inc. will be releasing the Behind Enemy Lines RPG in a 175 page, Hardbound rulebook, including complete rules for character creation and development, combat, encounter creation and weapons statistics, as well as four ready-made missions/encounters.
Mystique Enterprises Inc. has also announced plans to release several Behind Enemy Lines RPG Sourcebooks and Full-Length missions, including the British Commandos Sourcebook.
Additional news items and product updates can be found at the Mystique Enterprises Inc. website – http://www.mystiqueenterprises.com

 

[Ranger REG]

Will you be reviving it under their original yet revised system, d20 System, or utilize the SRD to make a completely different OGL-based ruleset?

 

[Mystique]

Thanks for the reply and inquiry.

We are releasing the game in the original rules, with some modifications and clarifications made, as well as formatting changes that are designed to make the book flow in a more logical (and "playable") fashion. We hope that the changes we made will enhance the game, and that players will find the hardbound version a worthy addition to their gaming collection.

As a side note: We are considering releasing the game in an e-book form as well, prior to print release. We were hoping to see if there would be a market for that version, considering the 175 page count. What are your thoughts on the issue?

Thanks again for the inquiry!

 

[Bobitron]

I'm a sucker for WWII rules, so I'm in. I tend to buy pdf's unless the book is really something I want in my (already too large) collection, so count on me for the pdf version if it comes to be.

Do you have a date in mind for the release?

 

[Mystique]

Bobitron,

The formatting of the text for the book is 99% complete. The cover artwork should also be delivered by the beginning of next week, so in the absence of any unforseen revisions to the cover art, a PDF version (if we do indeed decide to go that way...and interest such as yours certainly helps drive home the need to do it!) would be available sometime in May.
As far as the hardbound print version, we have identified our choice of printer, and have a quote that works well for us. The print release has a tentative target of late 2nd Quarter 2005.
Thank you for the interest in the game, and if you want to receive an email from me as the PDF is released, shoot me an email at mclifford@mystiqueenterprises.com and I will be sure to let you know personally. Thanks again!

Mike

 

[Bobitron]

Email sent.

 

[TheAuldGrump]

Hmmm, I have the Companions edition from after FASA sold the rights... Been a few years.

The Auld Grump

 

[Ranger REG]

As a side note: We are considering releasing the game in an e-book form as well, prior to print release. We were hoping to see if there would be a market for that version, considering the 175 page count. What are your thoughts on the issue?

I'm not an e-Book buyer myself, but this is a good way to get "voluntary" playtesters and proofreaders (as wel as word-of-mouth endorsements if the product is good) before you release a (hopefully) corrected print edition.

Just make sure you offer patches to incorporate errata corrections to your PDF customers.

 

[Mystique]

Ranger - I agree. The PDF is a great way to generate errata prior to print. And as you pointed out, it also allows for "free upgrades" to previous PDF customers, with no additional expense to the publisher OR the customers.

AuldGrump - Actually, I believe the Companions edition was published under a lisence agreement with FASA. We (Mystique Enterprises) have elected to purchase the rights to the game, which we felt would allow for long term development of the product line (rather than renewing agreements, etc