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Possible Self-publication

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TrollBasher
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Joined: 12/31/1969

Hi all,

My CCG is now in its earyly play-test stage and all signs point to good. I realise it will be at least a few more months before I consider it complete, but I thought now would be a good idea to start thinking about what to do with the game once it is 100% complete.

As it's a CCG I think I'd need to approach one of the larger companies through an agent - what do you think?

The other idea I've been toying with is self-publication. But I'd need to cost things very carefully. One idea I did have though was creating a website for my game and allowing people to play it online, much as they can do with other games. However, I thought it might be a good idea to allow people to construct their decks online and then order that deck - this would cut down on printing expenses and on players costs as well.

Just throwing ideas up in the air at the moment. If someone would like to pass on some comments please do so.

Many thanks to everyone who has posted advice in the past, its all been very helpful.

Stainer
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Possible Self-publication

not sure if you're aware but Wizards of the Coast has a patent on CCG's. If you are going to publish yours, you'll need to sign a liscensing contract with them.

Is there a spot where we can read about your game? I'm a big fan of CCG's and enjoy playing all kinds of 'em.

Rob

Dralius
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Joined: 07/26/2008
Possible Self-publication

WoC does not have a patent on CCG’s in general but there are other hurdles to overcome. Most notably the cost; even if you’re going to put it online to build a fan base before you go to print (A great idea by the way) the art is going to cost a fortune. Imagine a 300 card base set with each card having it’s own image and each piece of art costing $50, boom you have spent $15,000 just on art. You may be able to license some stock art packages and get it a little cheaper but your still talking big money. This is one reason few companies do CCG’s the financial risk is very high.

Stainer
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Possible Self-publication

the patent on CCG's can be found here:
http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1&Sect2=HITOFF&d=PALL&p=1&u=/netahtml/srchnum.htm&r=1&f=G&l=50&s1=5,662,332.WKU.&OS=PN/5,662,332&RS=PN/5,662,332

At least for CCG's. But for collectible tiles or other forms I'm not sure who you'd go through for obtaining a liscense.

Rob

TrollBasher
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Possible Self-publication

Hi Stainer, Drailus,

Thanks for your replies.

No, I was not aware that WOTC held a patent for CCG's. Not sure if this would prevent me from publishing a CCG or not? Anyone know for sure? Perhaps allowing players to construct their decks online and ordering those specific cards would get around the issue anyway - hmm, not sure.

As for any information on the game - nope sorry, nothing as yet, been working too hard on the game, but my mind is starting to swing that way. I'll let you know when its up.

Dralius, your point about cost is well taken, but I have been saving. Haven't had a holiday in over 5yrs, actually it could be longer, I've been saving it for this game. Also, as you say, I hope that a website where players can play the game and show an interest will give me the courage to go into print - plus there is always the chance that a publishing company might come across it and make me an offer, you neer know.

Now, back to reading that patent.

gpetersz
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Joined: 02/18/2009
Possible Self-publication

Again a good example of f*ckin idiotic patents.
If you read it that way you can't even play rummy....

Death to lawyers, death to patents.

Anonymous
Possible Self-publication

That is the patent for Pokemon CCG. It is not a patent for all TCGs and CCGs. in the land of big business, they can not have a monoploy on TCGs.

Fhizban
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Joined: 01/11/2009
Possible Self-publication

They say nothing about Pokemon in the patent description and there is no relation to any kind of content the patent may be limited to.

but:
its funny that the patent text states that the game has to use mana or energy cards and the goal is to reduce your opponents llife to 0 points.

it sounds like the patent for magic the gathering.

-Fhizban

gpetersz
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Joined: 02/18/2009
Possible Self-publication

Yeah, that was my first invention as well.
What makes me crazy that the sneaky lawyer-speaking patent tells "energy".
Trying to cover everything, not only the specific game, but possibly everything.

To be politically correct, there are honest lawyers, I just haven't met any yet.

Nandalf
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Joined: 07/13/2009
Possible Self-publication

Woah, ok, i know this topic ended like.. a month or two ago, but does his make it technically illegal to make a CCG? :O [knowing nothing about law]

TrollBasher
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Joined: 12/31/1969
Possible Self-publication

Hi Nandalf,

I've come to the conclusion that it is fine for anyone to create a CCG so long as it doesn't look, smell or taste like MTG.

Nandalf
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Joined: 07/13/2009
Possible Self-publication

Fantastic! had me worried there, thanks for straightening that out!

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