ChromeTiger's Model Letter
Members of the Game Publishing industry;
You are no doubt aware of the recent restructuring of Sierra, which resulted
in the loss of 105 jobs, and the cancellation of several game titles. This open
letter is being sent in an attempt to save one of the most anticipated of those
titles, Babylon 5: Into the Fire, a space combat simulator of great potential.
Sierra has claimed to have done extensive marketing research before cutting
this title. While we do not dispute that research was done, we believe the results
were somewhat flawed. Many of us are registered owners of several Sierra products.
We frequent the Sierra website. But none of us recall being asked our thoughts
on this cancellation via email, website poll, or snail mail newsletter...we simply
weren't part of the equation.
We feel that B5:ITF should be picked up and finished by another publisher
for a plethora of reasons...some of the most valid are presented below:
1. Extendability - The B5 engine was designed to be used repeatedly, with
an easily upgraded or replaced infrastructure. This means that add-ons and sequels
could be produced at minimal cost, and the engine could be easily used to create
totally unrelated titles as well, also at greatly reduced development costs.
2. Marketability - Despite the problems associated with the shows, the fanbase
for Babylon 5 continues with undiminished fervor. As well as enjoying tremendous
sales to B5 fans, a space combat simulator of this scope would enjoy sales to
non-B5 fans who enjoy simulation titles such as X-Wing Alliance, Battlecruiser
3000 A.D. (from Interplay, not Take2), Freespace, and other related titles. This
is not a 'niche' title in the sense of being attractive *only* to B5 fans...it
could have tremendous marketability elsewhere, as well. The words 'Makers of Babylon
5: Into the Fire' would fit well on any other game's box.
3. Consumer Relations - The gaming industry is showing more and more tendency
to look toward the bottom line than the consumer base...as evidenced by Sierra's
recent actions. This trend is souring more and more of the considerable 'die-
hard gamer' demographic. While we're sure that hunting titles and PC casino games
have thier market, we're also sure that it's not the market most of us fall into.
We need to see that there are still publishing houses out there that *want* our
business, and listen to what *we* have to say...even if we're wrong. Investing
in this title not only garners the publisher what we think would be a respectable
marketing and profit tool, but also garners them something else: our *respect*...something
that would continue to be shown through our buying power.
This letter has already grown long, but we think you can see our resolve in
this matter. We *urge* you to consider negotiations with Sierra for the purchasing
of all code and materials relating to this title, as well as acquiring the original
development team to finish it. We feel it's a wise move for any game publisher,
and will satisfy our desire to play what promised to be one of the shining titles
of its time.
Please, do not let this work die unseen.
We thank you for your time and attention, and look forward to your decisions.
Sincerely yours,
<* Please insert your FULL REAL NAME *>
Concerned member of the gaming public
Text Version for use in E-mail
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