Just a random thought here.
Over the past few days, I've read a few articles about events and merchandise that seem to indicate that Paramount is putting some serious focus into "hipstering" up Star Trek (classic and new) as part of its marketing campaign for the upcoming film. TrekMovie had articles this week about NYC and LA "Star Trek Dance Parties" (click the Orion to the left for an LA Weekly Slideshow) and the "new pseudo retro" t-shirts from Junk Food. Harry over at Ain't It Cool News has a somewhat bizarre piece this morning about what's hip, what's geek, and what's geek that can be made hip.
This isn't anything new, of course, and it's all about money. Don't think for one second that the guiding principals of Star Trek are actually anything Paramount gives a crap about. There is not one tiny thought that governs their actions about doing this new Trek movie "for the fans". There is some distinction, I think, between Paramount and JJ Abrams & Co., as I've seen and read enough from the latter to feel some certainty that they have enough respect for both Trek and its fans. So I have some confidence that the movie will not only be good, but very good and satisfying as well.
So what does any of this have to do with role-playing games? Some have remarked that they can't believe that such a big franchise with a history of RPGs associated with it doesn't have an RPG right now, of all times. How could they possibly leave money on the table, it's argued.
If there's any truth to the rumor that parties recently inquired with CBS Consumer Products and Paramount about licensing Trek for a new RPG and were rebuffed, perhaps this (in part) explains why. To those guys, Trek is all about The Brand. And now they're trying to "hip up" The Brand to make sure as many of Teh Kidz see Star Trek and buy the t-shirts before heading to Teh Klubz because that's where the cheddar is. Yo.
And in order to control perception of a brand with so many associations, it's necessary to limit those licenses and marketing efforts. Cool fragrances? Hip. Spock ears? Geek. Hot Orion chicks at a dance party? Hip.
Role-playing game? Geek. And completely un-hippable. "Like Dungeons & Dragons... but with phasers!" probably doesn't fit the mission profile right now.
Like I said, though, it's all about money. Once they've pocketed their first $500 million by the end of summer, they'll be looking to keep that money rolling in for 2010. And by that time, your money and mine will be as green as an Orion slave girl at an LA dance party.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
New Trek, RPGs - What's Hip and What's Geek
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I'd heard a number of times that the reason it's been hard to get a Trek RPG out the door is that Paramount wants revenue on par with Trek novels and comics, and RPGs just don't generate that kind of cash. The revenue from a typical RPG just doesn't pay enough to cover the costs of salaries for the licensing guys who have to review the thing.
ReplyDeleteI've heard the same, and can certainly see it being a showstopper for most. I can only think of 3, maybe 4 companies in the industry right now that could afford it. And based on history, I'm sure any company would look long and hard as to whether it was worth it. There's not a lot of success stories associated with Trek as an RPG, and I fear that gets interpreted as lack of interest in the market.
ReplyDeleteWhat I found interesting, though, was that TPTB apparently wouldn't even quote a licensing fee last year (post-Decipher). I don't think they gave a specific reason other than "not interested at this time".