Big #openlicense #ttrpg news! The core text of the Ars Magica Definitive Edition will be released under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license.
https://atlas-games.com/news/post?s=2024-09-30-for-immediate-release-ars-magica-rpg-becomes-open-license-via-crowdfunding
Atlas Games NewsFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Ars Magica RPG Becomes Open License Via CrowdfundingProctor, MN – 09/27/24 – The legendary roleplaying game of myth and
magic will soon itself be transmuted, as Ars Magica's game system and
setting will be released under an open license. The crowdfunding
campaign supporting the release starts Oct 15 at 11am Central US time,
on BackerKit.com.
Atlas Games®, the stewards of the award-winning tabletop roleplaying
game Ars Magica, announced earlier this year the upcoming launch of
Ars Magica Definitive Edition. This deluxe version of the 5th Edition
marks an epic return for the game, not only with an expanded rulebook
weighing in at over 600 full-color pages, but also by embracing an open
license for third-party creators.
Ars Magica Definitive Edition will empower players and creators like
never before. The text of the core rulebook will be released under the
Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA
4.0) license as an early stretch goal. This open license will allow players
to freely share, adapt, and build upon both the core mechanics and the
Mythic Europe setting for the game, and sell their creations.
All of Ars Magica's 5th Edition sourcebooks may also be released during
the campaign, depending on backer support. Stretch goals for licensing
the existing 40+ titles in this edition, which flesh out every facet of Mythic
EuropeTM, are scheduled to appear later in the campaign.
John Nephew started Atlas Games in 1990 to produce Ars Magica
adventures with a license from Lion Rampant, the game's original
publisher. In 1996, Atlas Games bought the entire game from Wizards of
the Coast, and went on to publish the 4th and 5th Editions that included
65 supplements in total. "Ars Magica has never had an open license,"
observes John, "yet still the internet is full of fan-created content, which is
something we've always quietly encouraged. That speaks more than
anything to the game's devoted and creative fan following, and the
importance of this license to make our support explicit."
Michelle Nephew is the project's Co-Producer, as well as co-owner of
Atlas Games. "We've had the amazing opportunity to publish Ars Magica
for over three decades, supported by that devoted fan community," she
agrees. "As the stewards of this incredible piece of roleplaying history,
John and I feel it's time to give back to our fans, and let them take the
game in new directions we haven't had the resources to explore. It's our
way of fostering a vibrant community of creators, and ensuring the
game's longevity for generations to come."
"I already have a Patreon to make material for it, with permission from
Atlas to start before the licenses are released," notes Line Developer
David Chart. "Anyone who wants can write for the game, and charge
people for what they make. I very much hope that this will be a new
beginning, and that the amount of material available to build on will
encourage lots of people to do so."
"Their creativity will determine the game's legacy," David continues, "and
it will be more than I can imagine."
The highly anticipated crowdfunding campaign launches on
BackerKit.com October 15th at 11:00 AM Central US time.
Resources:
Ars Magica open license advance access: atlas-games.com/openars
Definitive Edition layout special preview: atlas-games.com/definitivepreviewBackerKit crowdfunding page: atlas-games.com/backarsmagicaInfo on Definitive Edition: atlas-games.com/definitiveArs Magica image assets: atlas-games.com/assetsDavid Chart's Patreon: patreon.com/DavidChart
About Ars Magica:
Ars Magica is the award-winning tabletop RPG set in a Mythic Europe
teeming with magic. Players take the roles of powerful wizards, bound by
a complex covenant system and dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of
the arcane. Widely regarded as the benchmark for magic systems, Ars
Magica is also the pioneer in troupe-style, storytelling games.
About Atlas Games:
At Atlas Games, our passion is offering exceptional games to the world.
Our first release was in 1990, making us one of the most reliable hobby
game publishers in business, too. We believe in creative curiosity and
sensible operations. We love new ideas and always keep our word. If
that appeals to you, boy have we got a treat for you!
Contact:
John Nephew
Atlas Games Co-Owner
john@atlas-games.com
Ars Magica and Mythic Europe are trademarks, and Atlas Games is a registered trademark, of
Trident, Inc. d/b/a Atlas Games.
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