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Iron Crown Enterprises
October 3, 1999ICE Ceases the Production and Sale of Middle-earth Products
Effective 22 September 1999, ICE will no longer be
filling orders for Middle-earth products. Iron Crown Enterprises ("ICE") has
ceased the production and sale of its Middle-earth series of games, puzzles, and posters.
After working together for 18 years, ICE and Tolkien will
part ways. As the licensor of Middle-earth games and the forthcoming motion picture
series, they will be reorganizing and reorienting the program. ICE will be assisting them
to make sure that there is a smooth transition.
ICE has been publishing officially licensed adventure maps
and games based J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings since
1982. We have enjoyed producing the line, and in the process working with some of the
world's most inspiring literature. The research, cartography, art conception, game design,
and story-telling have all involved creative, exhausting, and exhilarating work. (I, for
one, have enjoyed creating lots of maps.) It has been a labor of love, and we are very
proud of our legacy.
The gaming public has received our work with enthusiasm.
ICE's Middle-earth Role Playing Game has appeared in 13 languages. It is the second
best selling role playing game of all time. ICE has sold over two and half million units
of MERP and its many fine supplements. Our Middle-earth Collectible Card Game has
appeared in 8 languages. It contains around 1,700 distinct images, and has generated sales
of around two hundred million cards. The Lord of Rings Adventure Game and The
Hobbit Adventure Boardgame are both critically acclaimed, family-oriented
entertainment.
ICE will now be focusing its energies on its own, original
game brands. We will be concentrating on revising and updating Rolemaster, Silent Death,
and our parlor products (e.g., Fluxx), while at the same time preparing new
products now in the development pipeline (e.g., Bladestorm and Space Master).
Middle-earth will now be in different hands. We are sure,
though, that Professor Tolkien's world will continue to receive the care and respect that
it deserves. As for specifics, however, you will have to await further information. In the
meantime, please do not contact us with questions and concerns. You should instead direct
your inquiries (via mail) to the following address:
Director of Licensing
TOLKIEN ENTERPRISES
2600 Tenth Street
Berkeley, CA 94710
We will, of course, try keep you posted regarding any future
announcement concerning the evolution of the Middle-earth publishing program. ICE will let
you know new information as it becomes available.
For ICE,
Pete Fenlon
President |