Thanks for all the info Cubby. Is there open/better communication now between the various companies (Catalyst, HBS, PGI, and whomever else) to hopefully remedy some of this?
Better than there was at the time of the HBS Kickstarter? It's hard for me to say for sure--I'm not privy to every conversation, not even close. I guess I would say, somewhat?
CGL is included in MechCon, which is primarily a PGI thing, and that's good. And Randall and Jordan have some personal ties that go back awhile. But coordinating a true cross-company marketing effort in any industry, let alone across gaming industry sectors, is very, very difficult and time-consuming.
For example, HBS created the PC game, but all the marketing for it was done by Paradox and backed by (what I can tell from experience, but not direct knowledge) was a significant ad buy. Paradox doesn't know me from a hole in the ground--I've reached out, but that doesn't mean they're inclined to do anything for me. And again, the time I spend trying to get them to do something is time that I'm not spending on an internal effort which may yield better results.
I've said this before, but it's all part of the landscape with a split IP. Fans want to see all the license holders pulling in the same direction. But each company has different factors to consider about what's best for their business, and what's best for them isn't always a priority for everyone else.
The more positive view to take is that, IMO, there's still plenty that we can do to boost awareness of the tabletop game without entering the uncertain waters of cross-company promotions. That's what I'm personally focused on at the moment.
Do you think these things will have an opportunity to show up for MW5, or a Battletech expansion, etc.? Even without mega-investments, just something to get the crowd going, so to speak. Painting competitions, unit color creations, or short sales on specific mechs at IWM to coincide with some DLC, another event, just something to get people talking? I'm the exact opposite of creative, but it'd still be nice to see something community-wise. Esp. now with Adepticus Titanicus looking like it's going to launch with some really good looking models :-[
Mega-investments are definitely not necessary--the "plenty that can be done" that I just mentioned can also be done at very low cost to start. It's just a matter of dedicating the time and focus needed.
As far as your specific ideas: painting competitions have been run before, and could be again; it comes up every once in awhile but does take a fairly high level of coordination. As far as a mini sale, remember that Iron Wind Metals is also its own company, and not beholden to CGL management telling it what to put on sale; likewise, profits from that sale would support their company, not CGL.
