charlie writes "Fans of Rolemaster rejoice! Iron Crown Enterprises has been sold at auction and will resume distribution of their games under new ownership. Many of the ICE team remain on-board for this new lease on life for the classic game company. For more details, read on...
On November 19, 2001, the majority of assets of the bankrupt Iron Crown Enterprises were purchased by John R. Seal, a long time fan and customer of the game company. Seal's purchase will be held by a company called Aurigas Aldebaron LLC, which will in turn enter into a Master License with Phoenix LLC, which will manage the promotion and use of the ICE assets. The rights to the Middle Earth Roleplaying were not acquired by Phoenix, and will not be part of the new ICE product lines.
Phoenix LLC is already rebuilding ICE's sales and service structure to better support existing customers and encourage new players of ICE's games. Extensive upgrades to ICE's web site will soon provide forums, game tools, and other services to fans.
Phoenix will be "doing business as ICE," and will probably be indistinguishable from the origninal company supply-wise, which is good news for retailers and fans alike. There will be no need to search for Rolemaster or Run Out the Guns under a different company name. ICE plans to resume shipping new supplements for it's games in mid-2002. A strong and steady stream of merchandise is promised.
Full details of this story can be found in the News section of the ICE web site by clicking here.
Phoenix LLC is a team of former ICE employees: Bruce Neidlinger, Heike Kubasch, and Stephen Hardy."
