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2015/02/04 03:56:13
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
At the risk of repeating what might have already been said in this thread, what does and does not constitute the right attitude to back a kickstarter isn't really the issue. My understanding when I backed this was that I was contributing money to get tooling made and production moving pronto on a whole bunch of Dust product that would otherwise be made in dribs and drabs. In return for my contribution, I would get some of this product at a fair discount over retail.
What I wasn't told was that my kickstarter pledge would be partly to pay for Battlefront being in hock to Dust Studios to the tune of $200+k. Had I known that at the beginning of this fiasco - indeed, had I had an opportunity to read that contract Paolo posted - I would never have backed this dog as it is perfectly obvious that Battlefront has cashflow problems. The contract makes it abundantly clear that Battlefront can't make a dime of profit out of this kickstarter.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/02/04 03:57:51
2015/02/04 04:30:43
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Twelvecarpileup wrote: I went in on this with a friend... paid on Friday... two hours before all this stuff went down. Damn't.
If you just paid right now, the funds are still in their account. Get your money back immediately whether through paypal or your credit card.
This.
Initiate Chargeback / Dispute *IMMEDIATELY*.
Do not wait a minute. DO IT NOW!
The project is clearly fethed, so getting as much out, as quickly as possible, should be your top priority. There will likely be a run on BF's account, and you don't want to be the last guy in line, trying to squeeze pennies out of an empty wallet.
Willful blatant fear mongering.
Battle Front isn't a small operation. If you think you're going to some how magically lose your money if you don't rush out RIGHT NOW and get your dollars back, then you're a fool.
Is the situation messed up, causing delays? Sadly yes. Are you going to be "ripped off", no.
2015/02/04 04:33:35
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Starfarer wrote: Battlefront has a US HQ in Maryland. Presumably any case could be filed against them in the US.
Yeah, but by whom?
That's one of the main problems about KS. It's *almost* a given that the only recourse a backer will take is a credit card refund. I keep reading about how backers can file this, or litigate that, but it's all talk and no nothin'.
...and neither of these KS are miniatures or tabletop gaming.
I'll try to shut up now because...
Starfarer wrote: I don't think it was clear who would be receiving the funds at the time. In retrospect, it should have been a bit of a red flag but at the time it seems like such a sure fire KS, as it WAS marketed more or less as a pre-order. All the models were completed already, we were just funding the expedited mass-production and distribution. They sold us on get the entire Babylon Campaign in August rather than it stretching out over the whole year. Now it will take a year anyway and soured many people on the game.
Ouch. Sorry to hear that.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/02/04 04:39:41
Twelvecarpileup wrote: I went in on this with a friend... paid on Friday... two hours before all this stuff went down. Damn't.
If you just paid right now, the funds are still in their account. Get your money back immediately whether through paypal or your credit card.
This.
Initiate Chargeback / Dispute *IMMEDIATELY*.
Do not wait a minute. DO IT NOW!
The project is clearly fethed, so getting as much out, as quickly as possible, should be your top priority. There will likely be a run on BF's account, and you don't want to be the last guy in line, trying to squeeze pennies out of an empty wallet.
Willful blatant fear mongering.
Battle Front isn't a small operation. If you think you're going to some how magically lose your money if you don't rush out RIGHT NOW and get your dollars back, then you're a fool.
Is the situation messed up, causing delays? Sadly yes. Are you going to be "ripped off", no.
Given BF's actions (or lack thereof), yes, there is a non-zero chance that backers are going to get ripped off. They may be large, but being large is no protection from bankruptcy or failing to deliver against an unsecured promise.
If one is risk adverse, then, they definitely should pull their money back.
Not everyone is an independently wealthy BF apologist like yourself.
Twelvecarpileup wrote: I went in on this with a friend... paid on Friday... two hours before all this stuff went down. Damn't.
If you just paid right now, the funds are still in their account. Get your money back immediately whether through paypal or your credit card.
This.
Initiate Chargeback / Dispute *IMMEDIATELY*.
Do not wait a minute. DO IT NOW!
The project is clearly fethed, so getting as much out, as quickly as possible, should be your top priority. There will likely be a run on BF's account, and you don't want to be the last guy in line, trying to squeeze pennies out of an empty wallet.
Willful blatant fear mongering.
Battle Front isn't a small operation. If you think you're going to some how magically lose your money if you don't rush out RIGHT NOW and get your dollars back, then you're a fool.
Is the situation messed up, causing delays? Sadly yes. Are you going to be "ripped off", no.
Given BF's actions (or lack thereof), yes, there is a non-zero chance that backers are going to get ripped off. They may be large, but being large is no protection from bankruptcy or failing to deliver against an unsecured promise.
If one is risk adverse, then, they definitely should pull their money back.
Not everyone is an independently wealthy BF apologist like yourself.
You were doing good until the last line. "BF" apologist? Whatever kiddo.
There's also NO talk of them hitting bankruptcy. You've been generating that little titbit to scare people.
You don't like BF? Fine. But attributing instability to add scare to the situation doesn't make it so- too bad you don't like being called out on that. The situation is messed up, granted. However, the situation isn't over, so telling people they should make a bank run is juvenile.
2015/02/04 05:18:53
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Starfarer wrote: Battlefront has a US HQ in Maryland. Presumably any case could be filed against them in the US.
Yeah, but by whom?
That's one of the main problems about KS. It's *almost* a given that the only recourse a backer will take is a credit card refund. I keep reading about how backers can file this, or litigate that, but it's all talk and no nothin'.
I'm not going to go into my own personal details, but I've gotten a refund from one KS campaign via my bank successfully performing a VISA chargeback on my behalf (with a couple of very detailed letters written by myself). Not something I did lightly, but it was worthwhile and vindicated in the end. If anyone here wants to try the same in this case, then I suggest the best course of action isn't posting here, but calling your bank. I'd suggest that with all of the information on the KS page for this one, you've got a very reasonable case already assembled for you.
1. BF has the cash, but refuses to honor the contract they signed.
2. BF lacks the cash, so cannot honor the contract, even if they wanted to.
In the first case, there is a fundamental ethical issue, that should send any backer running for the hills. Never do business with a cheat.
Do you not know what "bankruptcy" is? If the DS bill is due (and it is), and BF cannot pay it, they *are* bankrupt, simple as that. Companies with cash flow problems are unreliable. If DS is a low priority, what makes you think this will ever become a high priority?
Or, it's possible that BF is totally incompetent. It's also good practice to avoid business with feth-ups.
Finally, I call you out as an apologist (which is the behavior you're evidencing), and you're then one calling me names like "kiddo" and "fool".
1. BF has the cash, but refuses to honor the contract they signed.
2. BF lacks the cash, so cannot honor the contract, even if they wanted to.
the rest Exalted
I go with number 2) based on Paolo's statement that they used funds from the KS to pay the outstanding debt of $220 k first and then not forwarding the amount owed for KS related production costs. They broke the terms of the KS agreement between themselves and DS (posted for all to see) as well as their KS commitment to the backers (which has also been detailed).
Another aspect of his comment I found interesting was BFs last communicated stock request was back in November and we all know how close to the mark that was....
and sock puppet ignored
2015/02/04 09:47:18
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
To quote Foghorn-Leghorn (I hope you know who that is, if not, youtube it, very funny cartoon); "I say, I say, hoooolllddd on a minute there".
Moopy's critique (a valid one at that, imho) of your 'git while the gittin's good' statement was not an attack on you.
He shouldn't have used the word 'fool'. I personally would have said 'is foolish' (which I believe is how he meant it, but it doesn't excuse the name calling).
Your subsequent declaration (which was most assuredly an attack) that he is an apologist for BF, is the internet forum equivalent of that old Bugs Bunny cartoon where Bugs takes a pie to the face and responds by saying "of course you realize...this means war". If anything he showed remarkable restraint in his retort. To refer to anyone as an apologist (even if they are, which I don't believe this is the case in this example) for anything, is just picking a fight, and doesn't really add anything constructive to the discussion.
Regarding the topic at hand, it saddens me, as an owner/operator of a FLGS, that this whole situation between DS and BF threatens the Dust Tactics brand. I would really hate to see it die out as it is a really cool setting, imo, for a game system, with a good rules system as well, and I have just started growing a player base for Dust Tactics at my store.
Unfortunately, I would hazard to guess, that we only have about half of the information regarding this dispute between DS and BF, and as such, it makes formulating an opinion on it very difficult, if not impossible. Specifically, which company is wanting to change what/interpreting what, which company is saying no/interpreting it differently, and which one is being the more unreasonable to the other.
On the one hand BF seems arrogant, especially in the context of the quote regarding their opinion of Dust Tactics as being a drop in the bucket (paraphrase). While DS comes off as suspect and/or disingenuous with their attempt at inciting public opinion against BF.
The whole thing just really sucks for the game, and it's fans.
Tuagh wrote: If you won't use a wrench, it isn't the bolt's fault that your hammer is useless.
3500pts
2500pts
2000pts
2015/02/04 09:53:21
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
1. BF has the cash, but refuses to honor the contract they signed.
2. BF lacks the cash, so cannot honor the contract, even if they wanted to.
It is actually 3.
BF and DS are in disagreement whether enough stock was delivered vor the amount payed and BF is witholding further payment until that is figured out.
Going public first the way DS did in nearly 99% of all cases means that your legal position is quite shaky and that you try to sway the public your way to create pressure.
Also the pdf-contract is lacking, Paolo himself admitted on FB that the pdf is lacking quite some bits. The way it looks the PDF is lacking cause it is just a preliminary contract. Also objects mentioned in the contract are not explained which refers to the existance of other contracts that have not been made public.
Will you get your stuff for your money? You will.
Will you get it tomorrow? Better prepare for a longer wait.
It's actually a quite usual contract-disagreement that most of times solved by a mediator. Sadly in this case DS deiced to take the public route.
BF does quite well besides from their restructuring of FoW boxes and blisters and to make it easier for shops to carry most of their SKU and the swithc to plastics. That´s the reason why some SKU are not that easy to buy. With several thousand SKU this takes quite some time.
DS in the end will be hurt more by it:
> No other distributor will want to carry DS after witnessing how FFG and BF got treated.
> Community is torn in two and quite some bad blood is flowing.
> Community is looked upon strangly after some whackos took hostage other games forums with their crusade.
Dust will probably recover, but was it worth it? Not really.
André Winter L'Art Noir - Game Design and Translation Studio
2015/02/04 09:58:56
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Considering the uncertain state of things right now, I can't imagine anyone advocating to piggyback onto this KS. It seems it might be better to just hold onto the money and wait till MM or Warstore comes out with the items.
My warmachine batrep & other misc stuff blog
http://sining83.blogspot.com/
2015/02/04 09:59:58
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
No other distributor will want to carry DS after witnessing how FFG and BF got treated.
How did FFG get treated?
That's funny that you asked that. I was about to ask the same thing.
Here's what I know:
FFG outsources manufacture of X-wing to Dust Studios in some way, so the relationship can't be THAT bad. (It's also hugely popular and makes both parties tons of money).
Here's what I heard:
FFG were actually the ones to disengage from DS on Dust - because of complications caused by GW viewing Dust as a competitor to their own brand.
Regardless of the actual reason, the split between DS and FFG on the Dust brand appears to have been amicable.
2015/02/04 10:24:18
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
They also tend to be complicated - heck, just figuring out where to file your case isn't straight forward. BF is out of New Zealand, DS is out of Hong Kong, the KS was ran out of the US...where do you file your case? Everything in the contract may be cut and dry, but that still isn't worth much unless you can identify a venue to file in which actually has the ability to take action. Filing in New Zealand would probably have that option. Not sure if New Zealand courts would want to arbitrate on a contract which was designed for a US based activity (global yes - but in theory...based out of the US). BF might now have any real assets in the US which could be acted against - so, a win would be meaningless...
Which is why I found the lack of a choice of venue clause to be rather odd.
Rather silly and a bit on the amateurish side - but not at all uncommon, especially with hobby businesses (even million dollar hobby businesses). Everyone are friends and family (or something like that) so nothing could ever go sour to the point where we would need to litigate...
I know I have gotten a few looks and a bit of...perhaps hurt feelings?...when I have said that I will sign the contract after my lawyer looks it over. Even more so, when I bring back a redlined contract with additional clauses.
In my view, contracts are even more important when dealing with friends. You need a neutral, objective instrument to arbitrate any potential disputes as a means to help preserve an important relationship. I am fond of quoting Mattie Ross in many circumstances, but she is particularly apt here:
"I think Smallwood was a gentleman but gentlemen are only human and their memories can sometimes fail them. Business is business."
Kirasu: Have we fallen so far that we are excited that GW is giving us the opportunity to spend 58$ for JUST the rules? Surprised it's not "Dataslate: Assault Phase"
AlexHolker: "The power loader is a forklift. The public doesn't complain about a forklift not having frontal armour protecting the crew compartment because the only enemy it is designed to face is the OHSA violation."
AlexHolker: "Allow me to put it this way: Paramount is Skynet, reboots are termination attempts, and your childhood is John Connor."
2015/02/04 10:24:58
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
angryboy2k wrote: Regardless of the actual reason, the split between DS and FFG on the Dust brand appears to have been amicable.
I heard is was more along the lines of Dust wanting more freedom with their own IP than FFG agreements allow for, but as you say, regardless, based on the Xwing situation, it was as clearly amicable as these things can ever really be.
So Duncans implication that FFG were in some way badly treated by Dust Studios seems like something which needs expanding on.
2015/02/04 14:07:05
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Going public first the way DS did in nearly 99% of all cases means that your legal position is quite shaky and that you try to sway the public your way to create pressure.
Can you post a link to proof of that? Otherwise, I'll lump it in with Abraham Lincoln's famous quote about 98% of everything posted on the internet being inaccurate. That number isn't close to what I've seen anecdotally which is likely as the same source as the one you used.
Automatically Appended Next Post:
BrookM wrote: I'm curious as to whether or not Dust will survive. How many people have actually joined this "Dust Elites" club?
No idea but I suspect it'll become an order from Dust only niche game that almost no store will stock since they have to place a separate order.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2015/02/04 14:12:32
2015/02/04 15:12:16
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
1. BF has the cash, but refuses to honor the contract they signed.
2. BF lacks the cash, so cannot honor the contract, even if they wanted to.
It is actually 3.
BF and DS are in disagreement whether enough stock was delivered vor the amount payed and BF is witholding further payment until that is figured out.
Going public first the way DS did in nearly 99% of all cases means that your legal position is quite shaky and that you try to sway the public your way to create pressure.
Yeah, I'm not buying it. If this wasn't crowdfunded I could see this being the case but in this situation I'm going to be inclined to side with the company giving information to the backers.
Also, glad that you are repeating the "We don't even need Dust" line from BF. Do you work directly for them or just do contract work?
2015/02/04 15:14:52
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
angryboy2k wrote: Regardless of the actual reason, the split between DS and FFG on the Dust brand appears to have been amicable.
I heard is was more along the lines of Dust wanting more freedom with their own IP than FFG agreements allow for, but as you say, regardless, based on the Xwing situation, it was as clearly amicable as these things can ever really be.
So Duncans implication that FFG were in some way badly treated by Dust Studios seems like something which needs expanding on.
I have no real evidence for this, but I'm sure the split was multi-faceted. I think in terms of distribution I'm guessing DUST was also looking for a more global distributor. DUST has strong appeal in Europe and Australia. FFG's distribution had been mainly U.S. focused and weaker on a global level, hence one of the reasons for the recent merger with Asmodee. Battlefront had more global distribution in place (the quality is debatable of course) so probably felt like a better fit.
It's actually a quite usual contract-disagreement that most of times solved by a mediator. Sadly in this case DS deiced to take the public route.
It's been stated that 3rd party mediation had already been attempted. Generally airing dirty laundry publicly is bad business practice, but since a large part of the loss is potentially placed on the kickstarter backers, it is not only acceptable, but contractual (part of the kickstarter terms of use) to notify them what's happening. People have been wondering what's happened to their money and product and Battlefront has communicated next to nothing since the kickstarter's end.
This message was edited 3 times. Last update was at 2015/02/04 15:37:42
2015/02/04 19:04:42
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
You can never beat your first time. The second generation is shinier, stronger, faster and superior in every regard save one, and it's an unfair criticism to level, but it simply can't be as original. - Andy Chambers, on the evolution of Games Workshop games
2015/02/05 04:59:57
Subject: Re:Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
More than DUST settles on Operation:Babylon - Paolo gives an exclusive interview on the Kickstarter
For many Dust Tactics, World of Dust & Dust Studios will be household names coming as they do from a long established game world all spun from the mind of Paolo Parente, the father of Dust.
And as such you may have also heard there are a few rumblings about the Battlefront Kickstarter Operation: Babylon, and its lack of appearing, via the post, in the houses of those who backed the Kickstarter campaign.
This is n interview with DUST creator, Paolo Parente
Dust is an alternate history Board Game/Wargame and soon to be online game and RPG which for many years has been inspiring modellers and gamers with its diverse and almost familiar walking tanks, nazi zombies, cyborg gorillas and a host of other WWII alternate nasties fuelled and inspired form the power of the mineral VK and the remnants of a crashed alien ship.
It's the same World War Two, it just evolved and shows no sign of ending.
In its most recent form Dust IP came into the care of Battlefront Games, high hopes of expanded lines and better distribution. The future looked very bright indeed, so much so when the Kickstarter was announced the boards literally 'lit up' with the voice and enthusiasm of the legions of old and new fans.
Operation Babylon, as it was called, was going to be a glowing success.
On June 19 2014 that success was confirmed for the 1,475 backers who are pledged $469,313 of hard earned cash well over the $50,000 target sought for the project.
Since then the talk and enthusiasm in all the forums and chat groups has slowly slipped from ecstatic excitement to near civil war as the fan base slowly fractures in the face of more and more apparently unanswered questions from Battlefront, the pledge management team who over saw the financials of the project.
Currently the casual viewer will see 'the silent concerned' who say little but are clicking like on various posts.
The 'be calm its okay, stay positives' who are focused on getting on with the game and prepared for the long wait without getting to distressed.
Finally what I'd call the 'vocals' who range from reasonable questioning to the troll like stirring one expects among any large Internet based groups. Arguments, confusion, allegations of all sorts seem to fly daily now and can't be ignored any longer.
Then on the 30th January 2015, the Grand Master, Paolo himself, who till now has been a voice of reason and support throws his cap in the ring and declares enough is enough.
Paolo today posts banners and avatars that call out for questions to be answered, he says he demands clarity and transparency form Battlefront, and importantly asks......where's the money?
So it is on this very public canvas that Wee Gamers felt it was only right to ask the questions to the only people who should know. that is the very publicly active father of Dust, Paolo, and the current Guardians of the Franchise, Battlefront Games.
Tonight we hear from Paolo, who has been quite open and eager to talk.
Paolo first of all thanks for taking the time at this seemingly stressful period to talk to Wee Gamers.
Let's get the ball rolling.
Paolo , what on earth is going on with Dust, and the Kickstarter? Where do things currently stand? Our understanding of these projects is you pitch your project, you set your goal. You raise your money - succeed or fail , and if you succeed you make your toys and deliver to your backers? What's gone wrong as you understand it?
Paolo:
"The public action that Dust Studio, with me as standard bearer, is taking has one goal only: push Battlefront to act with due diligence by honouring the Babylon Kickstarter Contract that they wrote themselves, pay the overdue fee to Dust Studio for manufacturing the goods and deliver them to the backers.
l attach here the contract and you are authorized to publish it.
Basically it reads that Battlefront is obliged to pay Dust Studio first. And in the case Dust Studio cannot manufacture the goods then Dust Studio is accountable.
Now, how the hell are we supposed to deliver something that has not been ordered or paid for???
Up to today we have not received the P.O. for the so called "Babylon Wave 2" or a full list of the items to be delivered. Dust Studio will be happy to deliver the goods as soon as Purchase Order is issued and paid for.
The production on the Wave 2 items is going on. We estimate that they will be ready by the end of March 2015.
We are manufacturing items based on the last received information dated November 2014 plus a small percentage extra, just in case the orders get bigger.
We know that Battlefront have been collecting orders and payments until January 2015.
We wait for Battlefront to honor their side of the deal."
Well, there you go. Paolo's side.
We have sent an email to Battlefront to see if they wish to give their side of the story.
Starfarer wrote:An interview with Paolo Parente regarding the current issues:
Ah, I must have missed it. Haven't kept up with all the discussion in this thread.
I read that second article earlier tonight. Really good synopsis, but also really a shame if it is all true.
You can never beat your first time. The second generation is shinier, stronger, faster and superior in every regard save one, and it's an unfair criticism to level, but it simply can't be as original. - Andy Chambers, on the evolution of Games Workshop games
2015/02/05 09:31:42
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
JohnHwangDD wrote: OK, I'm going to close with noting that calling someone out as an apologist may have been impolitic. Sorry for raising the heat.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
Here's the thing: Nobody posting knows the full picture. It's a whole bunch of:
"I heard that..."
"I think..."
"It's gotta be..."
etc...
We see some of the pieces, but nobody here knows the full picture so we make guesses. Sometimes guesses can misconstrued as facts especially if people like what they're hearing because it fits their narrative of what's going on; they've made up their minds already.
All we know is the situation is messed up. Now we have to do the hardest thing to do on the internet: wait and see what happens. Why is this the best answer? I don't believe either party has any vested interested in screwing a lot of people out of our money. I believe that one party (probably both) will make good on the KS promises and I'm willing to wait and not rush to action.
2015/02/05 09:34:07
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
I will definitly not write more about the topic since everything the public needs to know right now was in my last post.
As a freelancer for many companies I am involved with most of them so I will abstain from taking sides with any company. But be assured that I know quite well what is going.
Re FFG: GW had nothing to do with it but the situation now is quite a Deja Vu from back then.
Also there will not be a lot about it on the internet cause any company with brains does not keep such things in public view. Business stuff ist best kept away from the internet cause there are to many wannabe-experts that interpret anything the way it pleases them.
And actually I don´t need to guess or search for stuff on the internet cause I get my info most of the times first hand. And those who know me longer on Dakka do know quite well that most of the times I am spot on.
And maybe there has been a mediation attempt, but it is not unusual that several mediations are needed to solve an issue. Even when lawyers are already involved. And for the time being the best thing to do is let the mediator and lawyers do their work and keep all others from assuming things. I wish DS would more closly follow this quite normal path, but honestly that has never been their strength and cost them quite some goodwill.
Asmodee and FFG: FFG already had some strong partners in Europe, but not in all parts. Also Asmodee is stronger in the non-hardcore gamers field. So it was quite a good idea to join forces (and include former good partners in this alliance) and create a company that more or less can begin to tackle big ones like Hasbro or Mattel.
DS and other distributors: The distributor for the German market supported DS long after FFG and DS parted ways, but suddenly the KS showed up and DS more or less circumvented them on the German market. That was reason for the distributor to finally part ways with them, too.
I do like DS but they have a nasty habit of punching partners on the nose for no apparent reason and this hurts them in the gaming business.
DS and X-Wing: Dust and X-Wing are two completly seperate businesses and they are treated as such. There are thank God quite some people at DS that can differentiate between the two. So, even if there was a disagreement with regard to Dust that is no reason not to do X-Wing cause a factory that does not produce anything costs you dearly.
Honestly folks, gaming business people are a lot more pragmatic than most gamers are and somteimes I wish it would trickle down.
André Winter L'Art Noir - Game Design and Translation Studio
2015/02/05 11:33:00
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Duncan_Idaho wrote: I will definitly not write more about the topic since everything the public needs to know right now was in my last post.
I'm confused: Is it the case that Dust Studios, (the company, not the game) have treated FFG and battlefront so badly, that no other distributor would ever work with them again, as you said,
or is it the case that Dust Studios is really mostly an ok company, that any pragmatic gaming business person, such as the ones at FFG who run xwing, would be be willing to work with again, also as you said?
Just for clarity, like.
2015/02/05 11:48:53
Subject: Dust Tactics Legal action from Dust studios against Battlefront?
Duncan_Idaho wrote: I will definitly not write more about the topic since everything the public needs to know right now was in my last post.
As a freelancer for many companies I am involved with most of them so I will abstain from taking sides with any company. But be assured that I know quite well what is going.
Also there will not be a lot about it on the internet cause any company with brains does not keep such things in public view. Business stuff ist best kept away from the internet cause there are to many wannabe-experts that interpret anything the way it pleases them.
And actually I don´t need to guess or search for stuff on the internet cause I get my info most of the times first hand. And those who know me longer on Dakka do know quite well that most of the times I am spot on.
And maybe there has been a mediation attempt, but it is not unusual that several mediations are needed to solve an issue. Even when lawyers are already involved. And for the time being the best thing to do is let the mediator and lawyers do their work and keep all others from assuming things. I wish DS would more closly follow this quite normal path, but honestly that has never been their strength and cost them quite some goodwill.
DS and other distributors: The distributor for the German market supported DS long after FFG and DS parted ways, but suddenly the KS showed up and DS more or less circumvented them on the German market. That was reason for the distributor to finally part ways with them, too.
I do like DS but they have a nasty habit of punching partners on the nose for no apparent reason and this hurts them in the gaming business.
I gather the way you've been talking here and elsewhere on the internet (such as the facebook group) that you no longer do work for DUST. Did you get let go, get replaced, or leave the gig and have a bit of resentment? You've said very little about actual details, but a lot about how you want us to believe you know a lot, which makes me trust you less. I could very well be wrong, but I doubt that a freelance German translator is involved in higher-level business matters, so I assume your info isn't much more than industry gossip, not first-hand, just like most others.
This message was edited 2 times. Last update was at 2015/02/05 15:21:11
because...
-- $k 
-- 9k 
-- 6k 
-- 4k 
-- 
3500pts
2500pts
2000pts 
