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Ken, maybe you or Roberta know the answer to this question?
It just came out that Jane Jensen is working on another game. There has been some speculation at the adventuregamers board about why it won’t be a Gabriel Knight game, and if there’s any possibility of Jane writing a GK novel in the future. Do you know if the novelization copyrights are handled the same way as the game copyrights? Can Jane only write a GK novel if Sierra says it’s okay? (Similarly, would Roberta need permission to write a King’s Quest novel?)
Just curious. I’m an aspiring writer and quake in fear at the thought of ever having to giving up the rights to a character I created…
thanks.
-emily
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(re: a question about copyright) Can Jane only write a GK novel if Sierra says it’s okay?
Gabriel Knight was owned by Sierra. When I was CEO, I gave her the right to do a novel using the character – but, my recollection is that I only gave her the rights for one novel. I’m not sure what happened after I left.
At Sierra, I wanted to own all rights to everything we published. My philosophy was always that the first game in a series was a loss-leader — it cost more to promote than you could get back in revenue. It can cost millions to create a recognizable name. Sequels, and licensing represents the profit potential. Generally speaking, it’s the publishers millions that makes something into a recognizable trademark. Certainly, a gifted writer is also required – but, generally business is governed by the golden rule: He who holds the gold makes the rules.
-Ken W
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(re: a question about copyright)
Thanks. That’s kind of what I expected. It’s too bad that Sierra won’t relinquish the copyrights they hold but have no intention of reviving… but from a business standpoint, it makes perfect sense. No matter how long it’s been since the original games were developed, a King’s Quest or GK game (or novel) is always going to reflect back on Sierra.
-emily
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