Not to rain on anyone's parade but has anyone considered the legal issues involved in merchandising? Who exactly holds the copyright on the story? Most often the author hasn't sold (if they are smart, that is <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/winkwink.gif" alt="" />) away all rights which includes the merchandising options on products (also includes movie and TV rights, etc.) that are 'spun off' from an idea they created. Trust me! I'm a writer and I NEVER sell ALL rights. So, it would be wise to ask Larian if this is an idea worth the time and effort.
And secondly, we have to consider the author's wishes. What rights did Rhianna sell? (And, she may not be willing to see her characters merchandised in such a way). If the story is not originally from the developer (and sometimes they aren't), they usually purchase the electronic rights from the author. (I have a contract now with a game developer for a series I have developed) In other words, that same story's other rights are still available for sale through other media. (TV, movie, print, etc.).
Everyone still with me now? LOL So, as you can see, this is not a simple matter. Then again, I'm all for helping out our fellow man, but there are hundreds of thousands of people in this world who need $$ for mere survival, let alone to insure our own entertainment value.
Just a few thoughts.
Faralas <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/mage.gif" alt="" />
