The Future of Classic Traveller

Can Mongoose continue what's been awesome?

I was kind of sad when I found out about this news. While I know I am about 2 weeks too late as I don’t keep an eye on things all the time, I did play classic traveller and have the books printed out on my shelf. Its been some time since I’ve played the game, but recently I was looking into solo play for Traveller. I am not a huge fan of the mongoose rules and liked the original simple rules for the game.

Official Statement:

Some years ago, fellow game designer Greg Stafford died, and I was impressed that his company announced almost immediately that he had a succession plan in place, and that his legacy and his designs would live on.

His example was an inspiration to me, and I resolved to emulate him. It would be a terrible loss if Traveller were encumbered, or somehow restricted in its outreach to present and future fans.

With that in mind, I have worked to make Traveller an asset to science-fiction role-players... with our user-friendly Fair Use policies, with the Travellers’ Aid Society programs, with the Cepheus editions of Traveller, and with Mongoose as a primary publisher of their edition of Traveller.

Over the past several years, I have turned over more and more responsibilities to Mongoose, and I have collaborated actively with them as they work to realize the Traveller dream. Earlier this year I passed full ownership of Traveller to Mongoose in order to secure its future.

With that in mind, I point out that, following the example of Greg Stafford, I have a succession plan in place: day-to-day decisions about the Traveller game system are already being made by Mongoose Publishing (with my co-operation and approval), and if anything should happen to me, they would carry on with my full knowledge and blessing. 

That doesn’t stop me from speaking my mind: expressing opinions about Traveller, writing stories and lore, and even revealing secrets about the universe. 

But Traveller is in good hands, now, and far into the far future.

And I thank you for your (continuing) support for Traveller.

Marc

Traveller?

Traveller is a cornerstone of science fiction role-playing, known for its deep and expansive universe, complex character creation system, and its focus on exploration and survival in a vast galaxy. Over the years, it has seen numerous editions, each building upon the rich lore and mechanics that have made the game a favorite among RPG enthusiasts. However, as with many classic games, there comes a time when the original creators must consider the future of their work beyond their involvement.

Marc Miller's decision to transfer ownership of Traveller to Mongoose Publishing was inspired by the example of Greg Stafford, another titan in the RPG industry. Stafford, known for his work on RuneQuest, Pendragon, and the creation of the world of Glorantha, had a succession plan in place before his passing. His company, Chaosium, ensured that his legacy would continue, with new editions of his games being released even after his death.

Stafford's foresight in planning for the future of his games served as a model for Miller. By securing a successor in Mongoose Publishing, Miller has ensured that Traveller will continue to thrive, reaching new audiences and maintaining its relevance in the ever-evolving world of tabletop RPGs. The transfer of Traveller’s ownership is more than just a business transaction; it is a statement about the importance of legacy in the RPG community. By planning for the future, creators like Miller and Stafford ensure that their games do not fade into obscurity. Instead, these games continue to inspire new generations of players, contributing to the ongoing evolution of the RPG landscape.

Will Mongoose keep the same flavor and series alive with Classic Traveller or will they scrap it and push their version of the game?