If you're having trouble thinking of what to write to Activision, or having trouble staying calm while you write, try this form letter. (And if anyone spots any typos or mistakes I've made PLEASE point them out -- the sooner the better, I'm mailing mine tomorrow afternoon!) It is highly encouraged that you contact Activision as well as signing the petition -- the more they hear, the more likely they are to respond!
To Whom It May Concern:
I, [your name here], am writing to you to express my disappointment in the Cease and Desist letter that Activision recently sent to Phoenix Online Studios in regards to The Silver Lining. The game was much anticipated by the fans of the King’s Quest game series, which ended with King’s Quest: Mask of Eternity an uncharacteristically violent game that, while a good game in and of itself, did not provide closure to the series. The team that has worked on creating The Silver Lining for the past eight years intended only to provide closure more befitting of the rest of the series. Even the original creators of the franchise, Roberta and Ken Williams, have expressed their own support for this fan-produced venture.
As I am sure you are aware, in 2005 a similar Cease and Desist letter was sent by Vivendi Universal to Phoenix Online Studios in regard to the same project. After negotiations with Phoenix Online Studios, an agreement was reached which satisfied Vivendi Universal and allowed them a degree of control over this project but allowed the project to continue. The team of Phoenix Online Studios has followed the terms of this agreement, and the fans of the King’s Quest series have been very grateful for the opportunity provided by Vivendi Universal.
When previous fan-projects, such as the VGA remakes of King’s Quest 1 and 2 by AGD Interactive were released, it spurred new interest in the King’s Quest games as a whole. These free games reminded old fans of the game series, sparking them to purchase the King’s Quest Collection. Many younger gamers also played these revisions and were introduced to the series. It is more likely than not that there would be a similar occurrence with the release of The Silver Lining, and that Activision could potentially make a profit from this fan-made project. The adventure game genre also seems to be gaining in popularity, as one takes a look at Telltale Games and the success they have had with releasing episodic graphic adventure games. This factor, combined with the release of The Silver Lining virtually guarantees an increase in sales of the King’s Quest Collection, if not the Space Quest and Police Quest collections as well.
In summary, I implore Activision to reconsider the decision put an end to the production of The Silver Lining and allow this project to continue. The project has a long history of hard work and is both well-known and well-respected throughout the gaming industry. Activision may also potentially gain financially from this project.
Thank you,
[your name here]
