Why Was Netrunner Discontinued?
Android: Netrunner is a popular collectible card game that was introduced in 2012 by Fantasy Flight Games. Since its release, the game has gained a significant following and has been praised for its unique gameplay mechanics, intricate storyline, and diverse cast of characters. Despite its popularity, Fantasy Flight Games announced in 2018 that they would no longer be producing new products for the game, effectively discontinuing Netrunner.
Licensing Term Expiration
One of the main reasons for the discontinuation of Netrunner was the expiration of the licensing term with Wizards of the Coast. In 2018, the licensing agreement between the two companies came to an end, and Fantasy Flight Games was no longer permitted to produce new Netrunner products. This meant that the game’s future development and production were uncertain, which ultimately led to the game’s discontinuation.
Fan Community Efforts
Despite the discontinuation of Netrunner, the fan community has continued to produce new content and support for the game. Fans have created their own expansions, card designs, and storyline developments, which have helped to keep the game’s spirit alive. This organic growth and creativity have made Netrunner a unique case study in game development, where the community has stepped in to fill the gap left by the game’s discontinuation.
Comparing Netrunner to Other Games
Netrunner can be compared to other discontinued games, such as Magic: The Gathering – The Elder Dragon Highlander, which was also discontinued by Wizards of the Coast in 2018. Similarly, World of Darkness – Vampire: The Masquerade was also discontinued by White Wolf Publishing in 2015.
What to Play After Netrunner?
If you’re looking for other games similar to Netrunner, here are a few suggestions:
- Game of Thrones – The Card Game: This game is based on the popular TV show and features a similar Living Card Game (LCG) format.
- The Lord of the Rings – The Card Game: This game is based on the popular book series by J.R.R. Tolkien and features a similar Cooperative Play format.
- Android: Netrunner LCG: This is an updated version of the game, which is still active and being supported by Fanatic Games.
Other Card Games Like Netrunner
Here are a few other card games that might be of interest to fans of Netrunner:
| Game | Format | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Arkham Horror: The Card Game | Cooperative Play | Investigate mysteries and uncover conspiracies |
| Twilight Imperium: The Gathering Storm | Competitive Play | Explore the galaxy and collect resources |
| Sentinels of the Multiverse | Cooperative Play | Battle villains and save the world |
| Star Realms | Competitive Play | Explore space and battle alien fleets |
Conclusion
Netrunner is a unique and engaging game that has captured the hearts of many fans. Although it has been discontinued by Fantasy Flight Games, the fan community has continued to support and develop the game. If you’re interested in exploring other games similar to Netrunner, there are many options available. We hope that this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the game’s history, features, and alternatives.
Additional Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about Netrunner, here are a few additional resources:
- Wikipedia Article: [Link]
- BoardGameGeek Page: [Link]
- Facebook Group: [Link]