LAKE STEVENS, Wash., December 15 – Catalyst Game Labs, LLC, and Pinata Games have announced that they will form a strategic alliance contingent on the Catalyst group’s purchase of the currently dormant WizKids properties.

“By combining our efforts, we can deliver high-quality products that will satisfy retailers, fans and licensors alike,” said Loren Coleman, majority Catalyst owner. “As successful licensors of Shadowrun and BattleTech, [Catalyst] understands the essence of those brands and will continue to produce high-quality products for them.”

“The Pinata team brings a different, unique skill set to the table, having worked extensively on all of WizKids’ brands over the last two years. With our efforts combined, we have a wide range of hobby business expertise that covers the gamut of licensed-and-non-licensed properties across a wide spectrum of formats- RPGs, TCGs, CMGs, and more.”

Should Catalyst purchase WizKids’ properties from The Topps Company, Pinata will begin as operator for the HeroClix brand immediately.

“After a few short conversations with Catalyst, it was apparent that a strategic alliance would benefit all parties involved,” said Jake Theis, Pinata Games’ CSO. “We believe that this relationship will allow us to restart the HeroClix business quickly. I saw that HeroClix returned to the top of the ICV2 Hobby Fall CMG sales list, and I know that with the economy in its current state, retailers don’t want any delays getting the business back up and running.”

The proposed alliance between the two companies would allow for Pinata and Catalyst to release new games both together and independently.

Over the last two years Catalyst Game Labs has successfully re-invigorated the seminal BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines, with a host of new product releases, including eagerly awaited core rule expansions and the publication of the Origins’ Award winning Classic BattleTech Introductory Box Set. This dedication will only continue as Catalyst heads into 2009, the 25^th and 20^th anniversaries of BattleTech and Shadowrun, respectively.

As Catalyst Game Labs begins to expand its catalog with the launches of several new properties in 2009 (including the Eclipse Phase RPG, casual games like Paparazzi! and High School Drama and more), it is well aware of the need to maintain a strong release schedule of quality books for its core lines. “Stepping up from the BattleTech Line Developer position to Managing Line Developer last year was the first step in allowing Catalyst to begin expanding,” says Randall Bills. “However, the size and scope of the BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines means that something more is needed beyond the line developer and their excellent stable of freelance writers. A dedicated assistant line developer ensures we can continue an aggressive publishing schedule of quality rulebooks, sourcebooks and so on, while we expand into other areas (other games, novel publishing, and so on).”

Jennifer Harding has accepted the post of Shadowrun Assistant Line Developer, while Ben Rome has accepted the post of BattleTech Assistant Line Developer.

Catalyst Game Labs has tendered an offer with The Topps Company, Inc. to acquire various WizKids’ properties, including such dynamic game lines as HeroClix, the Pirates Pocket Model Game, BattleTech/MechWarrior, and Shadowrun. After carefully reviewing options, Catalyst firmly believes that to protect the properties and ensure the best possible continuity for all communities, acquiring all brands will ensure the on going success of these game lines.

Loren Coleman [majority owner of Catalyst Game Labs] recently met in New York with Topps senior management to further explore the acquisition of these properties. “Catalyst has demonstrated our ability to manage large and important intellectual properties, “said Loren. “We will bring the same excitement and care to the HeroClix, Pirates and other WizKids’ brands. We’ve made our initial offer, and look forward to a successful resolution.”

“HeroClix represents the most popular Collectible Miniatures Game on the market, due to its superb Envoy program and a powerful community” said David Stansel-Garner, Operations Manager [himself a former WizKids employee]. “Meanwhile Catalyst Game Labs continues to grow the BattleTech and Shadowrun properties, each with their own vibrant, dedicated communities. While we would be new to the collectible miniatures market, we have proven experience in quickly acquiring the talent and infrastructure needed to produce high quality games. We’ve already begun the process of contacting top industry talent to bring on board should Topps accept Catalyst’s offer.”

Catalyst Game Labs publishes the perennial Classic BattleTech and Shadowrun game lines and co-publishes (with WildFire LLC) the recently launched CthulhuTech RPG. Next year will see the publication of a new RPG line, Eclipse Phase, numerous casual games (such as Paparazzi!, High School Drama and others), as well as the launching of a novel publishing program.