First time posting here, so here are a few of the vitals:
Played CoH for about 7 years.
Global handle was @phillon.
Home server was Infinity.
Toward the end I mained as a Peacebringer
Part of the Paragon University Archeology Department (PUAD) super group.
Like most folks here I've endured that numbness that set in after that dark day in November. The only game that has eased the pain for me was TF2. When I came across a random tweet that hinted at the possibility of my beloved CoH's return, I didn't know what to think.
Since the shut down I've only occasionally lurked various forums. At times I would watch old videos on YouTube. No lie, doing so hurt. It was easier to just keep my distance from all of this than to chase the wind.
But I'm hearing things like 'one signature away' and things like this. I won't let myself get caught up in the rush of emotions associated with this potential. Not yet. The shutdown shook me fiercely. I don't want to go through that again.
I have to ask, is this real? I've gone through some of this thread and it's so reminiscent of the old days. I want it to be true. I so want it to be true. Please let this be true.
It is real in the sense that a team is working with NCSoft to purchase the game and associated IP. They do intend to restore the original game if it is possible (it appears to be) - what we don't know is whether the character data is still intact. The account data is extremely unlikely - basically no and that may be due to legal issues with handing over financial data to a game closed for nearly 2 years. The time period for the sale is likely within the next 2 months unless they hit an issue that slows it down.
What kinds of things might they be discussing?
Conditions of sale.
NCSoft will want to have their logo and likely the Cryptic logo on the game still.
NCSoft will likely want assurances of notice and conditions for any future sale of the game - again their logo will be on it.
The new owners will want to make sure they are carefully getting everything they need as well. You can imagine if they have to come back to the table later and say oh - we missed buying this vital part of the game - it could be an expensive mistake. Logic would dictate that the structure of the deal must be very carefully thought out and negotiated.
Yes, it is a real thing and it is proceeding, carefully.