Chrono Trigger Novel Project

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The Chrono Trigger Novel Project is an online project founded and managed by Wayne Kramer. The goal of the project is to publish an officially sanctioned novel based on the 1995 RPG video game Chrono Trigger.

The project was started by Wayne Kramer, Vice President of Global Parts Operation at C&G Technologies, a CT scanner company owned by his father.(1) He began writing the novel in 1996, and continues to write it currently.(2) A number of the video game’s fans assist him in doing this by either editing his writing, maintaining the website, or working on efforts to get petition signatures in an effort to convince Square-Enix to allow the novel’s eventual publication.

Square’s Response

In 2009, Square-Enix notified Kramer that they would not be granting him publication rights.(3) He continues to disregard this notification, and is still writing the novel.(4) Kramer has expressed on his website that his strategy for negotiating legal loopholes will involve face-to-face meetings with the top executives of Square-Enix, in Japan if need be.(5, 6, 7, 8)

Author’s Qualifications

Kramer’s qualifications as a writer have been frequently called into question in the website’s forums, and Kramer has been known to handle the criticism poorly, becoming defensive and claiming that his critics are themselves unqualified to criticize him.(9, 10, 11) Kramer has never studied literature, instead earning a degree in business, and has never been previously published.(12) When describing his writing, he often compares it to works that lack literary merit,(13, 14) though he claims adamantly that his novel will target literary audiences and has the potential to be considered a classic.(15, 16, 17) Despite having never published a novel, Kramer frequently refers to himself as a novelist on his website and on the website’s forums. He also often refers to works of literature as "products." (18)

Legal Practices

The Chrono Trigger Novel Project does not employ a lawyer. Since receiving notice from Square-Enix in 2009 that his novel would never be published, Kramer has implied on his website that he will continue with publication illegally by changing the names of people and places within the novel.(16, 17, 18, 19, 20)

1. I have a job at my father's company, C & G Technologies (http://www.cgtscan.com), where I work a high-level management position as the V.P. of Global Parts Operations. (Novelist Personal Info. Page)
2. It all started back in 1996, back when I was just a mere 8th grader... (Project History Page)
3. The presentation packet and samples that I sent had reportedly been reviewed by what they called their "Chrono Trigger Team," and they were very impressed. However, as the letter stated in a nutshell, they did not accept my proposal due to the copyright issues and an inability to allocate the resources necessary to put this plan into motion. (7/27/09 main page)
4. [T]here is no indication from Square-Enix that they will accept the novel. This will continue to be pursued with them. (12/6/10 main page)
5. I've talked with some representatives at SquareSoft USA (none of which are still with the company, actually). They, in turn, can't really do anything without consulting with their parent company, Square-Enix (of Japan). Square (now Square-Enix) is the literal owner of the copyrights. So, basically, the American outlet is NOT the place to go for something like this. All they can do is shove policy in your face and ACT like they're going to mention it to the people in Japan, though they likely never will. (Forum 12/07/03 5:52 PM)
6. When the opportune time comes, I will contact Square-Enix, and I won't waste my time with middle-men who have to ask if they can go to the bathroom while they're at work. (Forum 12/07/03 5:52 PM)
7. Finishing it can certainly do me no harm (aside from the cost of time, which admittedly is a costly commodity), and in the midst of doing so, I will be able to keep in contact with Square-Enix via regular written updates and the ultimate goal of obtaining a face-to-face meeting with their team. (7/27/09 main page)
8. My experience in business tells me that the best way to get something done (particularly if it goes beyond general policy) is to get as far to the direct decision-makers as possible. So, my goal is to speak with an executive of Square-Enix about the matter. (Forum 12/07/03 5:52 PM)
9. I appreciate constructive criticism as much as anyone. And, also no offense, but, if you've read so little of my work, do you really think you're qualified to say how good the authorship is? (Forum 07/30/09 9:14 PM)
10. Anyway, I'm willing to accept that my writing isn't perfect or even the best, but it doesn't sound like you've placed yourself in the appropriate position to make that call just yet. (Forum 07/30/09 9:14 PM)
11. If you have read all of the Demo Chapters and still hold that opinion, then perhaps it's also a problem of my own doing for choosing these particular chapters as demos. (Forum 07/30/09 9:14 PM)
12. Writing is only a hobby of mine, and I never felt that majoring or minoring in English would greatly improve my skills in that area. It would expose me to more literature, yes, but, after examining the curriculum, it would not likely help my creative or overall writing skills, at least not by much. (Novelist Personal Info. Page)
13. The marketing approach I would take would be to appeal to those who read action/fantasy books like Lord of the Rings or Redwall. (Forum 05/31/05 9:30 PM)
14. Remember, this cause isn't just for Chrono Trigger, but for a whole new possibility of bringing the worlds of literature and gaming together in a fun and enjoyable way. (Forum 02/17/07 4:31 PM)
15. This novel isn't just about putting a video game in text. It's about a new principle: merging the worlds of RPGs with that of literature, and doing so in a way that is enjoyable to everyone…It's about expanding the dimensions of gaming and bringing that together with true creative writing, spawning a new and refined perspective of entertainment that's not only good for enjoyment, but also for the mind. (Forum 12/08/05 1:09 AM)
16. I've considered many possibilities, which included everything from simply finishing the CT Novel to converting it into an independent story to writing something completely original, and any combination of these items is still on the table. (7/27/09 main page)
17. A conversion of the CT novel into a new story isn't out of the question, either, should the worst truly become reality. (Forum 07/22/09 12:03 AM)
18. There simply have been too much intellectual and personal "sweat and blood" poored into this to stop what I'm doing. Whether published in true Chrono form or otherwise, I will press on. (Forum 08/25/10 12:15 AM)
19. A completed novel at least gives me something to hopefully work with down the road, whether that be the desired publication as the Chrono Trigger novel or modified to be something different. (7/27/09 main page)
20. All those who have followed this project and read the available Demo Chapters should know that this novel stands on its own, with countless unique story elements, dialogue, occurrences, and scenes (even entire chapters) that are ultimately my intellectual property. Just know for now that this concept is not lost on my mind, and I do not intend to let the efforts of this project go to waste, no matter how many years it may take to finally culminate and find its completed product in the hands of the general public. (12/6/10 main page)

See also

• Chrono Trigger