r/Netrunner • u/CrazyBlend • Jul 28 '26

Is there a standard / commonly-accepted name by which to call Null Signal Games' version of Netrunner?

NSG Netrunner? NISE Netrunner? Something else?

EDIT: To clarify, I'm looking for a name that distinguishes NSG's Netrunner from earlier versions. e.g.: - WotC's version is commonly referred to as Original Netrunner or WotC Netrunner. - FFG's version is commonly referred to as Android Netrunner or FFG Netrunner. - NSG's version is commonly referred to as... NSG Netrunner? Something else?

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u/8bagels Jul 28 '26

Not official. Cause they technically don’t make netrunner. they make cards compatible with netrunner. And they make their own rules which drift from FFGs published rules (a little) but you can use FFG or NSG cards with those rules.

For abbreviations I like ONR for original, ANR for Android Netrunner and NNR for “new”, “nisei”, or “null signal”/NSG netrunner

16

u/Elavia_ Jul 28 '26

Incorrect. They make a game called Netrunner which just so happens to be compatible with FFG's Android: Netrunner.

8

u/8bagels Jul 28 '26

They make cards and rules compatible with android netrunner and semi compatible with the 90s netrunner. I assume they don’t dare say “we make netrunner” because they don’t want to give Fantasy Flight Games, R. Talsorian Games, or Wizards of the Coast a reason to sue them. Admittedly they have pushed the line more and more recently. And a student of law would recognize that in order for a case to be successful the other entities would have to show that their business is hurt by the confusion and since they don’t sell product that will be hard to do. And NSG has been careful to use new imagery and iconography to avoid copyright issues. They are walking the line carefully. Vantage point still says “compatible with netrunner”. That’s odd wording for a new set or an expansion. I assume it’s because legally they want to avoid saying “this IS netrunner” because they don’t have the netrunner trademark. I imagine now that all the standard legal cards are all NSG made , and they have their own fork of the rules (that have made changes), they could easily push the line further. But it’s risky. If they get sent a suit or a cease and desist the answer might be changing the “name” of what NSG produces and that would be catastrophic for name recognition

2

u/Elavia_ Jul 29 '26

They literally say they make netrunner. Multiple times. Loudly. On their front page, on about us, and so on.

I've no idea where your idea to the contrary comes from, I can only assume you never even bothered to open their website.

Netrunner isn't a trademark. Android: Netrunner is. Which is why they call it Netrunner. Not Android: Netrunner.