What's the usual way a new license is acquired?

[jp-30]

Like, I'd imagine it's normally Telltale approaching licence holders pitching thier concept for the game(s). But I guess once one's established enough with a great track record, licencees would start knocking on Telltale's door.

One would imagine there were old friendships with Steve Purcell that just kind of led to Sam & Max happening.

In very broad terms, if you're even allowed to mention such things, how were the initial contacts made with Jeff Smith for Bone & Bruckheimer (?) for CSI?

[Emily]

It happens both ways, with Telltale approaching the license holder or the license holder approaching Telltale.

Telltale contacted Jeff Smith. I don't know about CSI. I think Telltale contacted Ubisoft but am not sure about that.

[Jake]

I think more often than not, Telltale does the knocking, but the rapidity and enthusiasm of the response from the license-holder is a lot quicker/better if they're someone who knows us and the style of games we make / way we treat licensed characters and worlds.