I also heard that the originators of both Poser and Bryce still own at least a part if not all of the original code to their programs. Fractal Design Expressions was also a part of the Metacreations Mix. The original developers, creaturehouse, has stated on their web page that they have "taken back" the rights to publish the program again and are coming out with a long-overdue update. The creators of Poser and Bryce have stated that they are no willing to see there efforts die on the vine. All of that is beside the point, these programs are really pretty good as they are right now even if worst comes to worst. I've seen some really "cheesy" stuff done on great (&expensive) software and also some great stuff created on "hobby" software. In short, I wouldn't worry about the future of the software. In reality, the spirit and innovations of these programs lies within the Bryce/Poser user communities. Without the innovations, utilites and shared knowledge found here these programs would not be used by more then a handful of people, periode. In fact, the forums have done more to keep these programs alive and did a better job of promoting them then did Metacreations Corp!