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Paizo Update on COVID-19 from Lisa, Part 2

Thursday, March 26, 2020

I just wanted to update you with new information about how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Paizo and what it means for you. As you know, the situation is changing rapidly and the team here at Paizo is having to take in new government rules, regulations, and health department guidance on almost a daily basis.

On Monday, March 23rd, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee issued a stay-at-home order for non-essential businesses. Most of Paizo has been working from home for a while now, but our warehouse team had been continuing to ship orders to distributors and paizo.com customers. Paizo will now be closing our warehouse for two weeks starting on the evening of Wednesday, March 25 and put those workers on a paid furlough during that time. The team is working hard to finish March subscription shipments before this shutdown. After two weeks, we plan to resume warehouse shipments unless the situation dictates that we do otherwise. Our customer service team will continue to work from home answering your questions. They have a thread on our forums to keep customers updated with their progress on customer requests: Paizo Customer Service Status Updates & What to Do.

We can still fulfill PDF sales, and we will be launching a PDF sale later this week. Buying PDFs is a great way to help Paizo get through these troubling times as well as getting great gaming products at great prices! Watch for an email announcing the sale in your inbox later this week.

I must also announce that we have made the decision to cancel PaizoCon 2020. Though we and our partners at the DoubleTree Hotel believe this is the best course of action for the safety of our staff and attendees, this is particularly sad for us because we at Paizo really enjoy having the chance to hang out with all of you and play games for a weekend. There will be a number of options for dealing with your badge and banquet ticket purchases, including rolling it forward to next year with a nice gift waiting for you at PaizoCon 2021 to thank you for sticking with us through these times. If you have purchased a badge, look for an email explaining your options soon. Our customer service team would greatly appreciate if you could wait to contact them about PaizoCon badge options until after we have sent out the email to badge holders.

The staff has been hard at work from home. The Pathfinder Advanced Player’s Guide and the Starfinder Starship Operations Manual have both been sent to the printer to be delivered in time for Gen Con, and other products are going to the printer each week. There is a light at the end of this tunnel, and we want to make sure that there are new roleplaying game products there for you to enjoy when we get through it.

Once again, thanks so much for your kind words of support and your continued patronage of our products. Together, we can get through these difficult times. We look forward to seeing many of you at the gaming table soon.

Lisa Stevens
CEO, Paizo Inc.

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Scarab Sages
14 people marked this as a favorite.

I hope you all stay safe
Grand Lodge
9 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Maps, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

Perhaps a mini virtual Paizo-Con on the same weekend as a possible replacement?
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Be well.
Silver Crusade
10 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Painful, but right calls on all fronts. Looking forward to the PDF sale and seeing APG out on time! :)
Paizo Employee Managing Developer
20 people marked this as a favorite.

I'm gonna miss all of y'all who were planning on coming to PaizoCon, but I'm confident that we as a company made the right choice about this. We're still working hard on cranking out awesome game material for all of you and I appreciate y'all's support during this time!
4 people marked this as a favorite.

Am I the only one now that wants to mount a crusade against Apollyon with a group of stalwart adventurers? It seems like it would be very cathartic.
Dark Archive
3 people marked this as a favorite.

Definetly the right choice both for the warehouse (T9 says warhorse) workers and Paizo Con.
Health is more precious than money.
Stay safe and at home everybody!
I love you all.
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Freehold will order pdfs to support paizo at this rough time.
3 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

A difficult, but ultimately correct, decision.
Grand Lodge
3 people marked this as a favorite.

Hello darlings! May we retain Kate Baker as our Guest of Honor in 2021? You know I'm going to be there because I miss you all soooo much!

I would also be in favor of a small virtual PaizoCon with gaming that weekend, but understand if you are all too overwhelmed with other stuff right now to organize one. Just know that we all stand behind you!

Hmm
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Pathfinder Accessories, Rulebook Subscriber; Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber

Sad about this but completely understand.... 2021 here we come! I said 2020 couldn't be worse than 2019, so who else is looking forward to what 2021 will bring?!?!?!...
Grand Lodge
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Safety for our community is paramount, and it is the right decision. I admit I'm somewhat disappointed because I play all of my PFS online and was planning to attend this year as my first PaizoCon, but would rather make sure everyone is safe.

I am, however, just wondering aloud whether the online division could get scenario support for an online con during the PaizoCon weekend as a not-as-amazing-as-PaizCon-but-better-than-nothing substitute...

Just putting bugs in ears, and so forth. :o) I know I'd be willing to run a game or two online to try to help some folks get a game or two in.
Grand Lodge
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Maps, Rulebook, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Maps, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

Considering I live near Seattle in the 'East Side'. I'll be glad once the pandemic subsides. Too many of us have health issues and it's a concern how it will interact with each person. I agree with this call. I'll continue to blame Datch for this one also.. :P

Be safe all.
Grand Lodge
2 people marked this as a favorite.

By the way, will there be PDF subscriptions available during this time? I would love to subscribe to your PDFs!

Hmm
Dark Archive
1 person marked this as a favorite.

I've been waiting om and expecting this. Stay safe from Broward County, Florida. Southeast's hot spot.
Sovereign Court
5 people marked this as a favorite.

We are goblins, we will bounce back !
Grand Lodge
2 people marked this as a favorite.

Will you continue to provide subscription PDFs and send the physical product later if need be? Or is everything delayed? I know we are on lock down here until the end of April here (I guess it could be lifted early).

Also A virtual PaizoCon would be awesome idea! Might start a trend for all of us that could not make the trip even if it was not canceled. :) Could fire up the Twitch channel for seminars and use one of the many supported VTT for games. I am in!
Grand Lodge
3 people marked this as a favorite.

See you all next year.
RPG Superstar 2012 Top 32
1 person marked this as a favorite.

We Paizo fans think what you do is pretty essential, LOL!

At least as important as, say, toilet paper factory workers. ;)
Grand Archive
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

While I am a bit sad my first paizoCon will need to be next year instead of very soon, it's all VERY understandable.
Everyone stay safe, stay indoor and/or far from other peoples, and hope for this to end soon. :O

(Now I just need the airline to actually cancel my flight so I don't have to pay the cancellation fee...)
Wayfinders
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Will we be able to order printed material for shipping after yall get back to the warehouse? I typically order both the PDF and Print at the same time.
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Pathfinder Accessories, Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Very Sad. Our whole family is crying.

When Norwescon was canceled, they addressed what would happen with room block reservations. I can't recall off hand if I paid a deposit.

Can you speak to that?

Thank you.
9 people marked this as a favorite.

A sadness, but the right decision to keep the gaming community safe. Much love to all of my peeps at Paizo. <3
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

I can't say I didn't see it coming, but I'm still bummed. Keeping everyone safe is more important, though.

Now to see if the airlines will refund my tickets...
Grand Lodge
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Jack Squared wrote:

Very Sad. Our whole family is crying.

When Norwescon was canceled, they addressed what would happen with room block reservations. I can't recall off hand if I paid a deposit.

Can you speak to that?

Thank you.

I have never paid a deposit to the Doubletree, so you should be in the clear.

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Stay safe
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Was excited signing up for my first paizocon, but in the months since this is by no means a surprise. Looking forward to next year already! In the meantime, stay safe everyone.
Paizo Employee Managing Developer
11 people marked this as a favorite.
Hmm wrote:
Hello darlings! May we retain Kate Baker as our Guest of Honor in 2021? You know I'm going to be there because I miss you all soooo much!

This is so my plan!

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Charter Superscriber

Thank you for the update! Be well, and take care of yourselves.
Lantern Lodge
1 person marked this as a favorite.

This is a hard but right decision . Stay Safe. Courage. I send a virtual hug to everyone at paizo.
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Meraki wrote:

I can't say I didn't see it coming, but I'm still bummed. Keeping everyone safe is more important, though.

Now to see if the airlines will refund my tickets...

wait...in the US airlines are still flying, the airports haven't been shut down yet?

1 person marked this as a favorite.

It’s a sad decision, but the right one. I will be rolling over my badges and I will see you all in 2021!
Grand Lodge
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Really sorry to see this happen, but I do understand the necessity of it. I just hope and pray that everyone stays safe and we come out of this crisis and move forward together!
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber

Absolutely the right call. And that was a fantastic example of crisis communication, I'd like to add.

Here's hoping that Gencon isn't forced to shut down this year as well!
Paizo Employee Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
14 people marked this as a favorite.
Slamy Mcbiteo wrote:

Will you continue to provide subscription PDFs and send the physical product later if need be? Or is everything delayed? I know we are on lock down here until the end of April here (I guess it could be lifted early).

We have not yet made that decision, and are looking at a lot of different contingencies following a lot of different potential outcomes. Please be patient. April subscriptions do not ship for another month. Right now we're hunkering down, and we'll make announcements about later... later. :)

4 people marked this as a favorite.

Just got laid off 3 hours ago. Hope y'all have some good bourbon like I do. You're making the right choice to keep everyone safe, hope y'all make it through safely. <3
13 people marked this as a favorite.
Lisa Stevens wrote:
put those workers on a paid furlough

Very classy.

My compliments, and deepest wishes to you - and all those you care for - remain healthy. Secondarily, best wishes for the company's survival. You've earned success through hard work, decency, and vision. I wish you (plural you, not singular you) well in every way possible.
Lantern Lodge Customer Service & Community Manager
10 people marked this as a favorite.

We're working on putting together more information regarding details of PaizoCon's cancellation. I've talked directly with several fans over the last couple weeks, and the most important thing I heard was that folks would like to know if there was any changes to PaizoCon soon as possible, so they could start adjusting their plans.
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Be sure that everyone at Paizo stays safe during these troubling times!

If there were any planned announcements that were supposed to happen at PaizoCon, is it possible to still have those announcements happen via the Paizo Blog or a Twitch stream? If not, I completely understand.
1 person marked this as a favorite.

Bummed but I'm not surprised and I definitely understand. Kudos for doing the right thing to help everyone stay healthy and safe!

There's always next year :)
Paizo Employee Chief Creative Officer, Publisher
14 people marked this as a favorite.
Ezekieru wrote:

Be sure that everyone at Paizo stays safe during these troubling times!

If there were any planned announcements that were supposed to happen at PaizoCon, is it possible to still have those announcements happen via the Paizo Blog or a Twitch stream? If not, I completely understand.

These are among the topics we are currently discussing. Please stay tuned! We will not be shy about answering this question once we have an actual answer to provide. :)

1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Adventure Path, Lost Omens, Maps, Rulebook Subscriber; Pathfinder Battles Case Subscriber

Much love and support to all during this difficult time.

I'm very optimistic we'll get together at GenCon and celebrate!

Thank you Paizo staff! I hope there's something virtual during that time instead, count me in if so!
6 people marked this as a favorite.

From a locked down Europe, I can tell you this situation is absolutely serious. You are making the right calls. Please stay safe everyone. Keep your distance to others, stay at home if you can for the time being. Move your gaming group online for some escapism during these trying times.

I'll make sure to grab some PDF's when they go on sale. If you have the financial means, please consider supporting (local) businesses that are meaningful to you, times are going to be tough for them. Together we'll get through this.
The Exchange
1 person marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Maps Subscriber; Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber

Aww man, this was gonna be my first Paizocon too. Jeez gang, you just had to say ya didn't want me to go. :D

For real though, I hate that it had to happen, but I know it's the right move to make. Stay safe everybody. Let's do this at a less plagued date.
1 person marked this as a favorite.

For those of you who have to cancel airline flights, most US carriers are waiving cancellation fees or issuing travel vouchers.
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Starfinder Superscriber

Stay safe, and glad to hear that your warehouse team is not being left in the wind.
Liberty's Edge
2 people marked this as a favorite.
Pathfinder Roleplaying Game Superscriber; Pathfinder Starfinder Adventure Path, Starfinder Roleplaying Game, Starfinder Society Subscriber

Thank you for doing the right thing. Double thank you for doing the right thing even when it isn't easy.
Pathfinder Adventure Path Subscriber
Meraki wrote:

I can't say I didn't see it coming, but I'm still bummed. Keeping everyone safe is more important, though.

Now to see if the airlines will refund my tickets...

Narrator voice: They didn't.

Kelseus wrote:
For those of you who have to cancel airline flights, most US carriers are waiving cancellation fees or issuing travel vouchers.

They're waiving change/cancel fees, but the travel credits they're issuing have a rather short life (at least for the airlines I booked with). One of them said you had to use the credits within a year of the date of original booking; the other said within a year of a date of issuance. Helpful if you typically travel more frequently, I guess, but completely useless if the next trip you'd be going on is, say, to PaizoCon 2021.

Just something to be aware of.
1 person marked this as a favorite.

I'm bummed to miss it -- especially since I already know I'm going to have to miss 2021 -- but not surprised. It's the right thing to do.
Chief Operations Officer
3 people marked this as a favorite.
Jonathan Thompson wrote:
Will we be able to order printed material for shipping after yall get back to the warehouse? I typically order both the PDF and Print at the same time.

You can order it now and they're start fulfilling again when they return on the 9th.

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