RPG Superstar 2010 Top 16, 2011 Top 32
|
Organizational Announcement
Wizards Announces New Organizational Alignment
Wizards of the Coast today announced new organizational alignment to focus on key growth strategies for core brands.
"As a company, we will continue to be the leader in entertaining the lifestyle gamer," said Greg Leeds, President of Wizards of the Coast. "Re-aligning resources ensures we achieve this goal for our most powerful brands."
While restructuring results in some job eliminations, Wizards of the Coast is actively recruiting to fill open positions in multiple areas of the company.
"Organizational change is always difficult on those impacted," said Leeds. "But we will take great care in the transition, and continue to invest in the growth of the business, specifically innovation for our Magic and Dungeons & Dragons fans."
Okay, not trying to be snarky or insulting or trollish, but at a time when 4e is apparently selling pretty well, why is it that WotC is eliminating jobs? Corporate America never did make much sense to me...
|
I think it's 'end of fisical year reshuffling'
Then it would be coming in early December. WotC had rounds of layoffs the end of the year after the release of 3E and 3.5, so I was expecting this two weeks after Thanksgiving. Coming now? (Two days after they get back from Gen Con!)
I would wonder if someone in Pawtucket is seriously unhappy about the state of DDI and the heads have started rolling early.I guess we will know in another week or so when a new crop of "fresh from WotC R&D!" freelancers start appearing.
I think it's 'end of fisical year reshuffling'Then it would be coming in early December. WotC had rounds of layoffs the end of the year after the release of 3E and 3.5, so I was expecting this two weeks after Thanksgiving. Coming now? (Two days after they get back from Gen Con!)
I would wonder if someone in Pawtucket is seriously unhappy about the state of DDI and the heads have started rolling early.
I guess we will know in another week or so when a new crop of "fresh from WotC R&D!" freelancers start appearing.
Fiscal years don't end in December. Weird accounting practices make fiscal years end sometime around September if I remember right.
...at a time when 4e is apparently selling pretty well, why is it that WotC is eliminating jobs?
You know, I've been curious about something for a while now. How do we know 4E is selling well? Does anyone have any info/links about WotC's sales numbers? Just how well is 4E actually doing?
|
|
Fiscal years don't end in December. Weird accounting practices make fiscal years end sometime around September if I remember right.
It depends. The US government has its fiscal year end in September and start in October, but companies choose whatever cycle is most convenient for them.
Even without that, I do not recall anything like this 2 months after a major release and three days after a major convention.
|
RPG Superstar 2008 Top 32, 2011 Top 16
|
Fiscal years don't end in December. Weird accounting practices make fiscal years end sometime around September if I remember right.
A company gets to pick their own fiscal year, and they tend to pick quarter ends. Most companies align with the calender year, or December 31, but there are lots that use either March 31, June 31, and Sept 30.
|
|
Fiscal years don't end in December. Weird accounting practices make fiscal years end sometime around September if I remember right.I think it's 'end of fisical year reshuffling'Then it would be coming in early December. WotC had rounds of layoffs the end of the year after the release of 3E and 3.5, so I was expecting this two weeks after Thanksgiving. Coming now? (Two days after they get back from Gen Con!)
I would wonder if someone in Pawtucket is seriously unhappy about the state of DDI and the heads have started rolling early.
I guess we will know in another week or so when a new crop of "fresh from WotC R&D!" freelancers start appearing.
the government's fiscal year ends in september. corporations end it whenever they feel like ending it for their purposes. corps pay their taxes quarterly (generally speaking, some llp's and llc's and non-profits aren't required to, but i think all "b" and "c" corps do), so they aren't beholden to the fed govt model.
i don't know how hasbro tracks their fiscal year, so maybe they do end it in september.
i do think, however, things aren't as rosy in renton as some would have us believe...
|
...at a time when 4e is apparently selling pretty well, why is it that WotC is eliminating jobs?You know, I've been curious about something for a while now. How do we know 4E is selling well? Does anyone have any info/links about WotC's sales numbers? Just how well is 4E actually doing?
I heard there was unease amongst a number of outlets who are going with Pathfinder as the winner and the number of interested "day players" was down at GENCON (apparently). Did any of you go? How was it with "the crowds" aroung the 4.0 tables?
|
I heard there was unease amongst a number of outlets who are going with Pathfinder as the winner and the number of interested "day players" was down at GENCON (apparently). Did any of you go? How was it with "the crowds" aroung the 4.0 tables?
It's been a long exhausting day. I'm not sure I understand your post. Could you elaborate? Are you saying that people were uneasy about Pathfinder?
Sorry...not sure why I'm having trouble comprehending.
Gleemax was a soul-sucking money-sink. I'd bet money that whatever layoffs are announced relate to that turkey, and to the current mostly-vaporware status of the DDI. But it also might be that while 4e is ostensibly selling well, the retention rate of the 3.x base and rate of adding new 4e players is worrying and sales might not have hit Hasbro expectations. Might see a management gutting in that last place if that's what's happening. Combine this speculation with the folding of a bunch of planned WotC novels lately, and it's kinda spooky all of a sudden.
Interesting times and all.
I just saw this on WotC's site. If you want to read the whole paragraph, click here:
4th Edition Rolls On
As I write this, it’s the two-month anniversary of the launch of the 4th Edition of Dungeons & Dragons. I thought I’d take a moment to tell you how we’re doing. The excitement around the new edition is still as strong as it was at launch, and we anticipate carrying that excitement through Gen Con, PAX, and beyond as new products roll out and the full scope of the power of the edition becomes evident. From a business perspective, the core rulebooks are already well into their third printing, the H1 and H2 adventures are both in reprint. The new Dungeon Tiles product, DU1 Halls of the Giant Kings, is almost gone from our inventory less than one month after going on sale. This means that, using the current trends, we’re going to crush our original projections for 4th Edition in 2008!
Otherwise, here are the parts I found interesting: "From a business perspective, the core rulebooks are already well into their third printing...we’re going to crush our original projections for 4th Edition in 2008!"
Either they set their original sights low (unlikely), or 4E is, in fact, doing well.
Either they set their original sights low (unlikely), or 4E is, in fact, doing well.
Or they're lying. We know how incredibly honest they are with their fanbase, after all... "Oh no, we have nooooo plans for a new edition, not at all! *psst, hey, how's the playtesting going on 4E?*"
Otherwise, here are the parts I found interesting: "From a business perspective, the core rulebooks are already well into their third printing...we’re going to crush our original projections for 4th Edition in 2008!"
That statement always struck me a funny and I just figured out why. How can they already be into their third printing?!? I don't mean from a sales standpoint, I mean from a supply standpoint. Last year, when 4E info was sketchy at best, one of the heads of a major 3PP (either Mona or Orcus or Pramas) said that the "pencils down" date for them was the same for Wizards, and that's why they needed the rules so far in advance. And Mona recently said that if they wanted to reprint the beta (after stating that there isn't going to be enough) they'd need 2 months from the date they submit the order.
The article quoted above said that they're nearing their 2 month anniversery of 4E's launch. So how in 2 months time can they place a second printing, get it printed, have it shipped to their warehouse, sorted to distributers, distributers sorting them for orders, and enough copies sold to tell them they need a 3rd printing whenever it would take paizo 2 months to just get the printing done?
Or they're lying. We know how incredibly honest they are with their fanbase, after all... "Oh no, we have nooooo plans for a new edition, not at all! *psst, hey, how's the playtesting going on 4E?*"
I hate to agree at this exact moment, but WotC corporate's credibility isn't all that high rigt now.
Another thing to consider, WotC got a new pres about 2-3 months ago. He probably spent this long learning the ins and outs of the company and is now ready to "trim the fat" from areas that he feels are underperforming. It is a common thing that new company presidents love to do. Quickly improves the bottom line, making it look good for shareholders.
|
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
|
Otherwise, here are the parts I found interesting: "From a business perspective, the core rulebooks are already well into their third printing...we’re going to crush our original projections for 4th Edition in 2008!"That statement always struck me a funny and I just figured out why. How can they already be into their third printing?!? I don't mean from a sales standpoint, I mean from a supply standpoint. Last year, when 4E info was sketchy at best, one of the heads of a major 3PP (either Mona or Orcus or Pramas) said that the "pencils down" date for them was the same for Wizards, and that's why they needed the rules so far in advance. And Mona recently said that if they wanted to reprint the beta (after stating that there isn't going to be enough) they'd need 2 months from the date they submit the order.
The article quoted above said that they're nearing their 2 month anniversery of 4E's launch. So how in 2 months time can they place a second printing, get it printed, have it shipped to their warehouse, sorted to distributers, distributers sorting them for orders, and enough copies sold to tell them they need a 3rd printing whenever it would take paizo 2 months to just get the printing done?
Pre-orders?
I'd like to get a professional perspective on this though. It sounds like hogwash. It sounds like a publisher could order a lower print run and then declare that they are in their 3rd, 4th, or 5th printing and get everyone to go "oooooh!!!". My b$$*!&*% detector is on 'standby'.
At the same time, my heart goes out to anyone who loses their job in a difficult to break into industry during a tough economy. If you're reading this, take care.
|
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 6
|
The article quoted above said that they're nearing their 2 month anniversery of 4E's launch. So how in 2 months time can they place a second printing, get it printed, have it shipped to their warehouse, sorted to distributers, distributers sorting them for orders, and enough copies sold to tell them they need a 3rd printing whenever it would take paizo 2 months to just get the printing done?
They print in the US, which cuts a lot of shipping and customs time off of the supply chain. They also ordered a second printing before the release date (which points to VERY lowball numbers on that 1st print run)
|
|
That statement always struck me a funny and I just figured out why. How can they already be into their third printing?!? I don't mean from a sales standpoint, I mean from a supply standpoint. Last year, when 4E info was sketchy at best, one of the heads of a major 3PP (either Mona or Orcus or Pramas) said that the "pencils down" date for them was the same for Wizards, and that's why they needed the rules so far in advance. And Mona recently said that if they wanted to reprint the beta (after stating that there isn't going to be enough) they'd need 2 months from the date they submit the order.
The article quoted above said that they're nearing their 2 month anniversery of 4E's launch. So how in 2 months time can they place a second printing, get it printed, have it shipped to their warehouse, sorted to distributers, distributers sorting them for orders, and enough copies sold to tell them they need a 3rd printing whenever it would take paizo 2 months to just get the printing done?
though i can not say for sure...but i think WotC uses a US based prtinter, which cuts down time... also they have more money to throw around to speed up printing..
and from the complaints of ink smudging i hear alot...they probably don't wait for the ink to dry before they start selling them.;-)
Totally off topic: Is Paizo Hiring? How about GR? IIRC if they are, it might mean that someone might not need to move.
Another question is "How is Hasbro as a whole doing?"
D&D 4th could actually be doing extremely well, but large corporations taking losses sometimes do a 5% (or so) across the board cuts for all divisions - reguardless of that division's actual performance.
|
|
Pretty likely that they did set their expectations low, actually, based on the poor market reaction to the idea of a new edition.
Or they set their expectations low based on a poor perception of the market's potential.
WotC print runs are typically at "Why are you bothering with it?" levels to Hasbro. Actually managing to get to a third printing might actually qualify as reasonable.
Either they set their original sights low (unlikely), or 4E is, in fact, doing well.Or they're lying. We know how incredibly honest they are with their fanbase, after all... "Oh no, we have nooooo plans for a new edition, not at all! *psst, hey, how's the playtesting going on 4E?*"
I'm no fan of corporate weasel speak, but let's be fair. I was in the room at D&D XP 2007 when the question about 4E was asked. The answer as I recall was closer to "We are not announcing 4E at this time." They were specifically careful to never say they weren't working on it.
|
|
Strangely it may be the solid sales of 4e that is leading to cuts. Companies often refocus when they see a spike in one area and a dip in another. The key will be to see who gets shuffled and who gets dropped.
No, I think this reorganization, just like the previously announced shift in their book lines, has one and only one source:
The failure of DDI to be generating income.Every time anyone reads "core product" in a WotC press release these days they should immediately translate that into "Magic Online and DDI".
That statement always struck me a funny and I just figured out why. How can they already be into their third printing?!? I don't mean from a sales standpoint, I mean from a supply standpoint. Last year, when 4E info was sketchy at best, one of the heads of a major 3PP (either Mona or Orcus or Pramas) said that the "pencils down" date for them was the same for Wizards, and that's why they needed the rules so far in advance. And Mona recently said that if they wanted to reprint the beta (after stating that there isn't going to be enough) they'd need 2 months from the date they submit the order.The article quoted above said that they're nearing their 2 month anniversery of 4E's launch. So how in 2 months time can they place a second printing, get it printed, have it shipped to their warehouse, sorted to distributers, distributers sorting them for orders, and enough copies sold to tell them they need a 3rd printing whenever it would take paizo 2 months to just get the printing done?
They might have known via pre orders that things were looking better then whatever their initial conservative estimates are. That said 3rd print run is not actually a good thing. You loose money every time you have to start up those printers again. Its better to do one big print run then a bunch of little ones. What we really don't know is how big their print runs are and therefore how well they are really doing compared to, well whatever it is they want to compare things to.
CEO
|
though i can not say for sure...but i think WotC uses a US based prtinter, which cuts down time... also they have more money to throw around to speed up printing..
and from the complaints of ink smudging i hear alot...they probably don't wait for the ink to dry before they start selling them.;-)
They do use a US based printer, which cuts about 2 weeks off the print and shipping time. It would take them around 4 weeks to do a reprint and get it to their warehouse.
-Lisa
|
|
I don't know the details of what is going on, but I don't think the snide (and hopeful) comments that 4e is doing badly really make a lot of sense. A company that is doing well will often reorganise itself, streamline operations, junk certain activities, or just get rid of people who are underperforming, in order to focus on what is does best and move away from activities which are not doing so well. That is what companies do.
|
|
I heard there was unease amongst a number of outlets who are going with Pathfinder as the winner and the number of interested "day players" was down at GENCON (apparently). Did any of you go? How was it with "the crowds" aroung the 4.0 tables?...at a time when 4e is apparently selling pretty well, why is it that WotC is eliminating jobs?You know, I've been curious about something for a while now. How do we know 4E is selling well? Does anyone have any info/links about WotC's sales numbers? Just how well is 4E actually doing?Why would RETAIL outlets support a PDF-focused publisher over an established store-first publisher?
They wouldn't be interested in cutting their own throats....
Huh?... I don't understand what any of that has anything to do with what YellowCanislupusdingo said?
Huh?... I don't understand what any of that has anything to do with what YellowCanislupusdingo said?
Why would RETAIL outlets support a PDF-focused publisher over an established store-first publisher?They wouldn't be interested in cutting their own throats....
Maybe I am wrong, but my quick take is that he is equating Pathfinder (and therefor Paizo as the publisher) as being PDF focused, which would hurt the retail outlets as they would essentially be competing against the publisher for market share.
If my take is correct, I can't say I agree. Offering PDF does not make a publish 'PDF-focused'. While some may purchase the PDF version only, there are many who will always prefer a hard copy of the material. Myself, I prefer to have both. I have all of my PDFs setup so that I can actually access them pretty much from anywhere. They make good reference material. But when it comes to game day, the computer goes away adn we are all pen and paper.
You assumed "many" but just how much is many? Still, it wouldn't be that badIt's not helped by the fact that Paizo is _ALSO_ an internet store. If WOTC did the same thing and sold their products directly, how many of us wouldn't be arguing that WOTC is fundamentally undercutting the brick and mortar FLGS.
The equivalent would be if starcitygames came out with their own trading card game AND also started selling it (you should go to any of the retail meetings WOTC has had concerning M:TG. Retail store owners DESPISE starcitygames et al with a passion)
There are 3 types of buyers.
Those that only buy the PDF, those that buy the PDF and the book and those that only buy the book.
OF those that buy the PDF, an argument can be made that it is highly dependant on price and as such, the more expensive the hardback is in relation to the PDF, the more the likelihood they would purchase the PDF.
Again, I can't see a retailer WANTING Pathfinder to even come close to D&D...
You also need to take into account those who download illegal PDF copies of te products as well. I know no one likes to talk about it, but the fact remains that there is not a single WoTC product that cannot be downloaded from torrent sites. I've never really understood why WoTC haven't gotten on the PDF version bandwagon, just to grab a little bit of that marketshare.
I fully admit that I downloaded the FR campaign guide last night. I know a lot of people will be angry at this, but I downloaded it purely so that I could make an informed decision on if I wanted to buy it. While I may be able to afford to buy gaming supplies, it is hard to pay $45 for somethin on blind faith. I looked through it briefly and will do som in more detail tonight, but my first impression is 'No' on buying it. I will delete the PDF and move on. I think (hope) that the Player's Guide will contain more useful stuff.
Now if WoTC offered the campaign guide as a PDF at a reasonable price, I would be tempted to purchase it...because I do like to support the hobby.
I heard there was unease amongst a number of outlets who are going with Pathfinder as the winner and the number of interested "day players" was down at GENCON (apparently). Did any of you go? How was it with "the crowds" aroung the 4.0 tables?
I judged several LFR slots and played in a few more. I am also on the e-mail distro for the LFR judges, and one of the main topics of conversation on there now is how many generic ticket holders were turned away. Without going into specifics, I can say with confidence that a great many generic ticket holders were turned away. I was also there last year, and if anything the ballroom was busier this year. Of course, the entire show seemed busier this year than last, so that might not mean much.
|
[humour] Maybe WotC think 4E should have been selling even better, and are replacing some of the marketing executives that they consider failed to pull their weight.... [/humour]
Oh give me a break... corporations NEVER replace executives. It is always the fault of the lowly grunt. Had the wageslave done his job properly, the executive's magnificient, wolrd shattering plan would have made quadrillions of money.
No, it is always the fault of the bottom of the rung.
|
|
You assumed "many" but just how much is many? Still, it wouldn't be that badIt's not helped by the fact that Paizo is _ALSO_ an internet store. If WOTC did the same thing and sold their products directly, how many of us wouldn't be arguing that WOTC is fundamentally undercutting the brick and mortar FLGS.
The equivalent would be if starcitygames came out with their own trading card game AND also started selling it (you should go to any of the retail meetings WOTC has had concerning M:TG. Retail store owners DESPISE starcitygames et al with a passion)
There are 3 types of buyers.
Those that only buy the PDF, those that buy the PDF and the book and those that only buy the book.
OF those that buy the PDF, an argument can be made that it is highly dependant on price and as such, the more expensive the hardback is in relation to the PDF, the more the likelihood they would purchase the PDF.
Again, I can't see a retailer WANTING Pathfinder to even come close to D&D...
You also need to take into account those who download illegal PDF copies of te products as well. I know no one likes to talk about it, but the fact remains that there is not a single WoTC product that cannot be downloaded from torrent sites. I've never really understood why WoTC haven't gotten on the PDF version bandwagon, just to grab a little bit of that marketshare.
I fully admit that I downloaded the FR campaign guide last night. I know a lot of people will be angry at this, but I downloaded it purely so that I could make an informed decision on if I wanted to buy it. While I may be able to afford to buy gaming supplies, it is hard to pay $45 for somethin on blind faith. I looked through it briefly and will do som in more detail tonight, but my first impression is 'No' on buying it. I will delete the PDF and move on. I think (hope) that the Player's Guide will contain more useful stuff.
Now if WoTC offered the campaign guide as a PDF at a reasonable price, I would be tempted to purchase...
Hey look! Self-righteous thief alert.
|
|
I fully admit that I downloaded the FR campaign guide last night. I know a lot of people will be angry at this, but I downloaded it purely so that I could make an informed decision on if I wanted to buy it. While I may be able to afford to buy gaming supplies, it is hard to pay $45 for somethin on blind faith. I looked through it briefly and will do som in more detail tonight, but my first impression is 'No' on buying it. I will delete the PDF and move on. I think (hope) that the Player's Guide will contain more useful stuff.
Now if WoTC offered the campaign guide as a PDF at a reasonable price, I would be tempted to purchase...
My only question is: will the forums reset your name to THIEF, and next time you go into an FLGS, will the shopkeeper kill you with a laser beam?
[humour] Maybe WotC think 4E should have been selling even better, and are replacing some of the marketing executives that they consider failed to pull their weight.... [/humour]Oh give me a break... corporations NEVER replace executives. It is always the fault of the lowly grunt. Had the wageslave done his job properly, the executive's magnificient, wolrd shattering plan would have made quadrillions of money.
No, it is always the fault of the bottom of the rung.
Hmm...I'd say not *always* but certainly suspiciously often.
|
|
I fully admit that I downloaded the FR campaign guide last night. I know a lot of people will be angry at this, but I downloaded it purely so that I could make an informed decision on if I wanted to buy it. While I may be able to afford to buy gaming supplies, it is hard to pay $45 for somethin on blind faith. I looked through it briefly and will do som in more detail tonight, but my first impression is 'No' on buying it. I will delete the PDF and move on. I think (hope) that the Player's Guide will contain more useful stuff.
Now if WoTC offered the campaign guide as a PDF at a reasonable price, I would be tempted to purchase...
My only question is: will the forums reset your name to THIEF, and next time you go into an FLGS, will the shopkeeper kill you with a laser beam?
I wish that forums would start turning over user info to policing authorities in the user's area when they admit doing electronically illegal actions. I get so sick of hearing the 'justified' thief extolling how he in the right and passing on that POV to the messageboards with pride. You wanna look at book to decide if you wish to buy it, then walk into a store and flip through it or look at the reviews of a product or read an excerpt provided by the manufacturer of the book. A person commits an illegal act then 'promises' that they delete the illegal product afterwards and expects to retain credibility.
I wish that forums would start turning over user info to policing authorities in the user's area when they admit doing electronically illegal actions. I get so sick of hearing the 'justified' thief extolling how he in the right and passing on that POV to the messageboards with pride. You wanna look at book to decide if you wish to buy it, then walk into a store and flip through it or look at the reviews of a product or read an excerpt provided by the manufacturer of the book. A person commits an illegal act then 'promises' that they delete the illegal product afterwards and expects to retain credibility.
Please take a moment to consider the actual effects of what you are proposing.
I'll just say I hope you weren't being serious and leave it at that.
|
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 8
|
I wish that forums would start turning over user info to policing authorities in the user's area when they admit doing electronically illegal actions. I get so sick of hearing the 'justified' thief extolling how he in the right and passing on that POV to the messageboards with pride. You wanna look at book to decide if you wish to buy it, then walk into a store and flip through it or look at the reviews of a product or read an excerpt provided by the manufacturer of the book. A person commits an illegal act then 'promises' that they delete the illegal product afterwards and expects to retain credibility.
[threadjack]Update request: Please let the rest of the world know when the USA is done with the 'right to privacy' and 'freedom of speech'. Apparently you aren't using them as much as you used to and don't respect them all that much. Frankly, we're jealous that those two values still hang out at your place no matter how poorly you treat them. They are welcome to visit the rest of us seeing you don't care about them anymore. We have cookies ... maple syrup cookies.[/threadjack]
I wish that forums would start turning over user info to policing authorities in the user's area when they admit doing electronically illegal actions. I get so sick of hearing the 'justified' thief extolling how he in the right and passing on that POV to the messageboards with pride. You wanna look at book to decide if you wish to buy it, then walk into a store and flip through it or look at the reviews of a product or read an excerpt provided by the manufacturer of the book. A person commits an illegal act then 'promises' that they delete the illegal product afterwards and expects to retain credibility.
I am not apologizing for my actions, nor am I saying that what I did is necessarily in the 'right'. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions on this subject.
I am ok with my decision. I know that I am going to delete it. If I wasn't going to, I wouldn't have even brought up the point. No offense to any of the posters here (I respect the majority of you a lot), I really have nothing to hide and/or prove.
Why wait for the forums to start turning people in? You have my user name...it's not an alias. Feel free...the copyright police can come and peruse my crate of legally purchased D&D products. The can search my computer and discover only pdf versions of the the same legally purchased products.