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Multiple blogs are reporting that Andy Collins is leaving WOTC today. Also reported as being laid off is Torah Cottrill, Peter Schaeffer and Jesse Decker.
This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).
Jesse Decker? Isn't he the guy that made Eberron? If so, then that is very surprising.
This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).
Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)
Jesse Decker? Isn't he the guy that made Eberron? If so, then that is very surprising.Actually that was Keith Baker.
Ah, yes. Thanks, I had a brainfart. My mistake(I knew it was a name with a K in it).
Still, Jesse Decker has worked on a lot of stuff. Kinda surprised to see him let go.
Hard to tell. I sort of figured the Star Wars license was on it's way out. I would hear things through the grapevine(as in, no actual confirmation) that WotC had to pay big money for the SW license on every product they sold, and they weren't getting the return on investment to continue. The Saga books have pretty much covered the big areas of the eras/settings, so there really wouldn't be much need to continue those without making paltry splat books rehashing material, or covering really niche areas.
The minis on the other hand, I thought were doing well. But they've made a ton of those now too. Nearly every character in the SW universe has a mini, and many have several.
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This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)
This is where I got that information.
This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)This is where I got that information.
Ah, then did you mean to type "CCGs" instead of "CRPGs" above? Because that only mentions Magic cards (the physical and on-line versions).
Anyway, from what I've heard they've been cancelling 4E products (Arcane Power 2, e.g.) and switching to their "D&D Essentials" version instead. So there has been some speculation that they're working on "4.5E" D&D.
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Hasbro doesn't really give a care about the products they own. I remember how they royally screwed the Atari brand name when they released rehashed titles left and right from old Atari brand names.
I think it was a stroke of genius that the original WOC team inserted the OGL trojan into Dungeons & Dragons when they did. It at least spared the core D&D fan base the misery of having to deal with Hasbro's petty greed when it comes to product lines.
Now we have Pathfinder and the passing of the torch to the Paizo team to continue the D&D game in the way the developers wanted it to. Unfortunately the D&D name itself will be trashed for all eternity with regurgitated product lines.
4E players, I feel for you.
As a 4E player I'm utterly crushed now.
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This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)This is where I got that information.
Ah, then did you mean to type "CCGs" instead of "CRPGs" above? Because that only mentions Magic cards (the physical and on-line versions).
Anyway, from what I've heard they've been cancelling 4E products (Arcane Power 2, e.g.) and switching to their "D&D Essentials" version instead. So there has been some speculation that they're working on "4.5E" D&D.
Yes, your right CCG is what I sould have typed.
I just read an artical on what "Essentials" are supposed to be. So WOTC feels that they are having a hard time attracting new players.
I guess that's the issue you are going to have if you fire your fan base. (not bashing 4e, just unhappy with the way settings were treated.)
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All told, the line will be 10 products this year (including the dungeon tiles), and then will be done (though I would suppose there’s always room for more depending on sales and demand.) In the Q&A afterward, it was clarified that they were not abandoning the 4e core product line/trade dress/etc. but just did not have the manpower to work on both for the end of this year.
Of course you can take this any way you want. Me?
[tinfoil hat] You have two new lines coming out, D&D Essentials and Gamma World. One would expect you to be quite busy, but then there are 4 departures, of which some are "voluntary". Also, when can you EVER not have enough time for your core product line? [/tinfoil hat]
For us, the 'big picture' is always in hindsight ... oh well.
...actually, three lines. Dark Sun.
...actually, three lines. Dark Sun.I thought Dark sun was 4e?
Still, sorry to see more people laid off. More freelancers for Pathfinder stuff though! :-)
Technically, yeah. But I separate that out as a niche of 4e due to being a campaign setting as I would for Eberron and FR.
Isn't Gamma World going to follow the same 4e footprint, or something else completely different?
All told, the line will be 10 products this year (including the dungeon tiles), and then will be done (though I would suppose there’s always room for more depending on sales and demand.) In the Q&A afterward, it was clarified that they were not abandoning the 4e core product line/trade dress/etc. but just did not have the manpower to work on both for the end of this year.Of course you can take this any way you want. Me?
[tinfoil hat] You have two new lines coming out, D&D Essentials and Gamma World. One would expect you to be quite busy, but then there are 4 departures, of which some are "voluntary". Also, when can you EVER not have enough time for your core product line? [/tinfoil hat]
For us, the 'big picture' is always in hindsight ... oh well.
From the link, it says WotC is putting out the 4e Rules Compendium too. Isn't it a little early for that book? They didn't say if it had a volume number after it, just the name alone. Does that mean there aren't going to be any new mechanics additions?
Not to be a doom-sayer, but it just seems kinda early is all.
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From the link, it says WotC is putting out the 4e Rules Compendium too. Isn't it a little early for that book? They didn't say if it had a volume number after it, just the name alone. Does that mean there aren't going to be any new mechanics additions?
Not to be a doom-sayer, but it just seems kinda early is all.
For Urizen - Yeah - Dark Sun too but I was counting most of that done.
For Jandrem - after reading that, I had the feeling the Compendium was more important to the way they are doing the Essentials line - in other words tying that all into one rules product. I could be wrong, but it seemed to read that way to me. I have to say I'm not terribly hot about having a core line of books in hardbound and then one softbound compendium book. I would imagine, however, if you strip out the classes and races the actual rules portion of the game is pretty thin. That means that specific rules for future classes and races would still appear and change over time, but the basic gameplay rules would stay solid. That doesn't bother me any.
Still, I won't get my petticoats in a ruffle. Just have to watch how it all plays out.
From the link, it says WotC is putting out the 4e Rules Compendium too. Isn't it a little early for that book? They didn't say if it had a volume number after it, just the name alone. Does that mean there aren't going to be any new mechanics additions?
I read at least one person claiming that (a) there would be some rules "fixes" in the Rules Compendium, and (b) there would be a (conceivably quite different) set of changes in the Essentials line.
From the link, it says WotC is putting out the 4e Rules Compendium too. Isn't it a little early for that book? They didn't say if it had a volume number after it, just the name alone. Does that mean there aren't going to be any new mechanics additions?I read at least one person claiming that (a) there would be some rules "fixes" in the Rules Compendium, and (b) there would be a (conceivably quite different) set of changes in the Essentials line.
I understand that, but the article specifically states that it is going to be the 4e rules in a compendium. Not watered down or simplified, but the 4e rules. I thought it was just for the essentials line, since it immediately followed that paragraph, but after re-reading it that's what I got. Just sayin...
Although, after what I've heard of there being a lot of errata and rules fixes in 4e thus far, it would be more convenient to newer players to just have an updated book with the rules printed out clearly. At least they're not adding ".5" to the end of it.
Hasbro doesn't really give a care about the products they own. I remember how they royally screwed the Atari brand name when they released rehashed titles left and right from old Atari brand names.
I think it was a stroke of genius that the original WOC team inserted the OGL trojan into Dungeons & Dragons when they did. It at least spared the core D&D fan base the misery of having to deal with Hasbro's petty greed when it comes to product lines.
Now we have Pathfinder and the passing of the torch to the Paizo team to continue the D&D game in the way the developers wanted it to. Unfortunately the D&D name itself will be trashed for all eternity with regurgitated product lines.
4E players, I feel for you.
Er...why? The game is fantastic. Some people got laid off. This is pretty standard for WotC, but the company trudges on as do its games. Inevitably, they'll be replaced with new hires down the line, and many of them will continue to work on major products as freelancers.
From the link, it says WotC is putting out the 4e Rules Compendium too. Isn't it a little early for that book? They didn't say if it had a volume number after it, just the name alone. Does that mean there aren't going to be any new mechanics additions?I read at least one person claiming that (a) there would be some rules "fixes" in the Rules Compendium, and (b) there would be a (conceivably quite different) set of changes in the Essentials line.I understand that, but the article specifically states that it is going to be the 4e rules in a compendium. Not watered down or simplified, but the 4e rules. I thought it was just for the essentials line, since it immediately followed that paragraph, but after re-reading it that's what I got. Just sayin...
Although, after what I've heard of there being a lot of errata and rules fixes in 4e thus far, it would be more convenient to newer players to just have an updated book with the rules printed out clearly. At least they're not adding ".5" to the end of it.
My understanding is that the Rules Compendium is going to be a rules-only book containing all the current D&D rules (read: not player options) for ease of reference at the table. The Essentials line is a set of books and boxed sets designed for players new to D&D, but the rules will still be the same.
<SNIP>
Now we have Pathfinder and the passing of the torch to the Paizo team to continue the D&D game in the way the developers wanted it to. Unfortunately the D&D name itself will be trashed for all eternity with regurgitated product lines.4E players, I feel for you.
Attempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
It sucks that anyone has to lose there job but at least it's not near christmas time like the last time WoTC did it.
I hope they can find jobs again soon.
As far as editions one isn't any better than the other it's just how you want to play the game.
My understanding is that the Rules Compendium is going to be a rules-only book containing all the current D&D rules (read: not player options) for ease of reference at the table. The Essentials line is a set of books and boxed sets designed for players new to D&D, but the rules will still be the same.
With the rate the rules change, I wish they'd do one every year. Slap the year in the title, and it becomes a no-brainer for LFR and such to know which rules are current and authoritative.
<SNIP>
I hope they can find jobs again soon.
</SNIP>
Amen.
It sucks that anyone has to lose there job but at least it's not near christmas time like the last time WoTC did it.
I hope they can find jobs again soon.
As far as editions one isn't any better than the other it's just how you want to play the game.
That is the golden rule IMHO. Layoffs suck, but are a fact of life for now. Those people are talented and I'm sure they'll find work either permenant or freelance. As for the DnD name being trashed for all eternity...I see more melodrama in that statement then anything else.
Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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<SNIP>
Now we have Pathfinder and the passing of the torch to the Paizo team to continue the D&D game in the way the developers wanted it to. Unfortunately the D&D name itself will be trashed for all eternity with regurgitated product lines.4E players, I feel for you.
Attempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
[fark]Obvious troll is obvious.[/fark]
Heh, heh. OGL trojan.
I only know who Andy Collins and Jesse Decker are. Best of luck to them. Lay-offs are always sad news, but especially in this economy.
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This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)This is where I got that information.
Ah, then did you mean to type "CCGs" instead of "CRPGs" above? Because that only mentions Magic cards (the physical and on-line versions).
Anyway, from what I've heard they've been cancelling 4E products (Arcane Power 2, e.g.) and switching to their "D&D Essentials" version instead. So there has been some speculation that they're working on "4.5E" D&D.
I hadn't heard about any product cancellations, and never saw an Arcane Power 2 on the release schedule. I would love to see such a book on the schedule sooner rather than later, and it would sadden me to know such a product was in the lineup and then shelved. Do you have a source or more information?
Attempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
>open mailbox
Er...why? The game is fantastic. Some people got laid off. This is pretty standard for WotC, but the company trudges on as do its games. Inevitably, they'll be replaced with new hires down the line, and many of them will continue to work on major products as freelancers.
4E players, I feel for you.
Maybe because Andy was the head of R&D and the driving force behind the regular errata updates? If you want to continue to be a fantastic game, then you should feel concern when they lose key developers.
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Er...why? The game is fantastic. Some people got laid off. This is pretty standard for WotC, but the company trudges on as do its games. Inevitably, they'll be replaced with new hires down the line, and many of them will continue to work on major products as freelancers.Hasbro doesn't really give a care about the products they own. I remember how they royally screwed the Atari brand name when they released rehashed titles left and right from old Atari brand names.
I think it was a stroke of genius that the original WOC team inserted the OGL trojan into Dungeons & Dragons when they did. It at least spared the core D&D fan base the misery of having to deal with Hasbro's petty greed when it comes to product lines.
Now we have Pathfinder and the passing of the torch to the Paizo team to continue the D&D game in the way the developers wanted it to. Unfortunately the D&D name itself will be trashed for all eternity with regurgitated product lines.
4E players, I feel for you.
Well I do, not in a condisending way. I feel that Andy Collins was really proud of the work that he put into 4e. He had a lot of passion and energy for WOTC and 4e and in all of the products that he created that I have purchaced, I feel that he had dones some good work.
Jesse Decker was an editor for Dungeon and Dragon and I know is respected in the RPG business. So I have to give him props for that.
Regardless on how this came about, it's a loss for WOTC staff that worked with these people. They were a source of inspiration and information to say the least. Somehow, someone with step up to fill the spots left empty. Not to acknowledge that IMHO sort of devalues all WOTC personel past, present and future.
WOTC will carry on, I have know doubts, but even the personel can see what was lost.
Anyway, from what I've heard they've been cancelling 4E products (Arcane Power 2, e.g.) and switching to their "D&D Essentials" version instead. So there has been some speculation that they're working on "4.5E" D&D.I hadn't heard about any product cancellations, and never saw an Arcane Power 2 on the release schedule. I would love to see such a book on the schedule sooner rather than later, and it would sadden me to know such a product was in the lineup and then shelved. Do you have a source or more information?
I beg your pardon; I may have been misinformed about an Arcane Power 2.
However, here's an interview indicating that the DMG 3 will come out in September 2010 (dated August 2009), and here's the current release schedule (with no DMG 3 in sight, although you get the Essential Dungeon Master's Kit in October).
Now it's possible that everything has just been pushed back, I suppose.
Hogarth: Thanks for posting schedule. I wonder why the iconic Orcus isn't listed.
[fark]Obvious troll is obvious.[/fark]Attempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
You rang? That wasn't me, though. I'm actually more nuanced than this.
>open mailboxAttempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
>Take Envelope.
>Take Envelope.>open mailboxAttempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
>Play Dramatic Music
>Play Dramatic Music>Take Envelope.>open mailboxAttempt to incite Edition War: Failed.
Try again (Y/N)?
>Eat you
Jesse Decker went out of his way to send me some very encouraging (and insightful) rejection letters back when he still worked at Dragon many moons ago. It's something I really appreciated. Hope things work out for him.
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Jesse Decker went out of his way to send me some very encouraging (and insightful) rejection letters back when he still worked at Dragon many moons ago. It's something I really appreciated. Hope things work out for him.
Hey Hal - I need to talk to you about something offline. Can you email me at jreyst@gmail.com? I would have emailed you directly but couldn't find contact information on your profile page.
>Eat you
Silly grue, I am still standing in an open field west of a white house, with a boarded front door. It is not dark here.
They are about the middle of the edition. A lot of low hanging fruit has already been picked. I'd not be shocked to learn that they are moving to smaller less expensive products for many of their offerings and may just need less manpower.
Very corporate environment over there and the RPG industry means there is always a ton of great talent available if you should happen to want to start hiring. It makes sense from a 'bottom line' perspective to let people go when your sure to be able to get talented and dedicated workers with ease when the need arises. The freelance market and the fact that WotC pays better then pretty much anyone else for the RPG industry kind of insures this.
Still a bummer for the employees that where let go and I hope they make their acrobatics checks and land on their feet.
>Eat youSilly grue, I am still standing in an open field west of a white house, with a boarded front door. It is not dark here.
>Turns off Sun
Bottom line - I hope they had some control in the decision process, even if it was leaving due to a divergence on the vision of the current game, and they are able to move on to something new and continue the RPG trend.
Perhaps it is better to have new talent continue 4E, as it has almost become a religious topic, in regards to previous editions, or maybe 4E will ulitmately be scrapped.
From my perspective, it does not have much bearing, because the game brought back the roleplaying I was ready to give up, and lets hope we all have a new game or opportunity to turn towards, when things change, or old things come to an end.
>Turns off Sun
>Wanders past and casts Fluoresce on the Grue. ;-)
>Wanders past and casts Fluoresce on the Grue. ;-)
>Turns off Sun
SKREEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
*runs around wildly screaming and jumps into a lake*
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Bella Sara Charter Superscriber
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This comes as sort of a shock to me since Hasbro had stated that they reported a strong quarter and even gave credit to WOTC for part of thier success (granted it was because of CRPGs).Where did you see this? I don't see any mention of WotC in this quarterly income statement:
Hasbro-Reports-First-Quarter (Yahoo! Finance)
They do mention Magic as a contributing factor to Q1 revenues.