layoffs?

[DM_Jeff]

I don't care about editions or design, seeing some of these names get hit is truly saddening. Best of luck to these talented people.

-DM Jeff

[Friadoc]

Damn, that's a sad list, like any layoff list would be, but I owe Jonathan Tweet for the first freelance job I did, thanks my selection heading a 3e playtest team. Between playtesting 3e, which lead to some 3e product testing and some pre-release 3e PHBs, I had a head start or designing magic items, which landed my artifact, the Tear of Mormo, in Relics & Rituals and, thus, my first paid gig.

My best wishes and hopes for those laid off, hopefully things will turn around for them, quickly, as I know being laid off sucks, big time, as I've been laid off, twice, in the past handful of years, and I'm still recovering from it.

Best of wishes and luck to you and yours, people.

[keterys]

I'm shocked and deeply saddened. I recognize too many people on that list, and a couple in particular are a real kick in the gut.

Heartfelt hope to everyone to bounce back/forward.

[Ghostwind]

My heartfelt sympathies go out to those who are affected and their families.

[WotC_Dave]

Thanks for the kind words, folks. They mean a great deal. And my wife was reading over my shoulder, and they cheered her up _immensely_.

I can confirm the essential truth of what's been reported, and I am indeed one of the ones let go today. When you're in the midst of the process, you don't really get a sense of what's going on elsewhere in the building. Thus I didn't know some of the names until I read them here. They're quality people. In a weird way, I'm proud to be among them. (I'd rather be employed, sure, but you take the solace you can at a moment like this.)

I'll leave the prognosticating and "...but what does this MEAN?!?" stuff to others. I think the game is in good shape--and I think it's in good hands. In my 10 years at Wizards, I survived a lot of these layoffs--including cuts deeper than this. More to the point for you guys, the _game_ survived deeper cuts than this.

Maybe I didn't say this enough when I was part of "the Man," but the ENWorld community is absolutely terrific. The level of discourse here continues to be top-notch, and there's always an interesting thread sitting right there, begging to be read. But if you're already a regular here, you've already figured that out, huh?

--David Noonan, who should probably get a new user name.

[freyar]

Wow, surprising news (to me at least)! My best wishes to all these folks -- good luck finding new places!

[Mr Baron]

My sincere best wishes to all those effected. I hope everyone finds new work soon!

[Beckett]

Good luck to David and the rest, and thanks for all you've contributed to my games.

[darjr]

I hope for the best for all of you.

[darjr]

Let me just add, Dave, me and my kid would listen and really enjoy the podcast. We'll miss your voice and mug. If you continue to podcast please let the community know where.

Not even to mention how many books in my home and my games have your name on them.

[Ycore Rixle]

Good luck to everyone, and my best wishes for all affected. Those are some big names. Dave, you're a class act, and the few chances we had to work together were a lot of fun.

[Pour]

Best of luck Dave. I can't relate how much I respect your continued enthusiasm for the game, or your level of tact and poise during a trying point in the industry. You truly are a cut above and an inspiring example of what a designer and a professional should be. You are the man!

[Herremann the Wise]

Originally Posted by WotC_Dave

--David Noonan, who should probably get a new user name.

Yeah... and maybe work on that post count while you're at it.

I sincerely wish you all the best for the future.

Best Regards
Herremann the Wise

[Ydars]

I am really sorry that this has affected so many talented people. I think this industry is very brutal and takes no account of the sacrifices people have to make to work as RPG games designers. This makes the commitment of the people on that list, to this hobby, all the more inspiring.

I wish everyone who has got this hard news today the very best; now and in the future.

[catsclaw227]

Good luck to all those let go. Tough times for all...

Dave, is it possible that some of these will be "rehired" as freelancers (designers, developers, editors) for future products? I know in IT, many companies will layoff and then rehire some of the programmers as consultants so that they can use them in smaller and more focused efforts, saving money on things like Worker's Comp, Insurance, etc...

[SteveC]

I hope that some of the WotC folks will decide to come by and take a look at EnWorld once things die down. I want to offer my most sincere condolence at a layoff (especially at this time of year....) and wish you all the best.

The thing is, gaming is an important part of my life, and has been so for over 30 years, so in a very real way all of you have made my life better. I just wanted to say thanks for that.

Now I also want to point out that I give very good job references, I have a nearly 100% success rate for getting people new jobs based on my recommendations, so let me know if you need someone to say how awesome you all were!

Best wishes,

--Steve

[Jack99]

Originally Posted by WotC_Dave

In my 10 years at Wizards... [snip]

Maybe I didn't say this enough when I was part of "the Man," but the ENWorld community is absolutely terrific. The level of discourse here continues to be top-notch, and there's always an interesting thread sitting right there, begging to be read. But if you're already a regular here, you've already figured that out, huh?

--David Noonan, who should probably get a new user name.

Thanks for all the great things you helped bring to us.

Cheers

[Relique du Madde]

Damn...

[Riley]

David (and all the others - I mean, Tweet, too - really?), I wish you all the best, and I hope you all land on your feet.

I also hope you find a place where you can continue to produce great game material for my enjoyment.

[jinnetics]

Originally Posted by carmachu

Isnt this the second set of layoffs since 4e was released?

Don't go connecting dots that aren't there. We know nothing. Everyone is laying people off right now. Everyone has to cut back, no matter how much it hurts.

I also send my regrets and hopes to those affected!