Wizards of the Coast LAYOFFS

[Brother Laszlo]

Are we talking "a business" or WOTC?

I'm willing to bet that WOTC staffed way up to crank out the 3ed books, and now that they've occimplished it, they simply don't have a need for such a large staff, and are sizing down again for, which is a perfectly understandable business model.

Of course, if WOTC is slashing their staff so that they can hire and exploit a fresh batch of lackeys, like some other companies I know, then that's another thing entirely.

 

[green slime]

My condolances to those who have lost or are about to loose their jobs.

I could give a rat's rear end for the survival/non-existance of the game.

Human values first. It's just a frikking game, guys.

 

[Black Omega]

Are we talking "a business" or WOTC?

I'm willing to bet that WOTC staffed way up to crank out the 3ed books, and now that they've occimplished it, they simply don't have a need for such a large staff, and are sizing down again for, which is a perfectly understandable business model.

Of course, if WOTC is slashing their staff so that they can hire and exploit a fresh batch of lackeys, like some other companies I know, then that's another thing entirely.

It's also quite possible this is more a Hasbro decision, than WotC. I recall Hasbro has had some troubles and thye could be cutting WotC as one solution for this.

 

[herald]

jeekies!!!

I just want to know who the cold hearted bastard is that said that there going to enjoy the silence once thier axed coworkers are gone.

I'm glad that they told us that it was happening, but jeez, have a heart!

 

[Piratecat]

Just so you know - I believe WotC employs thousands of people.

 

[Desdichado]

I'm willing to bet that WOTC staffed way up to crank out the 3ed books, and now that they've occimplished it, they simply don't have a need for such a large staff, and are sizing down again for, which is a perfectly understandable business model.

The responsible business model here is to "hire" these folks from a temp agency of some sort. I'm sure there are groups that have writers and programmers. My company hires engineering staff like this all the time.

That way, when you want to reduce headcount, you're not really laying anyone off, and they have a built in network to get to work on another project.

 

[DungeonKeeperUK]

It is a ter that guys are being laid off at WoC, and that is a bad thing on a personal level....

On a D&D Gaming level I really don't think it will affect it overly too much..... Even if (god forbid) WoC gave up on its D&D line (worst case scenario I know, and it'll never happen) but the OGL is out there, the core rules are available to all adn there are a host of D20 companys out there backing it and I'm pretty sure always will...

D&D will always be around in one form or another, but I really don't think this is even a thought of ending the D&D line...

 

[Piratecat]

Joshua, I'd probably argue that what you suggest is easier for short-term projects. WotC hired to meet expected ongoing business need; now that it unfortunately looks like the need isn't there in the next year, they're scaling back. A layoff like this probably will save them $5-7 million in yearly salaries and benefits alone.

I'll keep my fingers crossed for my friends there. Good business decision or not, it still stinks for those laid off.

 

[JacktheRabbit]

Thats dumb, lets hire a couple hundred people as temps for a year or two and they won't get any benefits or paid vacations. But in the end it will be ok because when we get rid of them we won't be technically laying them off.

If a "job" cannot be done in 6 months or less then it is wrong to hire a temp to do it with no benefits. 6 months and longer really should be the work of a full time employee.

The responsible business model here is to "hire" these folks from a temp agency of some sort. I'm sure there are groups that have writers and programmers. My company hires engineering staff like this all the time.

That way, when you want to reduce headcount, you're not really laying anyone off, and they have a built in network to get to work on another project.

 

[Angelsboi]

i meant D&D wont be affected in a bad way.

And newsflash - temps DO get paid vacations and benefits after 6 months. from the temp agency. I should know.