All Change At WotC: New President Arrives From Microsoft As Greg Leeds Resigns

Mark CMG · Apr 12, 2016

Jester Canuck said:
So unlike Leeds, he's actually played D&D and MtG in a non-business capacity. Which is exciting.

Played both? Either? In tabletop format? I didn't see that in the release.

As for the rest of it, I am optimistic. Bringing in someone from Microsoft seems like a very good move. I look forward to see what new directions he takes the various WotC brands.

Jester David · Apr 12, 2016

Mark CMG said:
Played both? Either? In tabletop format? I didn't see that in the release.

It's there. I quoted it.
End of the 4th paragraph and in the 5th paragraph at the end of the release.

dd.stevenson · Apr 12, 2016

-- he led a global sales and technical engagement team
-- he led a cross-discipline team to drive hardware planning, software design and development, marketing and channel management
-- he served in product management and marketing leadership positions in Xbox and MSN, including work on hit franchises like Halo and Fable

It's difficult for me not to see this resume as part of an effort to finally get a successful MTG-themed competitor to hearthstone off the ground.

Mark CMG · Apr 12, 2016

Jester Canuck said:
It's there. I quoted it.
End of the 4th paragraph and in the 5th paragraph at the end of the release.

What you quoted is open to interpretation. In fact, the portion you cut off actually makes it seem like he is a player of D&D branded video games, not necessarily tabletop games, which is why I asked. "A player with extensive digital experience" could just as easily mean he plays or played the computer versions of D&D, particularly because of the placement of the commas and phrasing.

Morrus said:
Cocks is an avid player and fan of Wizards of the Coast brands, including MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS.
“We’re very excited to welcome Chris to the Wizards of the Coast family,” said Frascotti. “As an avid fan and player with extensive digital experience, I’m confident Chris is the right person to help us build on the tremendous momentum around our brands and take the franchise to the next level by delivering exciting new experiences to our growing and passionate fan base around the world."

ChrisCarlson · Apr 12, 2016

Mark CMG said:
What you quoted is open to interpretation. In fact, the portion you cut off actually makes it seem like he is a player of D&D branded video games, not necessarily tabletop games, which is why I asked. "A player with extensive digital experience" could just as easily mean he plays or played the computer versions of D&D, particularly because of the placement of the commas and phrasing.

Wow. There truly is no escape from the dreaded Parse-Beasts of Enworldia(tm)!

DM Howard · Apr 12, 2016

I am sure this has to do with the recent announcement that WotC is working on an improved and integrated digital Magic the Gathering experience. I wouldn't mind some digital love for D&D as well, but I would really just like more stuff to, you know, buy.

Mark CMG · Apr 12, 2016

ChrisCarlson said:
Wow. There truly is no escape from the dreaded Parse-Beasts of Enworldia(tm)!

Several degrees in English and Communications makes it easy to parse corporate speech. But we'll find out sooner or later, I am sure, when he gives the inevitable interview. Nevertheless, I seem to be one of the few posters in the thread who actually sees his coming to WotC as a very good thing.

lyle.spade · Apr 12, 2016

Toriel said:
Not cool. You can be sure he's heard them all. Especially in high school. No need to add to it. You might want to read the other post on the front page about harassment.

I thought it was funny, too. I am happy to see that he's a gamer and not just a branding/marketing/business guy. If he's got the gamer gene and all that other industry experience he'll do the company and hobby good.

Jester David · Apr 12, 2016

Mark CMG said:
What you quoted is open to interpretation. In fact, the portion you cut off actually makes it seem like he is a player of D&D branded video games, not necessarily tabletop games, which is why I asked. "A player with extensive digital experience" could just as easily mean he plays or played the computer versions of D&D, particularly because of the placement of the commas and phrasing.

Maybe. It might mean he just played Baldur's Gate two decades ago.
But that's a fairly cynical reading of the portion. I'm taking it at face value, that he's a fan of D&D.

Mark CMG · Apr 12, 2016

Jester Canuck said:
Maybe. It might mean he just played Baldur's Gate two decades ago.
But that's a fairly cynical reading of the portion. I'm taking it at face value, that he's a fan of D&D.

Either is face value. One or the other is only cynical if someone has a stake in the opposite interpretation.

Nevertheless, Last week I was discussing all the recent job postings with some other folks and we wondered if something even bigger was coming. This would seem to be something bigger. Pretty wild there have been nearly two dozen listings at the WotC job board since less than one month ago.

https://company.wizards.com/about/careers