[Updated] Chris Sims & Jennifer Clarke Wilkes Let Go From WotC

The details are unclear, but D&D editor Chris Sims has reported that he is now in need of a job, and is willing to relocate. He was hired by WotC in 2005 after working for them as a freelance editor. Part of the D&D 5E launch, he was one of the editors for the Player's Handbook and Dungeon Master's Guide, and was responsible for stat block development in the Monster Manual. The reasons have not been revealed, nor is it clear whether he left or was laid off.

Whether this is an isolated thing or part of more layoffs if unclear right now. More if I hear anything! In the meantime, if you can hire an excellent writer and editor, please do!

For more on ex-WotC employees, please check my list here!

UPDATE: Jennifer Clarke Wilkes is also in the same boat. She has worked on both D&D as an editor and on Magic: the Gathering, and has been working for WotC for many years.

UPDATE 2: Chris Sims confirms here that he and Jennifer were both laid off.

 

[Grainger]

There is, indeed, money in our tiny industry.

If there's money, why is the industry tiny? That's my question.

 

[Scrivener of Doom]

If there's money, why is the industry tiny? That's my question.

I suspect because there are different definitions of "there is money in this industry".

And I further suspect that the "industry" uses a far different definition....

 

[Uder]

If there's money, why is the industry tiny? That's my question.

Maybe there's an inherent limit to its popularity. More cynically, maybe every time the "industry" starts to really hit its stride, something comes along and knocks it over in a vain attempt to teach hobbyists to be customers.

 

[Kramodlog]

Speculation gained from pretty much every RPG site on the net, at least that's how I see it. Its much more well recieved than 4e ever was at launch (and i love 4e). It's not really hard to make that jump. Maybe it did bomb but it doesn't seem like it has.

That is just good reviews on the internet. Not sale figures. It could be that a lot of potential clients have moved on and do not care. The field is clear for people who always are loyal to the brand to voice their enthousiasm. I remember people with sigs saying "I'm with D&D not matter which edition" or something. When 5e was announced and no playtest has been done, you already had a few people saying it would be awesome. When some people got their hands one the first books, they wrote 5 stars reviews after just reading a few pages and not testing the game. Some said it was the best edition ever. There is a core of fans who will give the brand a lot positive reviews no matter what. It is the other people we aren't hearing about (maybe).

The financial info Hasbro has made public could corroborate the sentiment that it is doing well, but we shouldn't be surprise with D&D getting "[...] higher net revenues [...]". D&D went from "not far from no revenues" to "we're launching a new edition!". Of course revenues will spike. Will that continue? That is the interesting part.

 

[Guang]

Maybe another "D&D is evil" type scandal...?

Please no. That "scandal" never ended in some circles. Circles which I have to deal with. I can only imagine how much I'd have to put up with if it all started up again.

 

[pukunui]

How do we know they weren't just on fixed-term contracts or something? Why does Chris Sims saying he's in need of a job automatically mean he got fired? Maybe he was only being employed until the conclusion of the 5e launch period. I don't think there's any need to turn this into a pity party on his behalf.

Just a thought.

 

[MasterTrancer]

I suspect because there are different definitions of "there is money in this industry".

And I further suspect that the "industry" uses a far different definition....

Moreover, would increasing the industry even twofold net an (at least) twofold increase in the market value? Or is it that this specific market actually supports small staffs (Paizo seems like an outlier based on the figures posted above)?

That aside, I wish the best of luck to Chris and Jennifer.

 

[Sailor Moon]

The problem is big business and capitalism.

RPG's thrive when in the hands of a small business who aren't on the ever lasting profit treadmill. Paizo is a perfect example of how you run a gaming business. They are there to make money of course, but they aren't slaves to the ever increasing profit rat race.

 

[Kramodlog]

The problem is big business and capitalism.

RPG's thrive when in the hands of a small business who aren't on the ever lasting profit treadmill. Paizo is a perfect example of how you run a gaming business. They are there to make money of course, but they aren't slaves to the ever increasing profit rat race.

We do not know what are Hasbro expectations of D&D... Unlike with 4e (50 millions revenues). If now they just need a 10% profit margine, it isn't the same game.

 

[delericho]

Good luck to Chris and Jennifer. It always sucks to lose a job - I hope you find something else soon.