注册日期: Feb 2002
来　　自:
发贴数量: 112

以下是来自Celestial Heavens的消息：
Major Layoffs at New World Computing

In a stunning development this evening, Celestial Heavens learned that nearly two thirds of New World Computing’s staff was layed off today. In a move that one business resource called a "...the start of a death spiral, if accurate...", most of the Might and Magic team, all but one of the Heroes 4 lead designers, and key members of the management team could "either move to San Francisco to work on 3DO titles, with no moving expenses paid, and a maximum allowed time for the move of 2 weeks (which must come out of accrued vacation time), or they could accept a month’s severance pay."

According to our confidential source, "most of the Might and Magic team was laid off, as were Jeff Blattner (the General Manager), David Mullich (Director of Heroes 3-4), Keith Francart (Director of Might and Magic 6-9), most of the artists including the art director Heroes 4, and 4 of the 5 level designers for Heroes 4."

The terms of the "move-in-two-weeks-at-your-own-expense" severance option, if correct, allows 3DO to "technically" keep a promise made earlier this year that "employees who contributed to the shipping of Might and Magic IX and Heroes IV will not be the target of lay offs."

Jennifer "Maranthea" Bullard, Assistant Designer for Heroes IV, and one of the most enthuriastic supporters in many forums, was also the target of these measures. She had the following to say:
"Unfortunately, 3DO’s troubles continue and they had to layoff more people. This time I was one of them. (...) I do not know their future ideas and plans, but wish them well. Working at New World Computing was one of the best work experiences I’ve had to date and will miss all of the people there. I have to say working on the Heroes product and having the opportunity to interact with its loyal fan base was a lot of fun."
This is a very discouraging story, coming just as 3DO appeared on the verge of achieving a real turnaround in their financial and business situation. Heroes 4 and Might and Magic 9 had been reviewed by many as exceptional titles that were severely hurt by a series of bugs and errors that we all expected would be resolved. Staff reductions this deep, if confirmed, can only make those needed patches unlikely, or delayed. Further, according to business experts we contacted, "... if the cuts really are this deep, especially in the development side of the house, 3DO has clearly signaled that 3DO has made the difficult business decision that the Heroes and Might and Magic lines are no longer viable in their current business model."

Obviously this story is still evolving. We sincerely hope that the clear light of morning shows the "2/3" figure is a horrible overstatement. Yet ... Blatner, Bullard, Mullich and Francart ... that would be a tremendous loss to gamers. Stay tuned.

- Angelspit and Vox Clamant

__________________
". . .There was no trace Of aught on that illumined face. . ."
-Hypnotic Spector

向版主报告此贴 | IP地址: 已记录