Soon To Be Classics

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Faster Than A Speeding Layoff

Once again, I dodged the bullet. Whether through cunning, talent, or just stupid blind luck, the dreaded "we'd like to see you in the office for a moment" invitation missed me.

I've been in the hobby gaming industry for several years and have witnessed a total of 5 layoffs. My current office just went through one, as we announced today. A couple of industry friends hopped on the phone looking for me, discovering that I was still right there, at my desk. The list of friends I know longer work with has grown, although not to the level of friends I miss from The Company (the last job I left after 3 rounds of deep cuts).

This was a bit of a pruning layoff. Jobs were consolidated, duties rearranged and so on. I was given my company's #1 product to lead forward. A big honor, to be sure, with a lot of responsibility. I have already come up with two completely insane plans, both of which have been green lit and are underway.

But work isn't the same. There's a bit of hollow regret when you walk in and most of the desks are empty. Our nerf wars and BSG league took a big hit and I rarely draw my gun. I've been working my industry contacts trying to find jobs for everyone that I can. I did that with friends from The Company and still do so. I don't know why but I think it helps with "survivor's guilt". I hope someday the favor is returned. The bullet won't miss me forever. :)

6 Comments:

  • Is this just to be expected in the gaming industry? Is any gaming company other than Hasbro vulnerable to layoffs?

    Which one is the #1 product?

    By Blogger GiromiDe, at 6:17 AM  

  • It happens at Hasbro too, don't kid yourself.

    By Blogger Mkae, at 6:48 AM  

  • At least they had the guts to make a straightforward announcement of a reduction in force and the necessity to "realign overheads with revenues". Unlike some places I can think of... Not that that's likely to make anyone who got laid off any happier, I know.

    By Blogger Major Rakal, at 7:04 AM  

  • I know lots of those folks at WizKids, and they're all nice folks. Hate to see this happen to them. Glad you're still there Mark. Keep doing what's right, that's what you're best at.

    By Blogger Shocho, at 11:40 AM  

  • Hasbro has laid off more people than probably every other TCG company has employeed in two seperate huge layoffs.

    By Blogger TMac, at 1:49 PM  

  • How can you not? It's a great product line and I have a lot of plans for it.

    By Blogger Mkae, at 7:07 AM  

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