I just got word from a reliable source (no, I won't say who) that WK just went through another round of layoffs (just today, I think). Those affected this time include (but maybe not limited too)...

Lax Chandra (president)
Joe Hauck (exec VP)
Kelly Bonilla(?) (game designer... was doing MW last I heard, maybe Pirates too?)
Shane Hartley(?) (art director... I think)

...and...


Seth!!??!?!!







Speculation is that Toromont (the company that owns Topps and WK) might be shopping WK for a buyer.






I haven't been able to confirm this completely yet, but I have no reason to doubt my source. However, since I can't confirm I understand if the mods think this belongs in the rumor forum.


Edit... just spoke with my contact again to get clarification and they heard it from someone who was affected, so it looks like it's all but confirmed.


Edit #2 - someone requested I update the first post with the following info...
da-Craig-O confirms my initial report via his sources
Jake Theis addresses the report
Seth adds his reply

If that is true then this is one helluva dark day for us all...

:disappoin

How could they axe people who are that vital to the company?

I mean, wow. Without Seth...that could really be it.

Dude, that's a serious SERIOUS rumor if Seth is getting laid off. He was the one guy who actually kept this game great with his passion for comics and game design.

/reserves reaction for confirmation/denial of one sort or the other

/really, really hopes for latter

:disappoin

That better not be the truth. This game shant be long for anything and that'd be a shame.

Especially Seth who I've had the pleasure of meeting and is a very upstanding chap.

So who's left besides the new guy who supposedly talks to the public?

The janitor?

I think I'll send Topps the medical bill I'm about to incur for the treatment I'll need to repair my jaw, which hit the floor big-time when I read this. :disappoin

They let Scruffy go back in aught six.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the same... although it's very unlikely.

They'd have a heck of a time replacing someone who not only has done an amazing job of keeping the game fresh (even before special powers) but who also has his comic knowledge.

<Channels Shatner> KHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNN!

WK "sold out" of the FF starter, and will likely "sell out" of Secret Invasion. Which follows a Crisis sellout.

Why would WK get rid of Seth when the figures he is desiging cause the product to "sell out".

(Yes, I know it is to Diamond/Alliance, but to WK its "sold").

This rumor doesnt make much sense.

I can't think of anyone more crucial to WK's success than Seth Johnson. I honestly can't see this game going in the right direction without him.

Ok, folks who speak business, I need you:

and you have answered! (see below)

I wouldn't be at all suprised to see HeroClix with a "Wizards" label on them sometime in the future. :disappoin


Oh, and Scott Manger was fired last week (not laid off, but fired).

Spreading false rumors isnt going to help.

But since you asked, look at it logically.

Companies are sold either as an ongoing business, or as "parts". If WK is to be sold as an "ongoing business", it makes no sense to fire the employees who know what they are doing.

Seth posted earlier in the year that WK had set plans through 2010.

I really doubt Seth was fired.