NCsoft closing Brighton development team - Guild Wars Guru archive powered by Guild Wars Legacy

SanMatteo

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2007

Italy

Ordine Ossidiano

Mo/Me

12 Feb 2009 at 09:10 - 1

current source (italian language): http://www.multiplayer.it/notizia.php?id=60893
old source: http://www.developmag.com/news/30478...velopment-team

are sorry to hear that many good guys have to go back home ...

[Update]: on the Journal page of Regina on wiki u can read this:

Quote:

Changes at NCsoft West – 11 February 2009
You've probably all heard the game media’s reports about NCsoft West restructuring, and so you've probably got a lot of questions about how this affects Guild Wars, Guild Wars 2, and community support. The changes at NCsoft West basically mean we at ArenaNet will have more control over our games and game-related services like community, localization, and QA. With these departments located in-house, ArenaNet will be better positioned to provide world-class quality games and service to our players.

In terms of the Guild Wars Community Team, the NCsoft West changes mean all Guild Wars community managers will work right here at the ArenaNet studio. Unfortunately, in the short term this may mean that Guild Wars Community Team will be a little short-staffed. We will try to ensure the impact is minimal. In the long run, having all ArenaNet community managers at the studio will improve the flow of information between community managers and developers, as well as between community managers and players.

Guild Wars 2 development won’t be affected by the changes at NCsoft West, and in the long term it will mean good things for the quality and support we’re able to give Guild Wars 2.

on the talk page of Regina on wiki, u can read this:

Quote:

Restructuring
err...So what happens to Martin and Peter? -- ****** 00:49, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Like all the community managers at NCsoft West Europe, they've unfortunately been let go. D-: It was a pretty big shock to all of us, to be honest. --Regina Buenaobra 00:54, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Jon: I've actually been working with a fairly heavy workload ever since I started at ArenaNet. Before I joined, the in-house Community Team had two full time staff and a third person working part time. At the moment, it's just me, without any assistance.
I spoke to Peter earlier and he's trying to stay in good spirits. Martin and the others all went to the pub after the news. I really feel for them. They're all good people. --Regina Buenaobra 01:03, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

The changes mean good things for the company from a broad perspective. I just wish it didn't have to have this human cost, and especially in this economy. --Regina Buenaobra 02:29, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

To my knowledge, customer support has not been affected. --Regina Buenaobra 03:02, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Extracted from: http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/User_...naobra/Journal

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

12 Feb 2009 at 09:25 - 2

I had a feeling NCsoft wants to get out the European scene.

Don't know if it's the plan but protectionism sux in times of crisis, yet the usa does it too with the car industry and steel. History showed that protectionism gives exactly the opposite effect when dealing with a global crisis.

Lonesamurai

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Cheltenham, Glos, UK

Wolf Pack Samurai [WPS]

R/A

12 Feb 2009 at 09:27 - 3

This sucks ass!

Martin Kerstein got the chop yesterday... no moving staff to other offices, just made them redundant...

Snograt

rattus rattus

Join Date: Jan 2006

London, UK GMT??0 ??1hr DST

[GURU]GW [wiki]GW2

R/

12 Feb 2009 at 10:22 - 4

Wow, that really sucks.

Does that mean the community day at the Troc is off, then?

tasha

Auctions Mod

Join Date: Jan 2006

UK

Mystic Spiral [MYST]

12 Feb 2009 at 10:30 - 5

Um people might want to READ the linked thread.

Quote:

NCsoft closing Brighton development team...But publishing and QA interests are expected to remain in place, says source

NCsoft is to close its European development team just a year after its founding...

Martin has been involved with Guild Wars more than a year, so according to what the report is saying his role isn't at risk - that and he's community relations, not development. I'd wait for a comment from HIM before jumping to that conclusion.

Still sad to see though - I hope everyone who is directly affected by this get roles at the third party developers NCSoft are involving, or elsewhere in the UK development scene.

SkekSister

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2008

Brighton UK

12 Feb 2009 at 10:37 - 6

That article is dated SEPT 2008, it was posted and discussed here at the time. I was there for interview about a month before that, good job I didn't end up working there ...

SanMatteo

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2007

Italy

Ordine Ossidiano

Mo/Me

12 Feb 2009 at 10:45 - 7

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkekSister

That article is dated SEPT 2008, it was posted and discussed here at the time. I was there for interview about a month before that, good job I didn't end up working there ...

I don't know if the date is shown by a typographical error or what else. i know, however, that Regina has issued a clarification on its wiki page with the current date, 02/11/2009, u can found there
http://wiki.guildwars.com/wiki/User:Regina_Buenaobra/Journal#Changes_at_NCsoft_West_.E2.80.93_11_Februa ry_2009

may be i've linked the incorrect article, sorry to all, my bad, but the information is correct.

Darcy

Never Too Old

Join Date: Jul 2006

Rhode Island where there are no GW contests

Order of First

W/R

12 Feb 2009 at 10:51 - 8

Here is a link to the original discussion post
http://www.guildwarsguru.com/forum/s...ghlight=NCWest

If you read down a few posts, there is a quote from the is article. So relax, old news that is recirculating.

SkekSister

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Jul 2008

Brighton UK

12 Feb 2009 at 10:53 - 9

Must be a similar article. I remember the day of the redundancies in the Brighton office as it's literally just round the corner from where I live.

Various folks were talking about it in the pub between my home and their offices. Games dev is a very small incestuous world and news like that travels like wildfire.

SanMatteo

Ascalonian Squire

Join Date: May 2007

Italy

Ordine Ossidiano

Mo/Me

12 Feb 2009 at 12:00 - 10

wait a moment.....
if u read the talk page of Regina on wiki u can find this:

Quote:

err...So what happens to Martin and Peter? -- ****** 00:49, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

Like all the community managers at NCsoft West Europe, they've unfortunately been let go. D-: It was a pretty big shock to all of us, to be honest. --Regina Buenaobra 00:54, 12 February 2009 (UTC)

honestly, i think that rumors are dramatically real, i hope that Regina can come here to reply....

I've nothing wrong ... unfortunately ...

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

12 Feb 2009 at 12:14 - 11

Regina continues with these two posts:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra

Jon: I've actually been working with a fairly heavy workload ever since I started at ArenaNet. Before I joined, the in-house Community Team had two full time staff and a third person working part time. At the moment, it's just me, without any assistance.
I spoke to Peter earlier and he's trying to stay in good spirits. Martin and the others all went to the pub after the news. I really feel for them. They're all good people.

Quote:

The changes mean good things for the company from a broad perspective. I just wish it didn't have to have this human cost, and especially in this economy.

Very distrubing news: good for the company but Martin and Peter had to go? Seriously, this is much more annoying that the silence on GW2, these guys have been there for so long and we've already been through a pretty big change (Gaile to Regina). I hope they're going to immediately find a new good job, they deserve it.

No words from Martin and Peter on their wiki talkpage (or it was in German or Spanish

), I hope they'll be in London the day after tomorrow, they deserve a big, big, huge cheer and ty.

A very sad day for GW (I can already hear the people requesting a "goodbye to Martin and Peter" event...) I can't imagine Regina's workload, alone managing CR/M, good luck Regina.

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

12 Feb 2009 at 12:16 - 12

I was first a bit interested in Aion, but knowing this I won't buy the game just out of principle. Not that it matters ofcourse, they will have enough sales in the east.

But if they use protectionism so will I, western produced games are more designed for the western market anyway. Koreans etc. have other gaming needs.

Gonna buy Grand Ages Rome instead, which is develloped in Europe. They have somewhat a business model like Anet, releasing campaigns or expansions.

http://www.haemimontgames.com/

'...including the unique "team city" option, allowing up to 4 players to govern one city.'

Martin and Peter, you might wanne check out that software house, they have talent.

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

12 Feb 2009 at 12:26 - 13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

But if they use protectionism so will I, western produced games are more designed for the western market anyway. Koreans etc. have other gaming needs.

Tbh I had the same thought, but I think we shouldn't jump the guns, there's absolutely no proof that this restructuring (which started in Sept 08) is going to affect us directly. Regina mentioned staff will have to be in Seattle, they maybe don't want to deal with communicating accross the ocean (different time zones, different laws) and simply want things to move more smoothly. Maybe we'll have new European CR/Ms, but not in Brighton (

).

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

12 Feb 2009 at 12:34 - 14

You're right Fril, we shouldn't jump the guns, yet I have a bad feeling about this one. Also USA is going the protectionism way too. 'The staff will have to be in Seattle' only adds to that observation.

The crisis began around the end of august/beginning of september 2008. It was not well known amongst the public at that time, but the finacial world etc already knew what was coming.

BladeWind

Krytan Explorer

Join Date: Nov 2007

The Ice Wastes in the Underworld.

The Renegades Of Ascalon

E/

12 Feb 2009 at 13:21 - 15

If what is shown is true(which is shocking) i really do feel for the brighton lot, living in england i know how hard it is at the moment on the economy and to get new jobs, this is very grave news.

It will be interesting to see what "The changes mean good things for the company from a broad perspectiveproduces.

I personaly cant see how this can be achieved with a break down in community relations on the european front, but its to late now.

~Regards

Daniel Frozenwind

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

12 Feb 2009 at 13:55 - 16

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

But if they use protectionism so will I

WTH is this protectionism crap?

They sunk a ton of money into Tabula Rasa and are paying for it now. NCSoft can't afford to sustain american and euro departments when the games from either basically target US AND Europe, aka "the west." Something had to be cut, so they keep the most important/successful parts (aka Guild Wars), consolidate everything in one place to cut costs. There's more business in America so that's where the staff goes, they will still localize their games to all these euro languages and have their own regional rules/deals I'm sure.

I mean this is a South Korean company and still has offices in Japan and China... sounds just like a bunch of protectionist yankees?

Edit: and yeah, it's a good point, NCSoft West has a lot riding on GW2... they have spectacular failures like Tabula Rasa to pay off, and the closest any of their other games has to come to "success" is CoH, if you can call it that.

Fril Estelin

So Serious...

Join Date: Jan 2007

London

Nerfs Are [WHAK]

E/

12 Feb 2009 at 14:36 - 17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

You're right Fril, we shouldn't jump the guns, yet I have a bad feeling about this one. Also USA is going the protectionism way too. 'The staff will have to be in Seattle' only adds to that observation.

The crisis began around the end of august/beginning of september 2008. It was not well known amongst the public at that time, but the finacial world etc already knew what was coming.

Completely true, but if that's what Anet has to do to survive, then so be it. I guess this "shrinking" can also be seen as protectionism, but it's also the effect of the natural pressure of world market on all economies. I can also imagine how hard it was for them to synchronise over the Atlantic Ocean+the whole US continent with 12h(?) of time shift.

I'm as much of a European as you guys are, I'm just saying it's too early to judge the situation. Exactly like when Gaile changed jobs and Regina came, we now know (I say "we" but we have different opinions) what is the result of that (no thread derailing please!).

Btw, this "economic shrinking" also puts the "Anet silence on GW2" under a slightly renewed light: they have to make a big "bang" to make sure that they'll be able to survive in a depressive market (where protectionism may make things even worse, this is a global problem that has to be tackled globally). So it maybe "caution" rather than "vaporware".

zwei2stein

Grotto Attendant

Join Date: Jun 2006

Europe

The German Order [GER]

N/

12 Feb 2009 at 14:47 - 18

Quote:

Originally Posted by BladeWind

It will be interesting to see what "The changes mean good things for the company from a broad perspectiveproduces

It means that it is better to let go few employees if it means that company stays healthy.

If company retains people which it can't afford, it will go bankrupt. They can be excellent workers and people, but letting them go means that people which are staying will get paycheck next month. If you let them stay it can as well mean that no-one gets paycheck next month and everyone gets laid off.

Look, they are the *lucky* ones. They probably got severance and have better chance of getting another job than if company waited a bit more. If company waited half a year they would land up in totally f*cked up job market, while now its just a lil bit f*ed up.

lilraceangel3

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jan 2008

Western Mass

Passionate Kiss of the cats [Kiss]

W/N

12 Feb 2009 at 15:29 - 19

*panics and throws herself off the balth statue in TOA* welcome to the train wreck we call an economy.

Shadowmoon

Wilds Pathfinder

Join Date: Jun 2006

N/A

N/

12 Feb 2009 at 16:56 - 20

Don't worry this is part of Anets plan for a great media splash for gw2. I mean what better way to not make ripples in the media with not having any non english speaking CMs in europe. Don't worry its all going according to the master plan.
/sarcasm off

Calista Blackblood

Permanently Banned

Join Date: Oct 2007

Northern Ireland

Nowhere To Run Nowhere To [Hide]

N/

12 Feb 2009 at 17:33 - 21

Quote:

Originally Posted by lilraceangel3

*panics and throws herself off the balth statue in TOA* welcome to the train wreck we call an economy.

Probably the only post in this thread worth reading.

IlikeGW

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

12 Feb 2009 at 17:59 - 22

Quote:

Originally Posted by IlikeGW

It's not really recession proof. Tons of layoffs and company restructurings this year. We might see some big closures this year at this rate.

Wow, I'm psychic. It's too bad, but corporations are going to save themselves in this economy by cutting jobs.

Gigashadow

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Aug 2005

Bellevue, WA

W/

12 Feb 2009 at 20:15 - 23

This is an interesting take on what's going on at NCSoft. Read the comments too. Basically ArenaNet guys are now running everything in NCSoft that isn't in asia.

http://t-machine.org/index.php/2009/...-mmo-industry/

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

12 Feb 2009 at 22:12 - 24

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxBat

WTH is this protectionism crap?

Exactly my thoughts, what the hell. Even the German chancellor must be talking crap right. Play less games, follow the news more and on international level.

Question: Are people from NCsoft in Korea or USA getting fired? Not that I wish that ofcourse. At the same time Anet still has job openings, but you need to be or come to the USA.

I don't buy the ' all cr's should be in seatlle' thing. In today's world we have video conferences and what not available. They can even work from home.

Ow we are so shocked, they were such good employees and cool people and all. Now bugger off and find another job, gl.

But I'll play along. Yeah it's in the best interest of the company. Now gimme your euros.

Lonesamurai

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Cheltenham, Glos, UK

Wolf Pack Samurai [WPS]

R/A

12 Feb 2009 at 22:18 - 25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snograt

Wow, that really sucks.

Does that mean the community day at the Troc is off, then?

Looks that way Kedric...

Martin had asked me to cover it with The Sanitarium.FM and give away some minipets and other gubbins, but that's not happening now

(I was even going to get him up on the stage and spin some tracks too, but oh well)

Regina Buenaobra

ArenaNet

Join Date: Apr 2008

Me/

12 Feb 2009 at 22:37 - 26

The Austin offices, where we have web, localization, and QA teams, were also affected by the layoffs, so yes, people in the USA were let go as well.

The change was as much of a surprise to me as it was to everyone in Europe.

I think you all know by now that what I (or any other employee, not just a CM) is instructed to and allowed to say in public may be very different from my own personal opinions and feelings.

Lonesamurai

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Cheltenham, Glos, UK

Wolf Pack Samurai [WPS]

R/A

12 Feb 2009 at 22:44 - 27

Whats said in the pub, stays in the pub...

wait...

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

12 Feb 2009 at 22:44 - 28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra

The Austin offices, where we have web, localization, and QA teams, were also affected by the layoffs, so yes, people in the USA were let go as well.

The change was as much of a surprise to me as it was to everyone in Europe.

I think you all know by now that what I (or any other employee, not just a CM) is instructed to and allowed to say in public may be very different from my own personal opinions and feelings.

Ok when I'm wrong I'm wrong, but no people from NCsoft Korea were fired it seems.

Anyway, my apologies if my previous post may have hurt your feelings Regina. It just sux, I think we can all agree on that.

Esan

Jungle Guide

Join Date: Jul 2007

Wars

12 Feb 2009 at 22:58 - 29

I've always wondered why ArenaNet has (or had) so many branch offices all over the world. Surely just the overhead involved in running the offices would outpace their marginal benefits. MMOs that are not WoW are not exactly known for their high revenue, Guild Wars being no exception.

Lonesamurai

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Cheltenham, Glos, UK

Wolf Pack Samurai [WPS]

R/A

12 Feb 2009 at 23:12 - 30

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esan

I've always wondered why ArenaNet has (or had) so many branch offices all over the world. Surely just the overhead involved in running the offices would outpace their marginal benefits. MMOs that are not WoW are not exactly known for their high revenue, Guild Wars being no exception.

Its not ArenaNet that had loads of offices... they only have Belleview (or wherever it is in the sun)

NC Soft, Arenanet's parent company had three main offices... Euro, American and Asian... and its the Euro one that has closed

Karate Jesus

Forge Runner

Join Date: Apr 2008

Texas

Reign of Judgment [RoJ]

Me/

12 Feb 2009 at 23:30 - 31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Regina Buenaobra

The Austin offices, where we have web, localization, and QA teams, were also affected by the layoffs, so yes, people in the USA were let go as well.

One of my best friends worked at the Austin office and I'm really upset by several of the things he told me.

This layoff was not handled well by NCSoft West, and I can't expect many people in the GW community will take it well either. This is a travesty and I am still in shock over the way my friend was laid off.

Good luck making this sound like a win for NCSoft, Regina. With all the doubt hovering around GW2 and the continued support of GW in the community, I can't imagine your job will be easy the next few months.

Regina Buenaobra

ArenaNet

Join Date: Apr 2008

Me/

12 Feb 2009 at 23:56 - 32

These changes won't affect development on GW2. Even though I can't reveal anything, I assure you that production and development of GW2 continues. It's progressing. Most MMOGs take a significant period of time to develop. The game is on track and progressing.

I do know how you all feel. If I was in your shoes, I would feel the same way. There are a couple of MMORPGs that I'm eagerly looking forward to. Does it frustrate me that I haven't heard a thing from one of them in almost three years? Yes. However, I'm not going all doom and gloom on them, because I know the IP is strong and I know the company is proven. All I can really do is try and be patient. We hope for your patience, but I honestly do understand how frustrated you feel about the lack of information I'm permitted to give.

I have heard rumours of how it was handled. I can't comment on that.

As for the organization wide changes, yes, it will be a good thing in big picture terms. QA in-house, working side-by-side with the development team is a good thing. Having localization managed directly by ArenaNet will likewise be a good thing, because it puts the localization resources closer to the development team, and better communication flows will help our game and our website. This goes for all NCsoft West studios.

At the personal level, it's not something I'd discuss here. My heart truly goes out to everyone who lost their livelihoods, and I wish them all the best.

Lonesamurai

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Cheltenham, Glos, UK

Wolf Pack Samurai [WPS]

R/A

12 Feb 2009 at 23:59 - 33

Well hey, Regina is right and its NOT spin... As for the organization wide changes, yes, it will be a good thing in big picture terms, because we are in an economic crunch and as such any saving in one place is a life saver for any company/individual...

I think most of the community AND Regina are upset that these are FRIENDS and people we looked up to in the community that are now in a way gone, but never forgotten...

Kula

Lion's Arch Merchant

Join Date: Jun 2005

West Coast, USA

Mo/E

13 Feb 2009 at 00:07 - 34

Sorry to hear about what happened.

My thoughts are not on GW2 right now, but on the good people that lost their jobs. Hope they can bounce back in the job market soon so they can provide for their families.

Winterclaw

Wark!!!

Join Date: May 2005

Florida

W/

13 Feb 2009 at 00:17 - 35

So long, and thanks for all the fish...

Well it could be worse, the Earth could have been destroyed by a vorgon contrustor fleet for the purpose of building a hyperspace bypass.

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

13 Feb 2009 at 00:25 - 36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

Ok when I'm wrong I'm wrong, but no people from NCsoft Korea were fired it seems.

Because they are actually producing successful games.

Gun Pierson

Forge Runner

Join Date: Feb 2006

Belgium

PIMP

Mo/

13 Feb 2009 at 00:57 - 37

Quote:

Originally Posted by FoxBat

Because they are actually producing successful games.

Yeah they're something.

http://t-machine.org/index.php/2009/...-mmo-industry/

HawkofStorms

Hall Hero

Join Date: Aug 2005

E/

13 Feb 2009 at 01:11 - 38

Well there IS this big global recession happening that the president recently referred to as the "worst thing since the Great Depression."
It stinks, but this stuff happens. Look outside your bubbles people. The economy is in bad shape and companies are going to do what they can to tightening their belts.

Age

Hall Hero

Join Date: Jul 2005

California Canada/BC

STG Administrator

Mo/

13 Feb 2009 at 21:55 - 39

I thought it would have something to do with financing and yes the way the economy.

FoxBat

Furnace Stoker

Join Date: Apr 2006

Amazon Basin [AB]

Mo/Me

14 Feb 2009 at 00:12 - 40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gun Pierson

http://t-machine.org/index.php/2009/...-mmo-industry/

TR tanked hard, so anything external to Seoul mothership (and therefore independent) that isn't GW is getting sidelined. GW 2 is a much safer, surer success and they aren't going to venture any other risks at this point, until perhaps they can recover from that disaster. As the article mentioned, there is theoretical potential for European-targeted development, but NCSoft is not in a position to take further risks right now after that last horrible risk. Their decision has nothing to do with Europe in particular, and indeed, they aren't any warmer to America at the moment, just letting Anet go on because they have a proven track record and are still bringing in good revenues.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wikipedia

Protectionism is the economic policy of restraining trade between nations, through methods such as tariffs on imported goods, restrictive quotas, and a variety of other restrictive government regulations designed to discourage imports, and prevent foreign take-over of local markets and companies

The term doesn't make any sense in this context. They don't distrust Europe or America development because they are different countries, it's that they aren't trusting leadership and autonomy to unproven people outside a locality they can't control. I'm sure American and European cash has just as nice a ring for them as the Asian stuff, but they aren't in the position to risk more ventures at this time when they are still stinging from their last.