Don't believe the hype. Right now, everyone is talking about Sigil's going to hell in a handbasket, and let me just say one thing: No matter what anyone tells you, it was Brad McQuaid's hand firmly holding said basket. In an interview with GameSpot, Smed has already started the spin cycle:
But the game is in good shape now. We sold 200,000 copies...I'm not sure many people realize that. It's actually a very healthy game.
Sold 200,000 copies. Too bad a full two-thirds of those bailed without subscribing. Leaving you with 75,000 or thereabouts. How many do you think just hit cancel because of the enormous shit storm that just dropped? Yeah, it's healthy alright, about as healthy as MxO or SWG. I guess when your business strategy is to get 20 games with 30k subs you really do want to prey on the sick, weak, and old. I'd say that SOE is some kind of sleek predator but hey, check this out:
Here's the thing: in many parts of the industry, you're seeing layoffs. In our company, you see growth.
I guess it's more like a scavenger of some kind. It's a sound business strategy. See a game get in over its head and wait for it to stop struggling. Move in and pick off the good parts and leave the rest to rot. I don't know, pointing out that your company is growing and others are doing nothing but layoffs while you're only hiring half of a Dev Team that's getting laid off is kinda...shitty. Let's take a look at those good parts you're picking off this one:
The majority of the Vanguard team itself is coming onboard at Sony Online Entertainment and will remain in Carlsbad. The studio will be run by a gentleman by the name of Dave Gilbertson who has been running Vanguard for quite some time now. Management of the studio will be run day-to-day, as-is. Also, Brad McQuaid will be kept on in an external position as a creative advisor.
Brad McQuaid. You're keeping him around? SOE deserves every bit of hell that follows.
I'm hoping people feel like they were treated fairly.
Dude, they were fired in a f**king parking lot. The CEO of the company didn't even bother to show up for it. Dave Gilbertson didn't feel the need to utter a single word. I'm hoping people realize how completely shafted they were and talk to every member of the press they can get their hands on.
Any former Sigil employees that want to step forward and give us a spin-free, "what really happened", I'd love to print it.
