Wednesday, June 18, 2008

WizKids

With all the gnashing and wailing about the WotC GSL, I don't want this to be lost in the ruckus. I picked this up from ogrecave.com and confirmed at ICV2.com.

The following is announcement text from WizKids

Today, we are announcing several changes at WizKids games that will be implemented later this year. The changes are largely focused on consolidating administrative functions to our corporate office in New York City. However, there are also a few changes from a development perspective as we align our staff with our product portfolio. The changes will take place over the next several months as we integrate functions and systems into Topps.

As we move forward, we will be focusing on our 3 core brands all of which have exciting product and promotion plans for the rest of 2008 and beyond.

· Marvel & DC HeroClix has seen significant growth since our Avengers release last June. DC Crisis sold at an unprecedented rate and our presales for our next release, Marvel Secret Invasion, are outpacing DC Crisis 2 to 1.
· Star Wars PocketModel Trading Card Game is ready and waiting for a whole new generation of Star Wars fans. The Clone Wars movie releases August 15th followed shortly by the Clone Wars television show launching in October. We’re ready for the rush with 2 expansions Clone Wars (July) and Clone Wars Tactics (October).
· Pirates PocketModel Game - With rumors of a 4th Pirates of the Caribbean movie on the horizon, we’re busy planning out the line so we can capitalize on all the hype that will surround one of the most anticipated movies of all time.

Ultimately, we believe that these changes will allow WizKids to add greater value to and better leverage the assets of the Topps organization. WizKids, and specifically gaming, remains a valuable part of the Topps organization and its game division will continue to be based in Seattle.

Sincerely,

Lax Chandra
President, WizKids

I have worked with a lot of good people at Wizkids, a lot of whom have over the past few years become former employees of Wizkids. I don't know what it means (yet) about "administrative functions" and whether that means there will continue to be a WizKids in Seattle. Time will tell.

More later,