Specter of a Spector Departure?

Shacknews is reporting that "multiple sources" inform them that Warren Spector "is said to be leaving" ION Storm, reporting the Austin Texas-based developer has also laid off 20-25 employees. Ion Storm Implodes is the headline on a similar story on IGN, which reports on the layoffs, as well as Eidos' explanation that this was a normal staff reduction associated with the completion of the pair of game projects that were underway at ION, quoting the publisher as dismissing the idea that Warren was laid off as well, though they don't actually come out and say he did not quit. They have yet to receive a reply from ION Storm, but this was Eidos' response to questions about Warren's departure:
"Ah rumors... well that sounds like a good one... but it is just a rumor," said the representative. "He certainly has not been laid off."
View : : :
48.
 
Re: My two
May 29, 2004, 02:11
48.
Re: My two May 29, 2004, 02:11
May 29, 2004, 02:11
 
First, great thread...

Second, there is no such thing as 'job security', especially as a program, and triple so as a game programmer.

Why? Programming in itself should be looked upon as a contract job since each project has a start and end date. This is in comparison to something like an accountant, which is a continuous process that has slow and fast periods.

I have worked salary and contract programming jobs in the US and Japan (including Canon and Dell headquarters), and the only difference is the contract jobs pay more. When you are good, they keep continuing your contract, or don't lay you off. In either situation, look at the end of the current project as your last day. If you want to stay, get involved with another project.

I recently read a book by two major managers/leads for UO and Everquest, and they both agree that programmers should be staffed up and reduced during the phases of development.

People keep arguing that programming should not be compared to engineering. Actually, programmers should be compared to construction workers. You can be proud of what you built, but only those who had stake (i.e. investment) in the project will stay, and/or make a profit.

i am not suprised in the least of the layoffs, and kind of agree with them. If the programmers are suprised, they are ignorant. The only reason 'lay off' was used is because they had a salary. Truth be told, they just were not needed anymore.

Date
Subject
Author
1.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
2.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
3.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
4.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
5.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
6.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
7.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
8.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
9.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
10.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
11.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
12.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
14.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
15.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
16.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
17.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
18.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
20.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
19.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
21.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
     Re: No subject
13.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
22.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
23.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
24.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
25.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
26.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
27.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
29.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
30.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
31.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
32.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
33.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
34.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
35.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
        Re: Warren Spector / DX2
36.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
         Re: No subject
37.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
         Re: Warren Spector / DX2
38.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
          Re: Warren Spector / DX2
39.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
           Re: Warren Spector / DX2
28.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
40.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
41.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
42.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
43.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
53.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
63.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
65.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
44.
May 28, 2004May 28 2004
45.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
62.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
46.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
 48.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
 Re: My two
49.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
69.
May 30, 2004May 30 2004
70.
Jun 2, 2004Jun 2 2004
47.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
51.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
52.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
56.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
57.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
59.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
     Re: No subject
60.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
      Re: No subject
61.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
       Re: No subject
50.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
54.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
64.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
55.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
58.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
66.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
67.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004
68.
May 29, 2004May 29 2004