Wizards of the Coast Lay Off 30 Employees
source Dragon Magazine #226

Wizards of the Coast abruptly lays off 30 employees and cancels most of its product lines. According to the article, WoTC will continue to support the Magic, Vampire and Netrunner trading card game line and the Duelist Magazine.

WoTC will continue to sell the Great Dalmuti and Roborally games with reprints if demand warrants it but will not produce any new expansions.

GDW Shuts Down
source Dragon Magazine #227

GDW one of the four oldest gaming companies has ceased operations as of Janualy 19 and plans a complete shut down by the end of February 1996. According to the comptroller Susan Schrug, "GDW did not file for bankruptcy, nor will it flood the market by selling off its inventory. GDW will do its best to take care of its employees and find good homes for our games."

White Wolf Layoffs
source Dragon Magazine #227

In early January, White Wolf Games Studio laid off 15 employees from all parts of the company. According to Stephen Wieck, president of White Wolf, "That despite strong sales the company was in serious financial trouble." White Wolf staffers cited several reasons for the financial trouble and lays offs from over hiring, and a sudden down turn in the trading card game market, plus several factors beyond the company's control. Despite the layoffs, White Wolf is not cancelling any game or fiction lines.

TSR Closes Mail Order Hobby Shop

TSR has closed its Mail Order Hobby Shop operation as of January 15. "The sales of TSR games are being turned over to the retailers," according to Lorraine Williams TSR spokesperson. The article went on to say that for those of you who wish to locate a retailer near you who sells TSR merchandise there is a support number you can call. The number is 800-394-4877.

This news does not bode well for us play by mail gamers. While I can understand the layoffs at several of the companies, the shut down of GDW and the Mail Order Hobby Shop takes a serious bite out of our means to obtain new role playing materials and locate older games no longer in print. Even in a metropolitan area such as Washington DC, getting to the local gaming store is just as bad as attempting to get to work. I for one do not have a gaming store that the commute is less than an hour to get to. Getting things through-the mail made things alot easier and created alot less hassles.

TSR Press Release

LAKE GENEVA, WI - As of February 1, TSR, Inc. announces a major expansion to its Sales and Marketing Department and the addition of a Customer Service support team. "We're beginning the new year with a huge commitment to our distributor and retail customers," said Lorraine Williams, TSR president. "We feel the best way to support the hobby and TSR product lines is to strengthen our distributor relationships ... and to increase direct communications with distributors and retailers."

Another component of TSR's 1996 sales and marketing efforts is the company's new quarterly retailer newsletter, "Tactical Sales Report." Inside the Winter issue, it describes the "Dragon ® Month" retailer and consumer contests in March. Retailers can win up to $2,500 and consumers can win a trip for two to the 1997 Spanish or Euro Gen Con ® Game Fair.

The newsletter also describes TSR's nationwide toll-free phone number consumers may call if the are looking for retail outlets that sell TSR products. TSR-provides this service free for retailers. In addition, Williams announced TSR closed its Mail Order Hobby Shop operation as of January 15th. Williams explained, "We are turning the sales of TSR games over to retailers. Our company's best efforts are focused on producing games and books, not selling to consumers. In addition, our talented telemarketing staff will direct the company's new customer support team."

With a 25 percent growth in sales in 1995, Williams said it was a good year. However, consumers are going to see some very exciting changes in TSR's products and marketing in 1996. For more information about the company's new retail support program, contact TSR at (414) 248-3625.

TGC PUBLICATION SUSPENDED

Due to declining advertising support and subscription sales, Gold Rush Games is suspending publication of its flagship product and industry news publication, The Gamer's Connection. The Gamer's Connection is not dead, however. Gold Rush Games is in negotiations with another company to take over publication of TGC under the direction of a new editor.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO SUBSCRIBERS?

Subscribers are being sent notices in the mail, and will be given several options, including a cash refund on their remaining issues, equivalent credit toward another Gold Rush Games product(s), or to maintain their subscription, which will be honored by the new publisher.

SUMMARY

We regret this decision, but we felt it best for Gold Rush Games to cut its losses and concentrate our energies and finances on publishing some great role-playing game products, like our licensed Hero System adventure books, BUSHIDO 3RD ED. RPG and the upcoming USAGI YOJIMBO RPG. We think you'll agree that these books will be worth the sacrifice.

Sincerely, Mark Arsenault, President,
Gold Rush Games, PO Box 2531, Elk Grove, CA 95759-2531 USA (916) 684-9443 (voice/fax), tgceditor@aol.com

TRI TAC GAMES on the Web

Tri Tac Systems has joined the World Wide Web at: http:/tusers.aol.comttritacrep2ttritac.html with a catalog and continuing to expand Web Site that will include News, Previews, Prizes, Catalog, Convention Listings and more. While it is not 100% finished, it's a nice look at our RPG line and more. Spread the Word and thanks for your support since 1979, Rich Tucholka, CEO TTS Games and Graphics

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