And who said Stern is dead? Sure, they laid off a few people. How many times has Nortel laid off part of its workforce yet continues to operate? Or the auto manufacturers? Hell, American Express laid off thousands of people yesterday, yet I highly doubt that they're going under any time soon.
If anything, it's a pre-emptive strike to prevent just that from happening. Gary Stern is a smart guy...He doesn't want to see everything go down the tubes either. Better to lay off some people now, and ride out the storm, than keep your entire workforce, and go belly up because you made poor choices.
That's pretty much what happened to Commodore in the '90s. They spent like drunken sailors, and went bankrupt.
Although, it's very difficult to make new machines without any designers. Not sure what the logic is there, unless it's to keep running what he already has valid licenses for, and re-hire designers when the economy starts to improve.
"My power comes from my boundless rage"
** Getting Out **All that's left: (Vids) Bubbles**MAKE AN OFFER!**
Although, it's very difficult to make new machines without any designers. Not sure what the logic is there, unless it's to keep running what he already has valid licenses for, and re-hire designers when the economy starts to improve.
The questions is: Do you really need to keep the ambitious schedule of 3-4 new games a year? Do you really need half a dozen designers on your payroll?
Gary can probably re-run his best selling titles(POTC, TSPP, TDK, FG, etc) for the next year while the economy hopefully turns around..
My 0.02$
Mike
Currently owning: ============ MAME in Sega cab with 25" arcade monitor (Has a 12" Bazooka powered subwoofer in it) - Not for sale Williams Civic Center Shuffle Alley (Puck Bowler) (1973) - 350$ Seeburg LS1 "Spectra" Jukebox (1967) - 300$
Currently babysitting =============== Heavy Metal Meltdown SOLD - leaving soon
Previously owned ============= Hot Tip, Countdown, HS, WWF, TFTC, T2, RS, Pinbot, Laser War, LOTR, Flinstones, FH, DM, STTNG, Getaway, Silver Slugger, Laser Ball, Bad Cats, Batman Forever, Meteor, TZ, Galaxy, 6MDM, TSPP, MB.
Thanks for the nice words. This is my 3rd layoff in the pinball business so I think I've probably designed my last game. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to design two more games with Stern. I'm proud of POTC with over 6,000 games. I'm sad that I won't get to finish the game I was currently working on. As usual, it was going to be my best. I also had two new redemption games coming out that we expected to do very well. I always get so involved with the design process that I never see layoffs coming. This one, of course was a surprise to me.
I'd like to thank all the people on RGP, and at the expos, who commented on how much they enjoyed my games. The comments made all the hard work and hours worthwhile.
It's my understanding that ALL the designers were let go, including the ones under contract. That's what I was told by management. It's just my personal opinion, but the future of new pingames doesn't look bright to me.
I have two woodrails that I'd like to sell asap. A Continental Café and an ESCO Contact. Both need some tlc. Playfields are nice on both and I have a NOS playfield for the Continental Café. The CC glass is nice but cracked. The Contact glass is nice with some very slight cracks in the art on the upper left. They've been sitting in my office at Stern for a couple years, and I don't have the time or the inclination to fix them now. $500 for both and that's less than I paid. Pick 'em up at my house.
I don't where my career will take me next, but since I have big feet, I'll probably land on them.
Dennis
Mrhide.pinnesota.org RAA La marié de Pinbot et La Créature du Lagon Noir, Eclipse et Capt. Card
That makes it sound not as bad. I'm glad they got some kind of official word out. The rumour mill, like usual, was making it sound like it was all over. Turns out they didn't "fire" their contract designers (Ritchie, Lawlor, Gomez), only their two in house guys (Nordman and Borg). If getting rid of guys like the designers, Keith Johnson, and Blackwell are necessary to keep pinball alive, then good move Gary. We're gonna be hitting some rough waters, and if drastic measures aren't taken, then the last pinball manufacturer won't survive.
Have
Want
-The Getaway: High Speed II!! -Spider-Man -F-14 Tomcat -Guns N' Roses -Lord of the Rings -Twilight Zone
-Medieval Madness! -Indiana Jones (Williams) -Star Trek: The Next Generation -Champion Pub -Terminator 3 -Congo -Johnny Mnemonic -Tales of the Arabian Nights
The questions is: Do you really need to keep the ambitious schedule of 3-4 new games a year? Do you really need half a dozen designers on your payroll?
Gary can probably re-run his best selling titles(POTC, TSPP, TDK, FG, etc) for the next year while the economy hopefully turns around..
My 0.02$
Mike
That may not be accurate, it depends on the licensing agreements, they may be of the "timed" licensing and if so, he needs to renegotiate the individual licensing and at times, put forth money upfront. If the pinball market is drying up even more, I doubt he'll get a free pass from the greedy movie studios...
If you have ever wanted a TSPP, LOTR, SM, etc. Now is a good time to buy. Prices will go up if they close their doors.
Duane
Yup, now that my LOTR works, it feels like ~$3k for it (in any condition) is a steal. That game is really amazing (when you have strong flippers and a working magnet!)
Have
Want
-The Getaway: High Speed II!! -Spider-Man -F-14 Tomcat -Guns N' Roses -Lord of the Rings -Twilight Zone
-Medieval Madness! -Indiana Jones (Williams) -Star Trek: The Next Generation -Champion Pub -Terminator 3 -Congo -Johnny Mnemonic -Tales of the Arabian Nights
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