Over the past three weeks, Mythic has undergone many changes. Ultima Online’s Lead Designer was laid off. Warhammer Online lost their lead developer. There may or may not have been other layoffs.
Now, Tim “Dropixel” Chappell has informed the Warhammer and Ultima Online communities that his position was no longer needed.
Mythic no longer needs a community manager for Ultima Online, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and Dark Age of Camelot. Let that sink in for a moment. Remember, this person was paid for by three different games. Really let that sink in for a moment.
Here is his letter to the communities:
Hello Everyone.
I am very sorry to say that I was informed that my position was no longer needed. Though I had many titles I was handling for Mythic, I grew to love and appreciate all the communities and only wish I could have had more time or resources to get more involved with them. Though I had only been in the position for a little over a year, I will miss a great many of you and hope that you keep in touch.
Mythic MMO’s will always have a strong place in my heart. Over the past 5 years I got to work with everyone of them and couldn’t have been happier with my co-workers, customers or communities. I hope that some of you will stay in contact. I will visit the boards on occasion to remember all the fun I had and all those great personalities that make up Mythic’s community base.
I don’t have any current plans as I am occupied with taking care of family as my father is in the midst of a nightmarish battle with cancer. (If I missed your e-mails over the past couple weeks; this is why and I will get to them soon.) However, I do have a couple mobile projects and art
projects in the works that I am very excited to finish. Until then, you may see me in games or on Twitter. Though I have been busy of late, I usually play SWTOR and L4D, so if you play and see a Dropixel named character in some form, be sure and say hi.
Take care and remember; don’t swim against the tide. It will just leave you tired and frustrated.
-Timothy Chappell
I always thought he was a nice guy who worked to help the players where he could, and this is evidenced by player responses in the links below. I hope he finds a company that appreciates community management.
More Coverage:
- Warhammer Online – Official BioWare Forums
- Massively/Joystiq
This is a very devastating blow to the community, one which many may not feel or realize just yet. I had a few people jump on me privately for some of the “doom and gloom” things I said, but when a company decides they officially no longer need bother with managing their MMORPG communities, things are not looking up.
.
