News and Analysis

Cuts In London Banking Jobs

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OK, it’s not exactly geeky on the surface, but man are there some cuts coming in the banking jobs in London.

I bring this up for a few reasons:

  • Holy cr@p that’s a lot of jobs.
  • It’s a reminder banking cuts aren’t just in New York.
  • It’s a reminder the UK is not as isolated as we often treat it.
  • It’s a reminder financial problems are not just, well . . . Greece.

– Steven Savage

How Joss Whedon Shows Class

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Joss Whedon is on top of the world.  He redefined horror, manned mega-hit the Avengers, and that’s just recently.  With The Avengers doing so well (and trust me, it is deserved), what does he do next?

Well he posts a rather rambly piece at his site that among many things thanks his fans (or “peeps”).

What doesn’t change is anything that matters. What doesn’t change is that I’ve had the smartest, most loyal, most passionate, most articulate group of — I’m not even gonna say fans. I’m going with “peeps” — that any cult oddity such as my bad self could have dreamt of. When almost no one was watching, when people probably should have STOPPED watching, I’ve had three constants: my family and friends, my collaborators (often the same), and y’all.

Yes, the man who is on top of the world (and apparently has Chris Hemsworth on speed dial), thanks his devoted fans.

This is how you do it.  This is class.  Artists are nothing without their audience and he takes the time to appreciate them.  It’s something we can all learn from.

In fact I want to take time, as we approach our four-year anniversary, to thank all of our fans – may we do well for you in the future.

– Steven Savage

EA’s Not-Good Day

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Well, in case you hadn’t heard, EA had it’s stock price drop, probably due to the loss of members of the Star Wars MMO – yes, that MMO lost people.  And, yes, on top of this a restructuring is coming.

So the question arises, is EA a takover target.  Yeah, I’m already seeing articles on that right after the bad news.

As an old gamer, this question has come up a lot.  EA has its highs and lows, and certainly has had a very erratic time of it as of late.  Since I’ve seen so many times EA has supposedly been having a bad time, I’m kind of used to it.

Looking it over, EA does seem to have a lot going for it – it has IP, it obviously has plans for gaming (such as social), so it’s not flailing.  It’s also published some good stuff.  So I get a bit cynical when I hear another story of EA getting bought out.

However, I’d add a few things.

  • First, I don’t think EA is going to get bought out right now.  This is just one thing, and you know – seen it all before.  My one concern is that if EA keeps having problems or has a rapid-fire series of issues . . .
  •  . . . there are players with big money out there.  Remember the wits that suggested Apple just buy into Hollywood?  Think about the other big players out there – and then don’t discount foreign sources as well.  Some have weathered the economic issues well, and could whip out the cash if EA remains vulnerable.  I’m not saying Apple would buy them (I doubt it), but other multimedia conglomerates like Disney or Vivendi.
  • There’s also the chance that EA doesn’t look like a good acquisition.  I mean when there’s so many other ways to get into gaming, if EA actually implodes it might be more trouble than it’s worth to buy, so you wait for a fire sale.  Speaking of . . .
  • I’d also add that a troubled EA might survive by selling stuff off or by partnership or deals.  They have the goods.

In the end I don’t see EA as being taken over in the short term, and it’d take other stumbles for them to be in that situation. It’s something to watch out for, but not panic over.

So if you want to work at EA – beyond the restructuring – I don’t see any reason why not.

– Steven Savage