Codemasters facing redundancies

@Bruce, seriously, I doubt that the previous waves of lay-offs that you speak of were simply down to 'PS1 piracy'. I have rarely
heard such a ridiculous statement.

All the same, always crap to hear about people getting laid off. Hopefully they all find something soon.

I remember when the pirates were coming round door to door with that week's new releases.

Some guy selling floppy disks in the 1990's is hardly worth discussing in the context of this article.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Andrew on 18th January 2013 2:27pm

Apologies, CD's, still not worth discussing as it has no relevance to the story.

In any case, all the best to those people effected.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Andrew on 18th January 2013 2:57pm

More rubbish news, I hope all those affected are able to move on to new and greater things. Thankfully the Midlands dev scene has some decent options - Natural Motion, Blitz, Playground being some of the more obvious names

Fingers crossed for everyone involved and their family's.

@ Bruce
Obviously I am. I just can't seem to recall any of my friends that got laid off back then citing PS1 piracy as the main reason that they were redunded. Perhaps it was being kept secret for some reason ? I am pretty sure that the general consensus at the time leaned towards lack of foresight and poor management as the overriding factors behind the lay-offs, with a smattering of greed and pettiness. Though, of course I may be wrong about that too....simply passing on what I garnered at the time.

And that list of companies that you have stuck up there, what the hell has that got to do with anything ? Almost all of those companies were part of the Codemasters group when I was there, over 10 years ago. Hardly 'breaking news' is it ? Surely you could ask a certain person at Kwalee about them, rather than randomly stick a list up here ?

@Nik: I think what Bruce is saying is that people should pull down the Companies House documents for those...

To what end ? I am sure that anything one discovered by doing so wouldn't come as a huge surprise.

And it doesn't really help all the people that are facing lay-offs does it ?

It doesn't strike me as surprising to see a list of limited companies in the Codemasters group, in fact I'd suggest it's a prudent strategy to ensure company assets and risks are appropriately ring-fenced to insure against future uncertainties. Perhaps Bruce found something else...

These are indeed challenging economic times though - in a fast-moving and hit-driven industry. As their statement stays, it's important to continually review operations within any business to ensure it remains competitive and sustainable.
That said, it's a real shame when that leads to job losses. All the best to those involved.

Bruce, what you're writing isn't what Codies people worried about their jobs - not to mention those who aren't part of the consultation - need to hear right now. Please keep your vendetta and gloating to yourself.

Good luck to all those involved - hopefully the casualties will be minimised and you'll find other roles asap. And hopefully Codies will get back on an even keel and start to grow again.

And can I ask a question? Why has GI tried to put a figure on the amount of redundancies ("A strong source has told GamesIndustry International that there are around 80 redundancies, the majority from Codemasters' Southam operation") yet, even when everyone who's anyone knew about it, took the "Oh, we can't report that cos we don't have proof" line on Eurocom not paying its laid off employees their notice period or last months' wages?

I've long been a fan of their work so this is sad news indeed. I will put in a plug that Microsoft Studios is hiring at all 4 of our UK Studios including Rare in Twycross.

Bruce, what you're writing isn't what Codies people worried about their jobs - not to mention those who aren't part of the consultation - need to hear right now. Please keep your vendetta and gloating to yourself.

Well said Fran. I can remember a company wide email entitled 'Great News' being sent to all at Codemasters by Bruce way back in 2001, literally hours after colleagues had been informed that they were losing their jobs. He's never been one for tact.

What we should be focusing on here is yet MORE fellow devs, some of them good friends, potentially losing their jobs in times of hardship. Hope it all works out for you guys. :(

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Neil Watts on 18th January 2013 7:15pm

Bruce, of course you're gloating, just read what you wrote. It's gloating at worst, and insensitive at very best. And if you REALLY believe in facts, then let's have the rest since you're so keen - don't just leave it hanging there to develop a life of its own while you sit and snigger in the corner. People love to hate Codies - I've had other studios tell me "don't work with Codemasters, you won't get paid, they've got no money and are going to go under." That was three years ago. That other studio is long gone, and Codies are still around. Stop bitching, for Christ's sake, people are losing their ****ing jobs. Grow up.

And as for your "Codies ongoing collapse" comment, as many clients will tell you, I never make anything from redundancies - nor should any agent. I always tell my clients to get in touch with distressed studios direct, because they'll save a small fortune on agency fees. I get that you don't like agents, and you don't like me (or maybe you just don't like me because I call you out here all the time on your self serving waffle), but don't try and distract from your own distasteful gloating above by turning me into something I'm not.

And Codies won't collapse, don't be stupid. They'll be fine. Frankly, I wouldn't be at all surprised if they outlast 90% of the studios in what you refer to as Silicon Spa. The day they start doing games like Pussy Flip is the day I'll start worrying for them.

[Edit - double post.]

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Fran Mulhern on 18th January 2013 8:13pm

Bruce, lets just leave it there - we've derailed the thread enough already. Please stop.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Fran Mulhern on 18th January 2013 10:59pm

Fran, I've no idea who you are and we've never met but thank you for everything you've said above.

Hear hear, Lee. It's a difficult enough time for those of us that are affected.

In light of what's happening what we need to do is watch out for each other's backs and hope that we all find suitable roles.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Wai Keen Lam on 19th January 2013 12:26am

Nod to Lee's comment. Fran and everyone's comments are appreciated. Bruce, what can I say, your PR magic knows no bounds. Excuse me whilst I polish off the CV and help the team find new opportunities....

Well this thread has certainly been an eye-opener, although for all the wrong reasons.
Going back to the actual content of the article though, good luck to all the staff at Codies under threat at the moment, even for those who ultimately keep their jobs, the consultation period can be an unpleasant and stressful time for all involved.

Wonder if Bruce realises that his ramblings have just helped to paint him in a bad light. Also, as a representative of Kwalee... looks bad on them too. Best of luck to all those affected and thank you Fran :)

Good riddance!

As a "two times" Codemasters employee, I have a huge respect for the development teams, but was always wondering what those other departments were doing besides losing money! About time to focus on the money making operations and shed the weight from everywhere else.

I only endorse these steps because I see it necessary to secure jobs for rest of the employees.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Tamas Strezeneczki on 19th January 2013 1:24pm

I love Codemaster racers but the latest F2P offering was awful (F1 Online: The Game). I think a redux of an older rally title would generate more interest in other markets for the triple-A titles.

As Colin McRae once said : "We make our own luck in this life".

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Luke Harris on 19th January 2013 1:42pm

Although the gaming landscape is changing and digital/mobile have some nice success, my heart still belongs to AAA and Codies are still great for that if they want to still bring out kick ass AAA

I think you've missed that boat, Bruce.....

Very sorry to hear this news, and I'd like to talk to ANY of the affected staff about opportunities within EA. Please reach out to me via Linked In http://www.linkedin.com/in/carlsilvers

Good luck to all those affected I hope you find new roles and opportunities, I'm always available if you want to talk EA.

You're all welcome!

Funny thing is, the OFP games done by Codies were some of my favourite games over the last few years - I'm a big fan of modern military tactical shooters (of which there are very very few these days). Sure, the games had issues, and didn't sell desperately well - but they're still keeping me entertained at times. so, those of you who worked on those - thanks!

Edit to add a bit more. MW, etc = shooters on rails, albeit gorgeous shooters. The Codies OFP games were completely different. Big issues with the timings, but aside from that some of the missions were really well designed. There was one where you had to take out a PLA group in a small village, then head up the hill to take out their mortar spotters. If that had been MW, you wouldn't have had an option - follow the route laid out. But in OFP (I believe this was DR), you had a choice. go straight up the middle and hit the enemy head on, but with your flank insecure. Go right, but cross your own side's field of fire. Or go left, and come at the village from up the road, and immediately render the first line of enemy cover as useless. Absolutely brilliant, real kudos to those of you who worked on it.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Fran Mulhern on 21st January 2013 11:59am

Sad to hear that so many people are potentially affected by this. I've worked with a couple of guys who relocated down to Codies - both were exceptionally talented artists who I'm sure will prosper in the long term despite this short term setback. Good luck to all involved in either seeing through the 'consultation period' or finding themselves gainful employment in higher paid, more stable jobs.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Dan Fletcher on 21st January 2013 11:19am

Prior to working at SONY, I was Chief Game Designer on GRID 2 at Codies Southam.

I can honestly say that I loved working there. An absolutely awesome team, with real technical prowess. It's a really sad situation that they appear to be running into difficulties, and like everyone else, I wish everyone all the best (get in contact if you're interested in a move North!)

It's always surprised me just how much Codemasters is hated - really has to come from either people who have no idea about game development or through people gossiping and building up stories from singular disgruntled 'haters'. I really hope they can continue, going forward.

I can honestly say that I loved working there. An absolutely awesome team, with real technical prowess. It's a really sad situation that they appear to be running into difficulties, and like everyone else, I wish everyone all the best

It's always surprised me just how much Codemasters is hated - really has to come from either people who have no idea about game development or through people gossiping and building up stories from singular disgruntled 'haters'. I really hope they can continue, going forward.

There will always be people with more negative experiences working within different companies which is unfortunate. However in my personal experience, I can honestly say that the current group of developers here at Codies is by far what makes it the best working environment I've been in so far in my career so I echo Col Rodgers comment.

I'm truely saddened at the prospect of possible job losses here. On the positive side, our industry is a small world indeed and no doubt we'll cross paths again.

Echoing Andreas Gschwari sentiment. To suggest that the number of staff at codemasters is part of the problem on an article in which the subject is redundancies at said company is just poor judgement.

@Bruce: there is one thing you said i can agree with:
People should know the facts about where they work, or are thinking of working.
That is exactly why i would never apply for Kwalee. The fact that you work there, with opinions like you post here, make it clear to me i'd never want to be part of a team you are at.

Codies are a strange company to recruit for. Like Col said, there are a lot of "haters" out there. And their hate may well be justified - I think Codies would be the first to admit themselves that in the past there were issues. Plus, a company that size, you're always going to have people for whom it didn't work out - every studio has that, and most developers who have been in the industry long enough will have somewhere where they didn't feel at home. I'd never begrudge anyone their feelings about anywhere, but I also appreciate different people have different needs.

For me, mentioning Codies to people is more likely to result in an "I've got friends who worked there and hated it" response than mentioning almost any other studio. But often - not always, admittedly - the friends worked there a long time ago, certainly before the Southam redevelopment., and usually at a time that Codies today would probably agree they could have done better. My advice is always the same - go along, have a look, get a feel for the place. I've placed a fair few people at Codies in the past, and while some have subsequently left, not a single one has left because they hated it. I've got a lot of friends there (hence why I know, for example, that Bruce's comments on this thread haven't been taken very well by most of the people there right now, and have certainly affected their views on Kwalee), and nearly all seem genuinely happy enough to be there. Usual grumbles during crunch etc, but on the whole the feeling is that it's a solid enough place to work.

Sure, I'm a recruiter and as a species we have a reputation for being economical with the truth, but there it is - take it or leave it, makes no difference to me or the people who actually do enjoy working there.

I have never understood the haters either? I have liked most of codies recent games, still you can't please everyone and I have spoken to plenty of happy people at Codemasters over the years. Fran's point on visiting studios yourself and making up your own mind is very much on the money and is exactly the same advice to those talking to me about EA or from when I used to be agency side myself.

The thing is, large to medium sized outfits culture probably go through a cyclical phase.
As such, if the project, staff culture and folks appeal to you, then why not go and try it out!

"Now lots of really good people have left."

I hope you're not including yourself in that description!

End of the day it doesn't matter if you are right or wrong about this. Your comments have shown a complete and utter lack of care and compassion to those who are facing the very real threat of losing their jobs. You've ground your axe at the expense of their pain. It doesn't matter whether you're right or wrong in your reasons for having that axe to grind. Your actions themselves are frankly disgusting.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Justin Biddle on 21st January 2013 2:00pm

Poor Bruce, you're so sensitive.

I am afraid the 'ohh poor me, stop the bad men!!' routine isn't going to work Bruce, you are a troll, plain and simple. Fran is on the money and you sir are a disgrace. Inverted deja-vu..... ;)

Whoops, almost forgot the most important part which is good luck to all those affected..

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Darren Adams on 21st January 2013 2:34pm

Please let's steer clear of the personal jibes back and forth, folks. I am keen that this thread remains civil and on topic without requiring any moderation.

Thanks, James.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by James Grant on 21st January 2013 2:35pm

@Fran, as a dev from both of those OFP games I just wanted to reach out and thank you for the kind words. They are, I think, some of the harder judged games that Codies produced of the last few years, but a lot of people put their heart and soul into making them, so its very nice to hear praise for them! After all is said and done, we really enjoyed making them, and playing them.

Additionally, a thank you to everyone for your work and effort into helping those affected by the news, and all of your support. There are a lot of awesome people there, and I hope they all land on their feet.

I'm not going to respond any further sorry Bruce as the mod specifically asked us to stop.

The only thing I will add is I had no problem with your first post. It is what followed later.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Justin Biddle on 21st January 2013 4:32pm

Bruce, aside from your initial comment you should take a moment to consider how employees at your company view your activity on sensitive threads about peoples livelihoods, such as this. They will see it and they will form opinions. Just a tip if you want them to show loyalty at some point in the future.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Sandy Lobban on 21st January 2013 4:39pm

*late*

Sorry to hear that guys, good luck to all those affected. :(
I hope you will all find a new opportunity in these difficult times, you're a talented bunch. :)

Two points which have been overlooked....

Piracy - Currently the main cuts appear to be on the Digital Division of Codemasters, if true we can conclude Piracy is NOT the cause of these cuts - there's no sense in "pirating" a game which is Free to Play.

Company Accounts - While I can't speak for Codemasters on the above figures; we need to be extremely careful in drawing any conclusions without context and detailed understanding. Rockstar North lost £12.6M last year. It's relatively common for major companies to maximise "losses" - simply to minimize their tax bill. Amazon & Starbucks are prime examples. Nobody is expecting these businesses to collapse or announce massive redundancy rounds.

There may well be a time and a place for asking why Codies Online appears to have underperformed but it's not now, not when affected staff AND their families are worrying about their future. If there is criticism lets be constructive, identify & share lessons which all companies could learn from.

I'd love to see what Kwalee's books look like.
I'm pretty sure you don't make a lot out of nothing. Unless you get good rebates on all those £400 office chairs.

Thankfully several friends in those areas have kept their jobs. Really feel for the rest and hope Codies do right by them.
There are quite a few jobs going in the leam area so good luck all.

Wow so much trolling going on. I have to admit I stopped reading midway. I have nothing to do with Codemasters and frankly I'm not very interested. I also probably lack some common background you seem to have. Nonetheless a few comments rised a few questions for me.

@Andreas Gschwari: you don't agree with anything that Bruce said. He actually reported some real world numbers tho. Can you demonstrate they are not accurate? Then why would you not agree with somebody digging up the reality? Would you prefer to be made redundant with no notice, or maybe to have time to retouch your cv and have a look around before getting laid off? Can I remind you that some people have loans and other things to pay back that can't really be postponed?

@Bruce: Piracy has only really killed the Amiga. Though back then the culture of videogames was very different from now. I wonder if any Humble Bundle could've existed at all. I think you can dismiss whatever they told you in the past as cheap excuses. In one of my past jobs, during an annual salary review that should've encompassed the one from the preceding year as well, I've been told that "due to second hand sales the market was slow", hence my raise after two years was naught. Though the contract with our publisher hardly ensured us any percentages on sales.

@Fran Mulhern: so much trolling, please stop https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cdiz0k0Rudw

I've sorted Coffee for Bruce & Simon - pic here [link url=""]http://img.wsgf.org/f/u/2011-codemasters.jpg[/link]

Awful news. I loved working at Codies and still have a lot of friends there - hoping those affected can make it through OK and get back on their feet before long. Facebook says Ubisoft Reflections are hiring at The Lounge in Leamington on Thursday evening - might be worth a look. It's never easy when something like this happens - must be an unimaginably stressful time for everyone caught in it. Good luck!

Really sorry for the great guys @Codies...

What should have been a comments section filled with 'well wishes' and 'good lucks' - has turned into anything but.

@Bruce - seriously, please try and be a little more considerate to people's feelings...
Whilst your arguments might have validity - this 'thread' is neither the time, nor place to discuss.
It's like turning up at a Funeral and trying to flog life insurance... Is that how you want people to view you?
You owe it to yourself, Codemasters and Kwalee to show a little more tact on this thread...

ANYWAY - Good luck to everybody involved - especially @Mr Rowlands - enjoyed working together, great guy!

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Murray Rigluth on 22nd January 2013 2:16pm

Jesus Christ, Bruce. Obsessed much? Come on, it's time to stop. Now you're just making yourself look very stupid, and ensuring that nobody in their right mind would want to go and work at Kwalee if it means working with someone so bitter.

Give it up already.

Edited 2 times. Last edit by Fran Mulhern on 22nd January 2013 3:30pm

17 reviews as a sample group of 660+ employees? That's a pretty poor grasp of statistics.

@John

I wouldn't worry, this appears to be a personal issue - unfortunately, those people should address this, not bandy around the names of Codemasters, Kwalee etc. in widely sweeping statements.

The main focus should also be the 'well being' of all those involved in such a traumatic time...

For the people put "at risk" it's a pretty crappy time of uncertainty and insecurity. For the people who are staying it's a difficult time where many of their friends and colleagues have had their lives put into severe disruption. No one here is unaffected by this regardless of what group they are in. One thing is certain though, not one person here appreciates these events being used as an excuse to air some private agendas. How about a bit of professional courtesy guys, we know you have differences but please put a stop to this "must have the last word" mentality, at least in this thread.

Good luck to everyone at Codies on the risk list, including my fiancé...
While I understand the business must go on, it's hard not to take it personally.

Have genuinely found it hard to stomach and stay silent whilst reading through some of the ridiculous and embarrassing commentary on this unfortunate article, but will try to stick to my reason for posting which is simply to say I'd be keen to speak to anyone affected about positions available here at Jagex.

Please do feel free reach out to me over email (peter.lovell at Jagex.com) or LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/in/peterlovell to discuss opportunities here. We have many openings across online, marketing, publishing, tech and commercial disciplines so I would hope we can find a way to help during this difficult time.

Edited 1 times. Last edit by Peter Lovell on 23rd January 2013 2:43pm

I just thought I would make it absolutely, perfectly crystal clear than all and any comments I post on GamesIndustry International, including the ones I have deleted above, are completely, utterly and absolutely my own private personal opinion and have nothing to do with Kwalee or any other employer in any way whatsoever.