Das Ende von Wizkids

  • Zitat


    The Topps Company is announcing today that it is closing down WizKids, its core hobby gaming business, and temporarily discontinuing the WizKids product lines. Topps CEO Scott Silverstein commented, “This was an extremely difficult decision. But in light of the current economic conditions, we feel it is necessary to align our gaming initiatives more closely with Topps current sports and entertainment offerings which are already being developed within our New York office.” WizKids is based in Seattle, Washington.


    In its statement announcing the closing of WizKids, Topps also indicated that it was pursuing “strategic alternatives so that viable brands and properties, including HeroClix, can continue without any noticeable disruption.”


    Ich hoffe Heroclix bleibt am Leben...

  • Für die nächste Zeit wollen in den USA wohl die beiden Vertriebspartner von Wizkids, Alliance und Diamond Distribution, die Spiele weiter anbieten. Wie es aber auf die Dauer weiter geht, scheint wohl noch nicht so klar:


    Zitat

    “Alliance and Diamond, meanwhile, will continue to service on-hand inventory, including the recent Arkham Asylum release for DC HeroClix,” the statement said. In addition, both companies will work with Topps to fulfill all promised Organized Play and Arkham Asylum “Buy It By The Brick” promotions.


    Zitat

    Among the topics arousing speculation is the possible landing place for the WizKids brands. There are only three other companies in the collectible miniatures game business at this time. Wizards of the Coast, which has several collectable miniature lines, including Dungeons and Dragons, Star Wars, and Axis and Allies, would seem to be a logical candidate because of its experience in handling licenses, its existing relationship with Lucasfilm (which licenses WizKids to produce its Star Wars Pocket Model Game), and its Seattle-area location, which would make it convenient to absorb any WizKids staff.


    Zitat

    The good news is that Topps seems intent on completing a transaction quickly, and has a strong incentive to do so to preserve as much of the brand value as possible, so perhaps an announcement on the sale of the WizKids brands will be forthcoming soon.


    Link zum kompletten Artikel: ICv2


    Alles in allem sieht es aber so aus, als wenn die Luft im Bereich der Sammelspiele immer dünner wird. Gerade die Umstellung von Wizards bei den D&D Miniatures hin zu festen Packs und auch die Aktion von FFG mit Mutant Chronicles haben das ja schon angedeutet...

  • NECA hat die Masters of the Universe Lizenz nicht mehr. Die Firma darf lediglich ihre Restbestände weiter vertreiben, leider. Die großen Statuen waren sehr eindrucksvoll...