Palladium Games going under, apparently...

[Rowan]

Found this link and discussion on the Hero Games Boards.

http://forums.palladium-megaverse.co...ic.php?t=57048

Apparently their's a tale about embezzlement. Some of the Herophiles are less than sympathetic, it's well known that Mr. Siembiada's less than sterling attitude regarding talk of his system doesn't exactly engender free thinking among fans.

Also his record with freelance writers and folks that work for him seems to be kind of bad. I read some of them. Seems like he has some problems. :(

http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=...&postcount=184

http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=...&postcount=212

http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=...&postcount=218

http://forum.rpg.net/showpost.php?p=...&postcount=227

After reading the above accounts, I have to say 'ouch'. Doesn't sound like a friendly environment.

[Jürgen Hubert]

Well, Siembieda's erratic management style is well known these days. Still, I do hope they make enough sales to stave off bankruptcy - it is never a good thing when a veteran gaming company goes under.

[Digren Kaellise]

No, even if it could mean a new GURPS Robotech, for example, it would probably hurt SJGames more to have a similar competitor go under, as it would shake the confidence of distributors and retail channels.

[LoneWolf23k]

I wonder if it would be possible for SJGames to buy out Palladium..

GURPS Rifts.. ...the game that should not be...

[AOTA]

Originally Posted by LoneWolf23k

I wonder if it would be possible for SJGames to buy out Palladium..

GURPS Rifts.. ...the game that should not be...

As much as I would love to have such a book it won't happen. From what I have read above I don't think Palladium would ever agree to a team-up of this sort.

[MIB 1473]

The fan response makes it seem probable that Palladium will survive. If they can survive long enough to see the movie made, they might wind up stronger than ever.

KS's style does not seem conducive to a buyout or partnership agreement. More plausible is some kind of publishing/distribution split, similar to what GoG and WW did with AGoT. GURPS Rifts would be fun to see, but there's no way it will ever exist.

[Lawful Evil]

Given Kevin Siembieda’s record of mistreating both fans and employees, I am finding it very difficult to muster up any sympathy for the guy.

So let me get this straight, just so I understand this correctly.

He acts like a Megalomaniac with A.D.D., and then complains about the lack of professionalism amongst his employees (especially the freelance ones). He bounces payroll checks to these same employees that he’s treated like garbage for years, and then can’t figure out why they swipe stuff from him. He gets his movie deal killed because the production company is tired of putting up with his B.S. He actively discourages his fan base by going after anyone that even mentions the word RIFTS on their website in a way that makes what Paramount used to do to Star Trek fansites pale in comparison. He steals from his own writers, and writes prefaces in their books that basically say; “This here idiot was supposed to write this book, but then I had to step in and save it. All praise me.” So basically he runs his company into the ground with his nonsense, and then wants us to try and bail him out????

For the Devil I have sympathy, for Kevin Siembieda I have none.

I see this as a good thing. In my experience many of the people who played Palladium’s games did so because they were tired of playing D&D. Once Palladium goes under that means that many of those gamers will turn to other game systems. Hopefully some of those will try GURPS. This can only mean a larger market share for Steve Jackson Games. Two, once his company goes under the fan base will be able to post RIFTS stuff on their websites without getting threatening letters from Palladium’s attorneys.
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The above is the author’s opinion only, and not those of Steve Jackson Games, its employees, or anyone else that posts on this forum, and they assume no responsibility for the views of this author.

[Ze'Manel Cunha]

Originally Posted by Rowan

Found this link and discussion on the Hero Games Boards.

http://forums.palladium-megaverse.co...ic.php?t=57048(

Heh, it's like he's decided to run a charity scam with himself as the recipient.
It's sort of like the televangelists, send me money or god's going to take me, except he's saying send me money or I'll go bankrupt.

Now, if he'd been issuing preferred non-voting stock in his company, instead of autographed posters for $50, I'd have some respect for him and wish him luck, but as it is, he sounds more like Jerry Falwell.

[Andrew Hackard]

Whatever your opinion of Kevin or Palladium, their current troubles are not of their own making, and rejoicing at their misfortune is in poor taste. If you choose not to help Palladium, that's your business, but kindly keep the rumor-mongering and the dancing in the aisles to yourself. Five years ago, it was SJ Games discovering unexpected financial troubles and having to take drastic steps to stay alive. I didn't like it then and I don't like that Palladium is having to do it now. Have some decency and respect, please, and be silent if you can't be civil.

[Lawful Evil]

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

Whatever your opinion of Kevin or Palladium, their current troubles are not of their own making, and rejoicing at their misfortune is in poor taste.

Actually they are of his own making. He has run his company into the ground of his own volition. And I don't remember rejoicing at his misfortune, I merely said that I have no sympathy for him.

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

If you choose not to help Palladium, that's your business, but kindly keep the rumor-mongering and the dancing in the aisles to yourself.

First of all it's not rumor mongering. It's the truth. Perhaps if you'd read that thread that was posted you'd noticed the articles written about Mr. Siembieda by several of his former employees. Also I have spoken with several of Palladium's former employees over the years via the internet, and I can assure you that the way he treats his employees is a well-known fact.

Originally Posted by Andrew Hackard

Five years ago, it was SJ Games discovering unexpected financial troubles and having to take drastic steps to stay alive. I didn't like it then and I don't like that Palladium is having to do it now. Have some decency and respect, please, and be silent if you can't be civil.

Oh so I'm not allowed to post if I don't agree with you? If I don't agree with your opinion then I'm not being civil?

My opinion on this subject differs from yours, and I am not going to apologize for not agreeing with you.
__________________
The above is the author’s opinion only, and not those of Steve Jackson Games, its employees, or anyone else that posts on this forum, and they assume no responsibility for the views of this author.