Electric Sheep employees during the heady metaversal expansion period of 2007.
I'm sad to announce that the Electric Sheep Company has let go five more employees, including two of my favorite people remaining at the Sheep in fact — Patrick O'Shaughnessey and John Swords. According to Virtual World News, the cuts were due to "economic issues." (As you'll recall, I was one of the 22 employees let go by Electric Sheep in late 2007 during the last bout of "economic issues.")
Yet another example of how much has changed in the business-side of virtual worlds. I definitely feel like one of the lucky few who still gets paid to develop projects in Second Life.
I am actually attending the ENGAGE Expo next month in New York City, a convention that will bring together hundreds of virtual world vendors, developers, and marketing agencies. It will be interesting to see what the mood is like and where the remaining investment money is going. Beyond Barbie World and Webkins and other toy-oriented virtual spaces, I wonder what else is being launched?
Meanwhile, my heart goes out to Patrick, John and the other ex-Sheeple, who join a growing list of those formerly employed by metaverse development agencies.
Thanks, Rik. It’s an unfortunate situation right now for Electric Sheep. I’m going to take some time and evaluate opportunities but am looking forward to getting involved with something new and interesting somewhere between social media and virtual worlds 🙂
You and Patrick are both kick ass in your respective areas. Any firm would be lucky to have you!