T.King no longer a part of the Vanguard team

[Cairenn]

As posted by Brad McQuaid, here:

Quote:

Well, this is a hard message to post, but we remain committed to being up front with you guys.

Tom King is awesome. I LOVE his stuff. He had been working with us as a contracter.

Over time it became apparent that we needed an in-house UI artist (if not more than one). There's simply that much work to do, and also the benefit of an in-house person being able to more easily interact with the rest of the team.

So we've hired our first UI guy, and you should be seeing some of his work in future screenshots and movies.

Departing ways with Tom was a very hard decision, and one no-one enjoyed making. Personally, I feel somewhat that I've let the guy down But the more and more I work on MMOGs the more I realize that having people local is very important. Contracting out work is beneficial only in some circumstances. I also probably underestimated early on just how much UI work would need to be done given Vanguard's depth.

Making business decisions like this is something I do not enjoy as a CEO, I can assure you, and those of you who know me can attest to that. But sometimes the tough calls have to be made.

I also know that thsi news will disappoint a lot of people, who, like me, are fans of Tom.

We wish Tom the very best and he will receive credit in the game for his contributions, etc.


And, as posted by T. King on his site, here:

Quote:

I'm simply going to quote myself from the Vanguard forums, and add a brief thought for clarication. Based on the many responses I've read on the Vanguard forums, I do believe most are already aware of my circumstances...

Quote:As Brad has stated, at this point in development Vanguard requires an on-site presence, which I am unable to do at this time.

I appreciate the kind regards given, and look forward to continuing my work in the gaming industry as an artist.

~Thomus

I came to where I live now for the sake of family, and now my son has special needs that cannot be ignored. My son's grandparents are helping to deal with the challenges, so that I don't have to face them alone. It has been emotionally, mentally, physically, and financially draining.

I am hoping that I can find a path that allows me to continue working as an artist in the industry, allowing me to care for my son the way he needs to be cared for here with the family that loves him so dearly.

I'd like to thank everyone who has followed, and supported my artistic endeavors. Hopefully, you will see something sooner, rather than later, that I have worked on in the gaming industry.

I'd like to wish the best to: BradM, JeffB and Wife, Keith-Donna and NickP, DaveF, DavidG, SteveB, MattM, CindyB, DenB, Milo, KevinM, MarkS, PaulL, MikeB and Wife, AnitaA, and well the entire Sigil Games team. Keep up the awesome work on Vanguard!


Feel free to discuss T.King's departure here