The same thing is happening at Ion Storm, with John Romero. One of the few truly photogenic and interesting figures in gaming is being set up for a fall (see earlier article). If he is not doing well as 'Game Overseer', don't fire the guy, put him in a job where he can use his natural talent, like PR guru or something.
And lastly, can I just make a prediction: I think that Origin have handled this totally the wrong way, without honour or diginty, and I bet you now that they end up getting hurt by it. As far as I can see, the only thing worse than having a pissed Lord British (RG's other alias, initially only in his software worlds but now in real life) inside your company is having him outside working against you. They should have found some way, any way, to accommodate him. He is already working on a new project, which I am sure will cut into Origin's turf, and I bet you he comes back with a bang. He is the Origin-al, and best. Mark my words.
The games industry must learn to stop cutting down its heroes. Game developing is a team game, but in sports each team always his its star player without letting him pull the team apart. As gaming moves into an area where it is fast becoming a sport (which I will investigate soon), it needs people, actual individuals to step up to the plate and try to raise its profile themselves. Lord British, Romero, Gabe Newell: get on up for gaming. You are the ones who gotta take it to the next level. Ignore the backstabbers. Just do it (sorry Nike, but is is a great motto).
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