I don’t use LinkedIn a lot, but it’s not a bad resource to update your resume just in case someone needs it. It is also a great place to find out things.
While I was updating today, I noticed that Civilization 5 lead, Jon Shafer had updated his work history:
I have sent emails to Shafer and Firaxis PR for comment. I can confirm that Shafer has indeed left the building, but I have no information on the whys, wherefores or where tos.
I will update this post as the information becomes available. I do know that Shafer spent his last weeks at Firaxis crunching on the patch to get Civ to a better place. Maybe we can get him on the show for more than 15 minutes now.
UPDATE: Jon Shafer replied with this comment, which says nothing, but since I said I would run a comment, here it is:
I very much enjoyed my time Firaxis, worked on many projects that I’ve very proud of and got to know a lot of amazing people. I’m appreciative of the opportunities provided by Firaxis and 2K, and hope to see (and play) more great games from them in the future.
He would also like it made clear that he left of his own accord and was not dismissed by Firaxis.
UPDATE 2:: Another non-comment but good wishes from Firaxis marketing
director, Kelley Gilmore.
We are grateful for Jon’s contributions to Firaxis and the Civilization franchise and wish him all the best in the future.
Are you related to Senator McLaughlin ?
I have no idea what that means.
Wow Troy, Good catch. LinkedIn is useful for something. Firaxis are the ones who made “Sid Meier’s Railroads!” They make good games. Again, good catch Troy.
@BeatKitano
According to Google on his last name, he lives on an Air force base where he supplies small to medium size quantities of Metals and Alloys
Kelly McLaughlin:
http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/14600000/Senator-McLaughlin-Wallpaper-machete-14695283-1680-1050.jpg
It must be non-sequitor comment day.
Never saw the movie, still don’t get the reference.
No relationship to Senator McLaughlin. Jon and I go way back. Frankly, I had forgotten my recommendation for Jon on LinkedIn.
Not that he needs it now. =)
McLaughlin is listed as recommending Shafer in the LinkdIn screenshot you posted, Troy.
Now I get it.
Now can we get to the news?
How to derail a topic with a sureal question. Thanks everyone ?
psh. I enjoyed the sidetrack until Troy came in with his wet blanket ;) Glad you guys explained it though. Hopefully there will be more comments to add as the day goes on. I’m pretty surprised by this (thankfully voluntary) move and, at the same time, completely unsurprised by that bland PR-style comment.
I wanna see more people leave companies while burning bridges! hehehe.
I’m sorry about the comment about your name Troy. It didn’t occur to me until just now that you might not like people cracking a joke about your name at your expense. People in general probably don’t appreciate it when it’s not a friend or even when it’s a friend. I’m real sorry about that post and regret it and next time I’ll mull over my post for a few minutes before posting.
Sorry Troy.
Yeah, yeah. Wet blanket. ;) Don’t want people to not have fun in the comments. I just hate being confused.
No worries, Nate. I get jokes about my name all the time. Yours was, at least, original.
Excellent catch, Troy. Retweeted. I note that Gamesutra has picked up on this and gave you cred for first reporting it. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/32142/Civilization_V_Lead_Designer_Leaves_Firaxis.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GamasutraNews+%28Gamasutra+News%29
Civilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis | Gamers News // Dec 21, 2010 at 4:00 pm
[…] designer for Civilization 5, Jon Shafer, has left Firaxis, his LinkedIn profile shows (via Flash of Steel). Shafer, who’s been with the company for over five years and a longtime member of the […]
Civilization 5 lead designer Jon Shafer leaves Firaxis | Gamer News // Dec 21, 2010 at 8:16 pm
[…] designer for Civilization 5, Jon Shafer, has left Firaxis, his LinkedIn profile shows (via Flash of Steel). Shafer, who’s been with the company for over five years and a longtime member of the […]
Nice find, Troy. That seems to be some proper reporting, even if you’re a writer and not a “journalist.” Scoop!
Civ 5 was a train wreck and this was a long time coming.
That Jon Shafer lad is one smart bloke. Wonder where he’s going after Firaxis…hmmm
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