Project Titan level designer sacked?

[Cerveza mas fina]

The recent spate of MMO industry layoffs isn't discriminating in terms of company size if the latest rumors are true. We've just been informed that one of Blizzard's golden boys has been served his walking papers, joining hundreds of devs from the likes of NCsoft, GamersFirst, GameForge, and CCP in recent weeks.

John Staats, the senior level designer on Blizzard's secretive Titan project, has been let go, according to our tipster. Staats has been with the company for over a decade and is responsible for some of World of Warcraft's most celebrated content including all the raid dungeons, Blackrock Mountain and Booty Bay, and numerous other instanced dungeons.

Staats was also described by Jeff Kaplan as the "hero of the WoW dev team."

http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/07/rumor-senior-titan-designer-laid-off-by-blizzard

[iconoclast]

Wait, this guy designed ALL of WoW's raid dungeons? I find that hard to believe, but if he did, Blizzard is fucking distinguished mentally-challenged for letting him go.

[Cerveza mas fina]

Those original raids were the biz.

[archie4208]

Can't wait for Valve to pick him up. 

[Phoenix Dark]

Wait, this guy designed ALL of WoW's raid dungeons? I find that hard to believe, but if he did, Blizzard is fucking distinguished mentally-challenged for letting him go.

Yea, must have been quite a spat for them to let go such a talent. Or maybe he didn't like where Titan was going, or maybe his experience didn't translate well to whatever sci fi shit Titan probably is.

if only we had an insider to give us the real deal

[Howard Alan Treesong]

Blizzard nerf confirmed - fewer Staats

[chronovore]

Blizzard nerf confirmed - fewer Staats

FFFUUU -- That's almost as evil as "Obama is killing Jobs."

[Cerveza mas fina]

Blizzard nerf confirmed - fewer Staats

[Dickie Dee]

Weird story, no way was he "layed off"

Even a euphemistic "parted ways" would have been fine, but WTF at "layed off"