Wednesday the entire staff of Next Island was let go. Although I knew we weren’t being called to this urgent company meeting so we could pet kittens and eat cupcakes, it is still terribly sad to leave a project I’ve been on for almost two years now, and leave so many narratives unfinished in the gameworld. I’ve been so involved in Next Island for so long, leaving so abruptly is almost like getting dumped.
I came in Thursday to finish a dialogue, originally for August, er, October, and now for personal satisfaction. It was originally constraining to write missions and lines for stationery NPCs, but it’s taught me how effective one line of dialogue can be.
Thursday night found me in the office, clearing out my desk around the time I’m usually calling Harold and telling him that perhaps he shouldn’t wait for me to have dinner. The night janitor came by and saw the state of my desk.
“Moving out?” he asked.
I nodded.
He asked if I got a new job, and I had to say no.
He asked if I got a promotion, and I had to say no.
He asked if I lost my job, and I had to say yes.
“But you? You are always working. You are always here at night,” he said, “How did you lose your job?”
That one line of dialogue can really be effective, I thought, and I picked up my box of island maps, Hello Kitty desk toys, Screamland copies, and XYZZY coffee mug, and walked to the elevator to go home.
Ugh. That sucks.
You should anonymous and funny up the story and submit it to http://trenchescomic.com/tales
Just sayin’.
At least there is a bright side.
Ha! That site is awesome!
There is, of course, much more drama and plot twists in the story, but I’ll tell you privately.
Yikes! I’m so sorry to hear this. 🙁 Hope some of the people you’ve met will realize what an awesome job you do and hire you quickly.
Thanks Becky! It is been a pretty emotional week, all things considered, but I am trying to see this as the start of new awesomeness and my next adventure.
Sad to see this. You had a great run and I think your next career move will be even more rewarding adventure.
Also, congrats on the other thing. 😉
Yeah, I’m hoping it will lead to new awesomeness, and a better position, and all kinds of good things next. I think I fought the good fight here (well, if anyone knows that, you do) and I learned a lot for next time.
Also, thanks, I’m so excited (and nervous) about “the other thing”!
The definition of a project is that it has an end. You’ll find something better.
Thanks. Trying to see it as the opening for a new adventure, and some great stories to tell. Change is the only constant.
Was it supposed to end? Why wasn’t anything told to us players?
I’m sorry, but I can’t really speak to the future of Next Island or why these decisions were made.
Thats not good.. I really enjoyed the directions and the communication you shared with us. I hope that your next endeavour is more fruitful and with your passion I have no doubt that you will be very successful!!
Don’t be a stranger and drop in on the forums once in a while to let us know how your doing!!
Gl to you and have fun!!
And by Communications, he means that you were the only one willing to put your name on this project.
I can’t really speak to anyone else’s decisions, but I am quite proud of the missions I made, and, yes, my name has been attached since 2010!
Thanks, Nor! So glad you enjoyed the creative and the dev blog. I’m sad to move on (especially so abruptly) but I’m sure it’s the opening to a new adventure!
Sorry to hear this — being “let go” is often painful until you can look back and see what a blessing it often turns out to be.
I’m sure there’s a lot more to this, but it’s proof that, ultimately, “The Man” really doesn’t give much of a sh*t how long hours you worked for them or how much blood, sweat and tears you give them. I doubt the guys at the top really gave much of a FF while they drove their expensive cars to the golf course.
Without knowing anything, I have a feeling its because of economy.. NI prolly couldnt pay their ppl anymore.. How many do you believe spend their ped on NI? It’s a ghost planet dude..
Sorry, but the decisions made on Next Island are not really my story to tell.
Thanks, Andy! Pretty shaken, but I’m trying to see it as an opening for a new adventure.
What a polite, restrained, yet honest accounting. All the best, Meg
Thanks for your kind words.
So sorry to hear that Meg. I’m sure you will go on to greater and better things. Good Luck.
Thanks, Sylver, I’m sad to leave Next Island but I hope it’ll lead to a new, more awesome adventure!
Our employees are our children and we have to take care for them.
The headless make their children responsible…
Damn Meg really sorry to hear that.. we had some awsome plans for you all. Mail me if you get the chance. Good Luck and you can always come Dj for me : )
Thanks, Dave. I had some awesome plans for you too!
When the dust settles, I would love to do that!
Sorry to hear this news. Best of luck to you going forward!
Thanks so much! I’m sad to go, of course, but I hope it’ll lead to a new adventure next.
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Sorry to see you go – good luck in your new adventures.
Let us know the inside scoop as well. What’s the future of NI? 🙁
Thanks for the good wishes! I totally understand your curiosity, but unfortunately, the story of Next Island isn’t really mine to tell.
Hey Meg,
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. I believe you will have a future filled with adventure sweety – NEVER give up and above all, know that you have support from all of us.
Just as treasures are uncovered from the earth, so virtue appears from good deeds, and wisdom appears from a pure and peaceful mind. To walk safely through the maze of human life, one needs the light of wisdom and the guidance of virtue.
You have them all my dear heart. Know one thing, We are here where ever you go. Just keep in contact 😀
Oh, thank you so much for the support and good wishes! It’s great to hear.
I’ve met many lovely people through my time at Next Island, and I’m sure the next adventure will be even better. You know where to find me!
Hello my dear Meg,
Tomorrow is not yet ours to possess, but when it gets here, the possibilities are endless. I have no doubt that your star will shine bright no matter what. It’s difficult for anyone but you to comprehend the experience you just went through, but we know it couldn’t have been easy.
You have a uniqueness that will be appreciated, I’m sure of it, and while some will have to stand in front of the mirror in a reflection of truth, your vision is crystal clear.
I wish you all the best, and will catch you on Skype one of these days.
Hugs!
MS9
Thanks, Mindstar! It’s a rough time, but I definitely have some good personal news to distract from this! And it’ll lead to a new adventure, hopefully soon.
I am sure our paths will continue to cross. 🙂
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That’s really..sudden. Playing the eu for 6+ years always waiting some development and moving forward in such project. Wish you find new place out there, this is not the end.
Thanks, Alex! I am staying in games, it’s definitely not the end, I’m sure a new adventure is coming.
Solve this riddle for us… there was a rumor that an avatar named Metis was you in disguise. She was always hanging about chatting… never hunting/mining/trading/etc.. which arose many suspicions…
Is it true? 🙂
Well, if you don’t think J is a real person and if you think the press release from May ’11 is made up (I don’t know, maybe I faked it to throw everyone off my scent while I secretly pretended to be a dating expert for nefarious purposes?), I don’t suppose a denial on my personal blog would put any of your suspicions to rest.
http://www.virworld.com/2011/06/dating-for-avatars-virtual-world-next-island-offers-virtual-dating-advice/
O.o wow I go vacation Philippines and entropia has meltdown? very sad to see this 🙁
I send you much huggles and thank yous for the efforts you gived us
>^.^<
Thanks, Kitten! I’m sure our paths will cross again.
Getting stuck in Greece in our underwear was definitely out of the standout memories of my time with Next Island. 🙂
yeah that was crazy times 😀 you should come here Philippines vacation 😀
Ha! That may well be in the future — Harold may be traveling there for business, and I don’t exactly have a job to keep me at home right now!
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This news is monumentally sad, Meg! You brought so much enthusiastic / creative energy to the NI Dev Team. I wish you and your loved ones the best as you seek that next, great opportunity. Lots of things going on in the gaming world–I’m sure you know.
I hope for the best!
Thanks so much for the support and the kind words! I’m really sad to leave my work at NI, but there are lots of cool projects on the horizon. I’ll let you know what the next adventure is!
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Your work was really cool. Heads up and good luck 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind words! I’m hoping to have a new game writing project soon.
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Good to see your still checking in. Hope things are going well. 😉
The above reply and this one is brought to you by the letters Nor and Alien 😀
Haha, I was actually thinking of you, and a couple other NI regulars, yesterday! (This post often gets a traffic spike when someone new wanders onto an EU forum and asks when Next Island will be updated next, and an NI player will link my blog in explanation.)
Yeah, I’m hoping that something will happen soon. Haven’t been back in awhile, been busy lately. 😉 I keep checking the forum to see if there is anything new. Might just have to win the lotto and buy the damn thing myself! Lol or spend a lot of time on a beach!! 😀
It’s good to see your about. It’s not quite the same without your updates. 🙁
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Hello, Meg!
At the Planet Calypso forum forum posted thread related to Marius, the person with whom you collaborated in the project the Next Island.
He sold two land areas and Crystal Resort Gift Shop the other player in EU. Could you clarify the situation with the Shop, as it is now, I am the owner of this Shop. Was this Shop is allowed to sell to players, or this Shop was a property of PP staff? I ask you to contact me via email if you remember something about this Shop. Thank you.
Link to PCF thread: http://www.planetcalypsoforum.com/forums/showthread.php?265203-Bugged-Deeds
It will be interesting to see what she has to say about all of this, but I wouldn’t blame her if she couldn’t comment on it for NDA. Hopefully she can! 🙂
Gl with your shop as well.