Glenn Haumann reports that the Topps Company is shutting down WizKids, its “core hobby gaming business, and temporarily discontinuing the WizKids product lines.”
Topps CEO Scott Silverstein said “This was an extremely difficult decision. While the company will still actively pursue gaming initiatives, we feel it is necessary to align our efforts more closely with Topps current sports and entertainment offerings which are being developed within our New York office.” WizKids is based in Seattle, Washington. It was founded by Jordan Weisman in 2000, and launched the first successful collectible miniatures game (CMG), Mage Knight, as well as producing the first constructible strategy game (CSG), Pirates of the Spanish Main, in 2004. In addition to the successful comic book-based HeroClix CMGs, WizKids also released the Star Wars Pocket Model Game in 2007. The company was purchased by Topps in 2003, and Topps was acquired by Michael Eisner’s Tornante Company and Dearborn Partners in 2007.
In the announcement, Topps said the cocmpany “will immediately pursue strategic alternatives so that viable brands and properties, including HeroClix, can continue without any noticeable disruption.”