Konami to close offices in Redwood City, CA by July 2007

[Cutriss]

Damn...you people took a rather important thread and derailed it in one of the more insensitive and asinine ways possible. I know that their work is part of your life and everything, but geez. Spend less time talking about whether you liked their stepcharts and stealing their jobs (Especially you Sammy), and more time thanking them for their contributions and wishing them luck.

God...some people...
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Sentient Mode is capable...

[RBCF retunes]

*imply thanks and wishing luck*
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QWERTYkid911: If someone posts porn, then this thread will perfectly represent the internet.

Slowpoke: Ah, so that's how He created the universe so quickly... He was hopped up on caffeine. Thanks for clearing up that philosophical mystery...

PooingCavy: (About difficulty levels) If I could make it up, it would be: Water, Soda, Coffee, Red Bull, ADHD

[sfetaz]

While I certainly meant no disrespect to anyone who is effected by the closing of this office, and I apologize to those who felt that way, it does not change the fact that large corporations close down offices and relocate jobs all the time. It's an unavoidable evil of the billion dollar corporate environment. Anyone working for a corporation that big always has the risk of having their job relocated or just straight up downsized for any reason. Hopefully, to those employees whom cannot relocate, Konami offers them some type of severance package so they have a way of taking care of themselves while they seek new employement. That being said, if those are positions that Konami wants to refill, people of the Bemani community I am sure would be interested in knowing what is required to be apart of their company.

[Wermo]

I was downsized myself and understand fully how these people feel. I also lived through a few reorgs prior to that event where many of my friends ended up losing their jobs as well, so I know both sides of the fence.

I do have to say that unlike many, most songs' step charts are perfectly fine by me, even if I can't step them.
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Loving DDR and old school turn based party RPG's like Wizardry and Dragon Quest.

[ranatalus]

While I am also curious about OMGOMG TAKE OVER THE JOBS!!! I am more focused on the fact that forced relocation is pretty terrible, and I can understand the frustration that many of the employees likely have.

Here's hoping everything works out for them
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Phrekwenci wrote:

Yea all this sounds nice and corny and I'm sure you are going to open up a can of LOL and pour it on the floor to roll around in

[VashTheStampede579]

Haha, "El Segundo" "The Second" ...like, after the first location... ok, so it's not that funny.
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giggle above it, chocolate woman

[Catastrophe]

Who isn't moving? Anyone we know? I read the news on Gamasutra awhile back (shows you how often I visit this site now) and the first thing I thought of was the regular KOA Bemani crew. Off the top of my head I only remember the names Jason Enos, Shane Leonard, Kevin Mitchell, Mike Ngo, Daniel Tyrell, (and Float Walk, who graduated) but I know there are more of you whose names I'd probably recognize. Are any of you guys not moving? That would be sad.

But then again, people move on even when they're not being forced to (like Float Walk, hi.) And when that happens the games still get made. It is rude to be like "Sweet! Job openings!" in this thread, but I'm also glad to hear the jobs are highly de-sireD and that good people will get them one way or another. I just hope that enough of the Bemani crews stays so that they're not starting over.

So why move from Redwood City to this Second place? Is it wicked pimp office space? Is it way cheaper? Forcing the Hawaiians to move to California made sense, as sad as that was for some people. Even though it's none of my business (literally) I'd love to know what makes the move worth it.

[Cutriss]

(this is not directed at you, Catastrophe)

Since someone elected to contact Arks/Miklotov to ask him how to get in touch with people about jobs, please allow me to say this -

WORKING IN VIDEO GAMES SUCKS. Konami knows this, all companies know this. You will get shit pay, shit hours, treated like crap in general, and if you decide that it's not worth it, there are tons of other people that they can just hire to replace you at the drop of a hat.

Not only is it insensitive to be asking these people about slipping into their offices the moment they leave, but it's also not smart either. You pretty much cannot live in California on a tester salary. Oh, and did I mention it's not a salary? In a few months once Konami's done with you, your ass is on the street unless Konami feels like they have a reason to keep you around.

That said, please refrain from contacting these people directly to talk about this. I certainly can't threaten a warn anymore for this sort of thing, but I can't promise that others won't step in and do it for me, because that's really just very wrong.
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Sentient Mode is capable...

[Melvis at the Disco!]

[Cutriss]

[Melvis at the Disco!]

[ranatalus]

I've been debating on whether or not I wanted to post this, because there is no way to do it without sounding like an arrogant jerk. I guess I'll just have to sound that way!

I was the one that asked about "possible positions" and I have no problem admitting that. I asked because it's something I would love to do, regardless of the lack of money involved

[Islander]

Can't believe I'm late on hearing this. To those of you I know there best of luck in future endeavors. Must have been somewhat fun at times anyway. I also can't believe they are moving to the city I lost my wallet in.
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Ballad for you - 65 BPM, Be in my paradise - 63 BPM, I'll make love to you - 50 BPM. Yay for the DDR slow love song movement! Honorable mention to bag - 65 BPM