Yesterday it was announced that 38 Studios had acquired Rise of Nations developer Big Huge Games from THQ. 38 Studios is the dev house founded by retired, future Hall-of-Fame pitcher Curt Schilling, Spawn creator Todd MacFarlane, and famed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore. 38 Studios is currently working on an "original" fantasy project codenamed Copernicus. Big Huge Games is currently working on an RPG for the 360, PS3, and PC.
Source: GameIndustry.Biz [ more info ]

This is one of those gaming marriages that make me giggle and not because my brain plays all kinds of tricks on me when it comes to interpretting gaming news headlines. No, it's because I know the work environment for both of these companies are great for their employees. That's one of those things that really impacts the quality of the products being offered, in my opinion.

Now... while I've got your attention.

I'm going out of town for a couple of weeks. My best friend Richard and his wife have a new baby on the way, and they've just moved into a cool building that needs a bit of work to be "baby ready". He's come out to help me when I needed it, now I'm going to return the favor.

This call for help was unexpected, and I'll be leaving as soon as possible. But, as most of you know, I don't work on the comic in advance and it will be exceedingly difficult to generate two weeks worth of strips in the day and a half before I leave. (My flight out is this Saturday.) Compounding the problem is the fact that I'll be there to work. There won't be time to spend 3-5 hours producing a comic each night.

So, I'll be posting some of my old pre-gu artwork as emergency placeholders.

I miss you already

I've got so much old artwork I'm having a hard time picking what stuff to show you guys. But, I think they'll start tomorrow because I have so much to do and so little time to do it in.

hmmm...

Do you mind hand drawn comics?
I'm not the worst artist i just don't know the programms to do it on the computer..
GL with the baby, their evil watch out!

Submit whatever you like, I'll use what I can. But if I have to put the frame and stuff on it, sorry... I just won't have time to work with any of the images.

And the baby isn't due until the middle of July. I'm just there to try to get some walls erected, bathtub installed, etc.

Have "fun" Woody, take it easy, enjoy yourself, we'll be here waiting for you to get back.

Originally Posted by quark1020:

I miss you already

You aren't the only one.

Well, I should have minimal access to the internet the first few days. And then maybe full time access by the middle of next week. So I should be able to check forums, emails, etc.

Sadly, this acquisition came too late for the majority of the BHG staff in my area. Most of them were let go months ago. I'm hoping that the people that made it a great place to work were picked up, and that they at least consider getting back some of the old team, but I doubt it will work that way so good luck to the new members of BHG/38 Studios