Collectible miniature games powerhouse WizKids has reduced its staff of approximately 100 by around 20 this week, and announced that it will 'slow down the amount of product' it is creating.  The change in the pace of releases was made, according to the statement, because of feedback from players and retailers.  WizKids staffed up earlier this year to support its introduction of  several new game lines, including Crimson Skies, ShadowRun, and Indy HeroClix.  Although Indy HeroClix has performed well, ShadowRun and Crimson Skies have not.  Now it appears that new product introductions will slow (although the company recently announced a Major League Baseball CMG, see 'Topps and WizKids Announce First Joint Effort').  The company's announcement pledged continuing support for its lines.  'We plan on continuing and deepening our support for our current large game lines,' the statement said, 'as well as hopefully continuing to surprise everyone with some brand new directions in gaming.'  

  

WizKids was recently acquired by The Topps Company (see 'Topps Acquires WizKids'), but the staff cuts appear to have been made as a result of factors internal to WizKids, rather than as the result of any consolidation of functions with Topps.