It’s time to wrap up the week’s coverage of the shutdown of WizKids (see “Topps Shuts Down WizKids”) with a couple of items.  A former WizKids distributor expressed sadness at the shutdown, but explained why he thought it happened.  “I was saddened to hear the news of WizKids’ closing,” Barry Calhoun of GTS told us.  “The glory days of Mage Knight and HeroClix doesn’t seem that long ago.  We made many friends at WizKids throughout the years and wish all of them the best.”

“I do think this is indicative of one fact,” he continued.  “The ‘Hobby’ will not fully support ‘exclusive’ gaming products.  Retailers spoke with their dollars against a bad idea.” 

And Catalyst Games contacted us to let us know that after further review, they’re confident that their licenses for BattleTech and Shadowrun (see “BattleTech and Shadowrun Carry On”) will continue even if the properties are sold to a third party.  Catalyst co-owner Loren Coleman laid it out.  “After thorough legal review of our licensing contract, Catalyst is confident that regardless of the ultimate destination of these properties, we can and will continue publications for both game lines,” he said. 

For more on the shutdown and what it means, see “WizKids Reactions and Next Steps” and “WotC CEO Greg Leeds.”