Contrary to the original report that claimed around 90 percent of the Nintendo of America sales and marketing team would depart, President Reggie Fils-Aime has now clarified that roughly 60 percent are leaving. The status of execs Harrison, Kaplan and Llewelyn remains up in the air, however.
Earlier this week there was a major brouhaha when Game Informer broke the story that nearly 90 percent of Nintendo of America's sales and marketing team would take severance rather than moving as planned to either San Francisco or New York. Nintendo remained mum on the subject for a little while, but Kotaku managed to wrangle a statement right from the top: President Reggie Fils-Aime.
He says that about 60 percent have decided not to move and will leave the company. Unfortunately he did not address the part of Game Informer's report which states that three key executives, George Harrison, Perrin Kaplan and Beth Llewelyn, are leaving.
Here's Reggie's statement:
"Virtually all of the employees affected by the relocation plan have now responded with their decisions, and approximately four of every ten have agreed to make the move to either New York or the Bay Area, in keeping with our original expectations.
A transition task force of key executives has been formed to ensure the smoothest process possible, and continuous information and resources will be available to all employees. The rest of Nintendo's strong leadership talent will continue to drive our business objectives forward. It has always been the case that Nintendo employees are resilient and rise to any challenge, and there is no doubt in my mind that we will excel as we continue to tackle new challenges and business opportunities.
Nintendo itself can not discuss the relocation status of any individual involved, but for those who will be departing the company, we have every expectation that they will succeed to the highest degree in their future endeavors. We will miss the talent, energy and experience from those who have chosen not to relocate. Our sales and marketing teams have been key components in returning Nintendo to its current position of market leadership.
Reggie Fils-Aime
President, Nintendo of America"