A Statement of Retirement

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Tue Sep 25, 2001 11:29 pm

I wanted to let you all know that effective September 30th of this year, I am retiring from Matrix Games.

What that means is that I will no longer be an integral member of the business.

I will, however, finish all projects currently related to Steel Panthers World at War and will serve on a limited basis as an independent consultant for wargaming, including of course, Matrix Games. I just won't be a direct part of the organization.

I will still be visiting the forum and hopefully will have a chance to contribute to the development of the fantastic upcoming games from Matrix.

The current project, a new Mega Campaign, will be completed. I think you will be quite pleased with this third one, and probably more than ready by then to get off the East Front (G).

The next Mega Campaign to come out will be Lost Victories, headed up by Brent "Grenadier" Richards and his daredevil team of designers and testers, a must have for all SPWAW lovers. Some time after that, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the next offering in a Mega Campaign format done by my team.

Finally, let me say that working with David Heath, Paul Vebber, and the other members of Matrix has been a great experience for me. I'll be forever grateful for the opportunity they have given me.

David and I have worked as a team for nearly four years now. We have covered a lot of ground and seen a lot of action together. It's been fun, Chief!

Please know also that though my status is changing, I'm the same old "Wild Bill" and I am not going to disappear any time soon, God willing.

Just so you know, the WBR team will continue to function as always upgrading and maintaining the four sites we sponsor on the Military Gamer site.

Wild Bill

Paul Vebber · Post by **Paul Vebber** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 12:00 am

We are losing a tremendous asset, not having you as an integral member of the team Bill! You will be sorely missed! But I know that the time comes when one has to leave the rat race to us rats and take a load off, and relax - You certainly deserve it!!! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Fair Winds and Following Seas, My Friend!

[ September 25, 2001: Message edited by: Paul Vebber ]</p>

David Heath · Post by **David Heath** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 12:04 am

Bill and I been working together just about everyday for the last five years and no one will miss him more then me.

Let me be the first to say Bill's input on SPWaW has been priceless and many gamers would not have the SPWaW they do with out him.

I very happy that Bill will still be working with us on some of our future projects.

So has Bill gets ready his fishing poll and ask everyone to give a standing salute!

Les_the_Sarge_9_1 · Post by **Les_the_Sarge_9_1** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 12:27 am

WB may not be directly involved, but I hope he remains a common face here at the forum. He has been good to chat with in the few occasions I have had the pleasure.

The forum here, has been to me, sort of like a club where like minded friends can hang out. And its only natural I would miss one of the forums best members.

When I think of Steel Panthers WaW I almost always think of WB in some way.

Mike Wood · Post by **Mike Wood** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 8:36 am

Hello...

I have known and worked with Bill for a goodly while and enjoyed every minute. His presence will be missed.

Good Luck Bill!

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 11:15 am

These kind expressions and well wishes certainly mean a lot to me.

Michael, working with you has certainly been a great learning experience for me. Your computer expertise never ceases to impress me.

Your Mega Campaign was a stroke of genius and I've enjoyed putting together two of them.

Thanks to all the Matrix Team for their cameraderie and to all you gamers for your support and encouragement.

Wild Bill

Gen.Hoepner · Post by **Gen.Hoepner** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 11:43 am

I'd like to thank Wild Bill for all the great things he's done for SPWAW,but especially for the incredible support he gave to us,the players,that come here every day looking for someone who could answer to our questions.This "someone" was Wild Bill.Thanks Bill for all the suggestion,for all the "keep going" messages,for all the time u gave us.We won't forget.We'll miss u much more than what u can immagine.
Take care

Don Doom · Post by **Don Doom** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 1:35 pm

Morning Mr Bill.
First may I say it has been a pleasure working and learning from you over the pass year.
I will and am sure the SPWAW family will miss you and your devilish scen. & campaigns.
May your retirement be a Plesent & Happy one.
So go forth and enjoy your Grandkids. <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">
Hope to talk/see you once in a while in the forum.

So go forth and Enjoy.
Don Doom <img src="smile.gif" border="0">

Anonymous Sender · Post by **Anonymous Sender** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 3:33 pm

Wild Bill you've campaigned long and hard and earned the right to set your sword down upon your shield and rest in this life. Off to Valhalla with you now.

DougAngle · Post by **DougAngle** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 9:46 pm

Say it ain't so Bill! Aren't you a little young to retire? <img src="smile.gif" border="0"> I know, I know. There is no way to express the deepest gratitude for all you have done for us in the wargaming world. Your contribution has been incredible and far and beyond the call of duty! Thank you Wild Bill from the depths of our souls for everything! Now get out there and enjoy life! God Bless!!

perrya · Post by **perrya** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 10:14 pm

Bill, I know you worked on Combat Mission , any news about the Russian Front version? Isn't it due out very soon?

New York Jets · Post by **New York Jets** » Wed Sep 26, 2001 11:04 pm

Is it my breath?! Or what?!

Seriously though. I've only been here since April and in that short time I come to hold you and your work in the highest regard. Good Luck! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Erik Rutins · Post by **Erik Rutins** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 2:42 am

Bill,

You've been a great inspiration, a kind teacher, a trusted colleague and a true master of this art. Your tremendous body of work stands as one of those goals that we all strive towards. All the best to you and I hope to still see you around here often!

Best Regards,

- Erik

jamiep1 · Post by **jamiep1** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 3:37 am

Hi Bill,

Thanks so much for everything you have done. You have always been a gentleman & a first rate guy. Let me welcome you to the world of retirement!! Mine wasn't voluntary ( I have M.S.) but I enjoy the extra time with my two boys. Don't forget my standing offer, if you travel through central Illinois, Hooter's chicken wings & beer on me!!

Thanks again,

Jamie

sinner · Post by **sinner** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 4:15 am

Wild Bill,

It's always been a pleasure to play your scenarious.

Even though most of the time it has been a "burning pleasure" for my troops, but, hey! nobody can always win.

Also, your deep knowledge of the matters and your exquisite education and friendliness sure have made MartixGames a second home for all of us, wargammers out there.

Wild Bill is a respected name, a honorable character and a friendly person "on the other side of the internet".

So take care, go hunt the Caribou (it's season now, right?) or go fishing or go and get some R&R and a nice tan in Florida. Or just sit back and enjoy the AAR saying "All my tanks have blown up in one of WB's scenarious... Again!!!" <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

Happy vacations, "Guillermo El Salvaje"

Strength & Honour!

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 8:21 am

My highly esteemed friends! You've really touched my heart. A lot of hours and frustration all seem to be really very little compared to the bond of comradeship we share.

I appreciate every comment. I'll hope to take all of you up on those invitations. Yes, I'm still young enough to enjoy "Hooters," and not just for the buffalo wings! <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">

But give yourselves a lot of credit. Guys like me don't get much done unless they have support from guys like you.

Thank you. I only hope you know how much all this means to me.

Wild Bill

Tombstone · Post by **Tombstone** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 10:44 am

This thread is like a broken record eh? Heh, well I have to say that as an example to follow WB has done as well as is possible. I remember first that he had a website from which it was as easy as pie to d/l his scenarios. Then realizing that with every battle came a detailed essay on the battle and how much the description added to the experience. Aside from being excellent scenarios they somehow, through execution or presentation adhered to some moral requirement. They never glorified war or killing, and as much as possible, the truth about the individual soldier was presented to the player. It helped to humanise an experience that is mostly detached from the reality of what the game recreates. It's difficult to imagine that any person could have done whatever it is that Wild Bill has done better.

Tomo

sami heimola · Post by **sami heimola** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 12:03 pm

Wild Bill, without your endless support for my project (SPACW) wouldn't ever been possible <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . Do you remember our discussions about it during summer 1999? Though almost everybody (expect you) doubted my idea about using SP2's engine (at that time) for 19th century warfare. So I decided even try ask couple of volunteers <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0"> . As time went forward and SPWAW came I wanted to use it's engine and great features <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> . You got us to be convinced that scale of SPWAW fits into this kind of warfare.

So I want to say BIG Thank You once again on behalf of my SPACW team. I hope that you will design some scen(s)to us in future?

Sami

fguillemart · Post by **fguillemart** » Thu Sep 27, 2001 6:18 pm

Hello Bill,
I just wanted to wish you a happy and long retirement.
Thanks for all the wonderful work you've been doing over the past years.
Thanks too for the time you took answering "silly" questions about MG efficiency when I posted you some months ago.

Wild Bill · Post by **Wild Bill** » Fri Sep 28, 2001 12:39 am

I've never gotten a silly question, F14, my friend. I take them all very seriously. Nothing worse than having a dilemma and no one who will help or even cares. I've been down that road. Any question is a good one if you don't know the answer.

And yes,working with Sami has been and will be a pleasure.

You talk about determination! Now Sami is the essence of dogged determination. Hang in there, my friend. It will happen. You have a great team to get it done. Sorry I have not been able to contribute more.

I don't mind the repeats, Tomo! I've taken enough hits during these years that I'll be honest. This is like the balm of Gilead to a beat up warrior.

There is always a vociferous minority. Now I'm hearing the majority speaking loudly and clearly and it sounds real good.

You did read me right on my purposes and policies as to scenario design, like you'd been walking around inside my head (No problem, plenty of room, just watch out for cobwebs <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> ).

Thanks guys. It really means a lot!

Wild Bill