PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WPRI) — John Warden worked for Hasbro for more than 25 years, designing toys for popular franchise brands like Transformers, G.I. Joe and Pokémon. But his dream job abruptly ended Wednesday, when the the toymaking and entertainment giant laid him off. "It was a little heartbreaking," Warden said. "This took a lot of us by surprise." Warden was one of the nearly 100 Hasbro employees whose jobs were cut as the toymaker works to streamline operations. (Courtesy: John Warden) "There was not a lot of warning and we were kind of blindsided," Warden continued. Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks announced the layoffs in a memo sent to employees, made public by The Toy Book. "These changes will improve productivity and empowerment but required making some difficult choices," Cocks wrote in the memo. "As a result … we are saying goodbye to several team members who will be moving on from Hasbro. We’re grateful for their contributions to our mission and wish each of them well." Warden, who's originally from Ohio, told 12 News he packed up and moved to Rhode Island to work for Hasbro after it purchased Kenner, another popular toymaker, and closed its Cincinnati offices. "I was able to raise a family here and work on so many brands for Hasbro," he said. "I've been here for 25 years. I'm from the Midwest, but in my heart I'm a Rhode Islander." SEE ALSO: Hasbro cutting dozens of jobs to streamline operations Despite being disappointed that his time at Hasbro has come to a close, Warden can't help but be grateful for the opportunities he's had over the years. "I consider myself very lucky," Warden said. "Not many people get to live out their childhood dream." "When I was a little boy, I played with these toys and made up my mind that I wanted to design them someday," he continued. "I was able to accomplish that, and for that I am very thankful." Warden said he traveled across the world throughout his career attending a countless movie premieres and conventions, at which he met celebrities, fans and fellow toy enthusiasts. "Hasbro's brands really connect people," Warden said. "I think in these times where we all are struggling ... sometimes, it's nice to escape into a world of giant robots." (Courtesy: John Warden) (Courtesy: John Warden) "For a small second, it makes all the worries of the real world go away," he added. The layoffs come as Hasbro considers moving its headquarters out of Rhode Island and into neighboring Massachusetts. When asked his thoughts about Hasbro moving to Greater Boston, Warden's response was simple. "I really think there is something special about Hasbro [being in] Rhode Island," he said. "Only time will tell, but I certainly love Rhode Island and I sure wish Hasbro would stay here." TARGET 12: Massachusetts started trying to lure Hasbro in the spring Though he's unsure exactly what his future holds post-Hasbro, Warden said he's excited to find out. "I look forward to whatever that next chapter is for myself," he said. Warden also had an inspiring message for his former Hasbro colleagues who were also let go. "Continue to chase your dreams and those dreams just might happen," he said with a smile. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW