Moving on

Naughty Dog’s lead game designer Richard Lemarchand has exited the company in order to accept a position at the University of Southern California. The Uncharted man – who played a pivotal part in the franchise’s rise to success – will join the school’s Interactive Media Division. Previous students include thatgamecompany founders Kellee Santiago and Jenova Chen.

Speaking of the move, Lemarchand said:

I think the simplest answer is that it seems like a natural transition point.

I was involved with the development of the Uncharted series not quite from the beginning, but almost... and even though the Uncharted series isn't intended to be viewed as a trilogy, maybe there's something about the number three that felt... there is a certain amount of completeness for me.

After many years working on blockbuster titles, Lemarchand added that he hopes to work on some more experimental projects in his new role.

He explained:

I've always loved the experimental and avant-garde. I wanted to try to make a game in that sphere for the best part of a decade, now.

Lemarchand joined Naughty Dog after almost a decade at Crystal Dynamics. He worked as a lead designer on Jak X: Combat Racing before moving on to play a key role in the Uncharted trilogy. We wish him all the best in his new endeavours.