News Sony Recruiting Audio Designers for Project at Insomniac Games
More exclusives on the way?
News EA Makes 350 Redundant As It Aims to Be World's Greatest Games Company
"We're not there right now"
News Enormous Lay Offs Leave Hundreds at Activision Blizzard Out of Work
Entire organisation struck
Employment - News
May2019
News Sony Recruiting Audio Designers for Project at Insomniac Games
More exclusives on the way?
There are a couple of interesting inclusions on Sony’s careers page right now: it’s looking for a couple of audio designers to work onsite at Insomniac Games. This is particularly interesting, of course, because the Burbank-based developer is not part of PlayStation’s first-party portfolio, suggesting that the two...
March2019
News EA Makes 350 Redundant As It Aims to Be World's Greatest Games Company
"We're not there right now"
EA is laying off an eye-watering 350 people in its marketing, publishing, and analytics departments. Kotaku managed to obtain an internal email from marketing chief Chris Bruzzo, in which he said that the staffing adjustments were designed to improve the publisher’s customer support, and optimise its global strategies...
February2019
News Enormous Lay Offs Leave Hundreds at Activision Blizzard Out of Work
Entire organisation struck
Activision Blizzard has notified hundreds of employees that their services will no longer be required today. The cull is rumoured to affect around eight per cent of the organisation’s enormous 9,600 workforce, so will render hundreds of staffers redundant. The cuts span the entire organisation, including Activision,...
July2018
News Quantic Dream Loses Employment Case Amid Photoshop Scandal
First of several cases to rule in employee's favour
The controversy surrounding Quantic Dream rumbles on, as the Parisian developer has lost a court case against a former employee, who quit their job following an image manipulation scandal
March2018
News The Last of Us' Neil Druckmann Promoted to Vice President of Naughty Dog
Game Directors and Lead Designers for The Last of Us 2 announced
Naughty Dog veteran Neil Druckmann has been promoted to the position of Vice President at the Californian developer. According to President Evan Wells, this is in recognition of Neil’s “expanded role, contributing on critical, studio level decisions”. The former programmer will...
February2018
News Capcom Chops Back Vancouver Branch as Dead Rising Sequel Is Dialled Down
Unannounced game cancelled
As many as 50 employees have been laid off at Dead Rising 4 developer Capcom Vancouver, according to a Kotaku story citing sources and social media reports. The cutbacks include the cancellation of a project believed to be set in an alternate reality New York, as well as changes to the next Dead Rising title, which had...
January2018
News Sonic the Hedgehog Creator Yuji Naka Spin Dashes Square Enix
Aw, yeah – this is happenin’
Video game icon Yuji Naka – the former boss of Sonic Team and the lead programmer of the original Sonic the Hedgehog games – has announced that he joined Square Enix in January. “I’m joining game development as before, and strive to develop games at Square Enix,” he said. “I aim to develop an enjoyable...
News Sony's Third-Party Relations Chief Exits After a Year
Revolving door
The replacement for Adam Boyes in one of PlayStation’s most important positions has left the company after just a year, according to a Games Beat report. Ex-Harmonix chief Florian Hunziker was recruited in January 2017 as Head of Third-Party Developer Relations to fill the shoes of the aforementioned charismatic suit, but has...
November2017
News Hob, Torchlight Developer Runic Games Is No More
Hob gone
Torchlight developer Runic Games has been shuttered by parent company Perfect World Entertainment – and there’s a pun in there somewhere which probably isn’t appropriate to use. Anyway, the studio most recently released the likeable – but, ultimately, overlooked – Hob on the PlayStation 4. It is, however, no more. “I'm sorry to...
October2017
News Naughty Dog Responds to Sexual Harassment Allegations
"We have not found any evidence"
Over the course of the weekend, former Naughty Dog employee David Ballard publicly stated that he was a victim of sexual harassment during his tenure at the developer. He claimed that he was harassed by a “lead” in late 2015, and after sharing his complaints with Sony’s HR department, he alleges that he was...
September2017
News Agents of Mayhem Developer Volition Struck by Layoffs
Deep Silver supposedly unhappy with sales
Volition, the developer behind Agents of Mayhem but best known for the Saints Row series, has been struck by a round of layoffs. News comes courtesy of Kotaku sources, though owner Deep Silver has yet to comment on the situation. Reports suggest that more than 30 people have been made redundant, from a team...
News You Should Probably Expect More NieR in the Near Future
A2 go
You could make a case for NieR: Automata being one of the biggest success stories of 2017. Don’t get us wrong, the game always looked good, but its predecessor was a big commercial bomb – and it didn’t fare particularly well critically either. But the tale of 2B and her android pals captured the imagination of gamers and reviewers alike...
News Uncharted, The Last of Us Director Bruce Straley Departs Naughty Dog
Woof
He’s been on sabbatical for a year, but Naughty Dog veteran Bruce Straley will not be returning to the kennel. After spending 18 years at the Californian company, The Last of Us and Uncharted director has called time on his tenure at the award-winning studio. There’s no word on what he’ll do next, but we’re sure that we’ll be hearing...
August2017
News Naughty Dog Is Hiring, Like, Everyone for The Last of Us: Part II
Studio on enormous recruitment spree
Looks like The Last of Us: Part II is about to enter full production, as Naughty Dog is hiring for… Well, a frightening number of new positions. The award-winning developer’s looking for everything from artists to programmers to designers to animators to… Well, you get the picture. You can find out more...
July2017
News Killzone: Shadow Fall Director Exits Guerrilla After 12 Years
Try not ter Heide away
Killzone: Shadow Fall director and Guerrilla Games veteran Steven ter Heide has departed the Dutch developer after 12 years. In addition to leading production on the PlayStation 4 launch title, ter Heide also recently worked on both Horizon: Zero Dawn and RIGS: Mechanized Combat League, so he’s got quite the portfolio. It...
May2017
News Horizon: Zero Dawn Developer Recruiting Quest Designers
Ahoy, Aloy
Horizon: Zero Dawn may be one of the best games of the year, but the work never ends at Dutch developer Guerrilla Games. While many studios experience a cooling off period in the aftermath of a big product launch, instead the first-party is currently recruiting quest designers to work on its future projects. We know that production is
News Ex-Fable Chief Joins Sony to Lead AAA PlayStation VR Projects
From Lionhead Studios to London Studio
The former chief of Microsoft’s shuttered Lionhead Studios has been headhunted by Sony’s own London Studio to lead the development of AAA PlayStation VR projects. Stuart Whyte, who’ll begin work this coming Monday, has a long and storied history in the industry, having held positions at legendary UK...
April2017
News The Last of Us Dev Naughty Dog's on a Real Hiring Spree
Fresh blood
We assume Naughty Dog's really starting to ramp up production on The Last of Us: Part II right now, as it's on a huge hiring spree. The Californian developer is trying to fill a wide gamut of positions, including everything from gameplay animators right the way through to visual effects artists. The studio's got a lot on its plate right...
March2017
News Telltale Chief Kevin Bruner Reportedly Steps Down
Telltale will remember that
Telltale gaffer Kevin Bruner has reportedly stepped down from his position of CEO this week, according to sources close to Kotaku scribe Jason Schreier. This is big news because Bruner actually helped found the company which has gone on to become a major household name, following its success primarily on The Walking Dead...
February2017
News GameStop May Be Lying to You About New Games
Bonkers initiative puts staff in impossible position
A new program established by GameStop management may be forcing humble store clerks to lie to you about the availability of brand new games – and it's kinda crazy. Reddit has been bubbling over with reports of the retailer's 'Circle of Life' initiative for a few days now, but Kotaku's...
December2016
News Merry Christmas! Crytek Closes a Whopping Five Studios
In Crysis
Crytek, the major developer perhaps best known for the Crysis series, has broken silence on rumours regarding its inability to pay staff, confirming that it's closing down a whopping five of its wholly owned studios. The move means that its Budapest (Hungary), Sofia (Bulgaria), Seoul (South Korea), Shanghai (China), and Istanbul (Turkey)...
News Bruce Straley Will Not Co-Direct The Last of Us: Part II
Astray
This is a little bit of a bummer: Bruce Straley will not co-direct The Last of Us: Part II. The veteran game director, who's been with Naughty Dog for many years but is best known for his partnership with Neil Druckmann on The Last of Us and Uncharted 4: A Thief's End, is taking a year-long sabbatical from game development after many years...
October2016
News Sleeping Dogs 2 Hopes Put Down as United Front Games Shuts Shop
You won't be seeing Wei Shen again
Sleeping Dogs deserved so much more. The Hong Kong-based, pork bun-wielding cult classic didn't exactly set the cash registers alight, but it was universally adored by those who played it – primarily because it was essentially Grand Theft Auto without crap controls. While many held out hope for a sequel,...
September2016
News MLB The Show Survives as Sony San Diego Restructures
Drawn to Death not dead either
Sony San Diego has seen a large number of layoffs – thought to be in the region of 40 to 50 employees – but the MLB The Show team has been unaffected. Despite being one of the Japanese giant's lower-profile exclusives, the baseball series sells strongly every year in the United States – and is widely considered...
August2016
News Buzz! Developer Relentless Software Shuttered
X
In the days before the Nintendo Wii, it was actually Sony that ruled the casual games space – especially in Europe, with franchises like Singstar, EyeToy Play, and… Yes, Buzz!. For those of you who don't remember it – the series only seemed to be popular in the Old World – it was essentially a multiplayer quiz title, where you controlled...
April2016
News Ex-Rockstar North Boss Is Taking Take-Two to the Cleaners
Disgruntled executive wants $150 million
Do you remember when Leslie Benzies, the former president of Rockstar North, left the Edinburgh-based developer earlier in the year? Having enjoyed a long sabbatical prior to his departure, it seemed like the suit was simply burnt out. However, that's not the case according to a $150 million lawsuit that...
March2016
News Sony to Hold Recruitment Fair for Axed Lionhead Employees
All SCEE studios to attend
As a British site, we always find it extra sad when UK studios close their doors – especially if they have a long and storied lineage like Studio Liverpool or Bizarre Creations. The closure of Lionhead this week, then, proved particularly depressing news – even more so seeing as the Guildford-based outfit was...
January2016
News Grand Theft Auto Veteran Exits Rockstar North
Leslie Benzies departs Scottish studio
Rockstar North, the uber-secretive Edinburgh-based developer behind the Grand Theft Auto franchise, is going through a bit of a shake-up at the minute. Leslie Benzies, one of the key figures behind the aforementioned sandbox series, has departed the company after over 15 years of service. He originally...
August2015
News Sony Wants Studio Ghibli Inspired Artists for Project Morpheus Exclusive
Spirited away
Sony's new first-party studio based in the North West of England is still hiring, and now it's looking for an Environment Artist with a "stylised folio similar to Studio Ghibli". The famed Japanese animation house has been pumping out hits in a certain style for years, but you'll probably best know the firm for its collaboration with...
News SCEUK Gaffer Fergal Gara Says Ta-Ra to PlayStation
Off to pursue a new professional venture
Since taking charge of SCEUK in 2011, Fergal Gara has successfully steered PlayStation back to the top of the gaming pile in the notoriously competitive nation. It's perhaps fitting that the former Asda executive has decided to bow out while the company's very much on top, then, with the popular honcho...
May2015
News Sony's Seemingly Forming a Fresh First-Party Studio for Project Morpheus
Time for something completely different
Project Morpheus certainly has plenty of promise, but if it stands any chance of succeeding, it will need Sony's full support. The organisation must provide the peripheral with a steady stream of bespoke software, so it's perhaps a good thing that it's seemingly creating a new first-party studio to do just...
News Lost Planet 3 and Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z Developer Spark Unlimited Closes its Doors
Studio survived for over a decade
It's another rather sad story of studio closure today, as Spark Unlimited, the developer behind the uninspired but solid Lost Planet 3 and the critically panned Yaiba: Ninja Gaiden Z, has shut up shop. The studio told Polygon that some of its team "have decided to move on to other things". Spark Unlimited was...
April2015
News Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel Developer Shuts Up Shop
Caught in a Claptrap
Ah, the brutal realities of AAA game development: Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel was a generally well received entry in Gearbox's lootin', shootin' series – but the developer no longer exists. Kotaku broke the news courtesy of an anonymous source, but publisher 2K Games has since confirmed the closure. "We can confirm that we...
News Konami Fired Hideo Kojima, According to Voice Actress
!
Veteran video game visionary Hideo Kojima was fired by Konami, according to Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes actress Donna Burke. Reports earlier in the year revealed that the legendary developer would leave the Japanese publisher once Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain was finished – but there was still the slightest possibility that his...
Site News Hideo Kojima Joins the Push Square Team
Metal Gear developer to move into video game journalism
Loughborough, England – Push Square, the internationally recognised PlayStation publication operated by Nlife Ltd, has today announced that video game visionary Hideo Kojima will be joining its editorial team as a reviewer. Mr. Kojima is perhaps best known for his work on the critically...
October2014
News Jade Raymond Departs Ubisoft After a Decade in the Job
Will pursue new opportunities
Jade Raymond, one of Ubisoft’s highest profile employees, has decided to depart the French firm after a decade of service. The luminary is perhaps best known for her role as a producer on Assassin’s Creed, but has held multiple positions throughout the company, and was most recently responsible for the formation...
August2014
News The Man in Charge of Mass Effect Has Boarded the Normandy SR-2
Veteran hangs up his N7 armour
PlayStation 4’s first Mass Effect game didn’t look in a particularly mature state at Comic-Con earlier this year, so it’s concerning to learn that Casey Hudson – the man in charge of the franchise – has departed BioWare before the sequel’s even been properly announced. In his
News Infinity Ward Agrees to Tame Two Naughty Dog Employees
Call of Duty company adopts veterans
The over publicised exodus at Naughty Dog is showing no signs of slowing, as two studio strays have found a new home at Call of Duty: Ghosts developer Infinity Ward. Jacob Minkoff and Taylor Kurosaki, both notable names at the Californian company, will assume the design director and narrative director positions...
July2014
News Saints Row's Stupidity Will Almost Certainly Return on PS4
Loud and proud
Since the success of Saints Row IV on the PlayStation 3, developer Volition has been a little secretive. There were rumours coming out of E3 2014 that publisher Deep Silver was about to announce a new entry in the stupid sandbox series, but that turned out to be the equally ridiculous Dead Island 2. Alas, the aforementioned outfit...
News Guerrilla Games' Unannounced PS4 Property to Boast Innovative Online Gameplay
Match makers
We don’t know a whole lot about Guerrilla Games’ unannounced PlayStation 4 project, aside from the fact that it’s in production now. However, a job listing on the Dutch developer’s official website hints that it may sport “innovative online gameplay”
Rumour Homefront: The Revolution's Hopes of an Uprising Plummet
Title potentially in tatters
Homefront: The Revolution, the first-person franchise revival by Crytek UK, only got announced a few weeks ago – but the project already appears to be in tatters. Widespread reports suggest that the firm formerly known as Free Radical has been working without pay chequ
News Killzone: Mercenary Developer Recruiting for High Profile PS4 Projects
Sir Dan, rise from your grave
Guerrilla Cambridge, the studio behind PlayStation Vita exclusive Killzone: Mercenary, is currently searching for an audio programmer to provide support on “forthcoming projects in a high profile, multi-million selling franchise”. The studio is thought to be switching its attention to the PlayStation 4, with
June2014
E3 2014 God of War III Director Stig Asmussen Swaps Titans for Titans
Sony Santa Monica veteran joins Respawn Entertainment
God of War III director Stig Asmussen’s rumoured sci-fi PlayStation 4 exclusive may have been cancelled, but the talented developer has wasted no time landing back on his feet, revealing that he has hooked up with Titanfall developer Respawn Entertainment. According to
May2014
News Believe It or Not, People Are Actually Joining Naughty Dog
Much wow
In perhaps the most over publicised instance of employee rotation, Naughty Dog has been painted as a doomed developer over the past few months. However, for every high-profile departure
April2014
News The Last of Us' Lead Character Artist Michael Knowland Has Left Naughty Dog
Goodbye and good luck
In a series of events that's beginning to look as weird as the plot from a David Lynch film, yet another Naughty Dog staffer is packing up their bags and jumping ship. Michael Knowland, the incredibly talented lead character artist on The Last of Us, has reportedly left the studio. He's yet to reveal where he plans to peddle...
News The Last of Us Artist Departs Naughty Dog for Giant Sparrow
Wells there you go
The game of musical chairs at Sony first-party Naughty Dog is still ongoing, as The Last of Us' lead artist Nate Wells has departed the Californian studio in order to team up with indie Giant Sparrow. You may remember the aforementioned outfit for The Unfinished Swan, which was one of our favo
News PlayStation Maker Ken Kutaragi Complimented Shuhei Yoshida Twice
And that was more than most
Ex-PlayStation president Ken Kutaragi may be the ‘Father of PlayStation’, but he had a tenuous relationship with his employees at best. Speaking as part of a question and answer session conducted by PlayStation 4 architect Mark Cerny, Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida recalled the discussion that preceded his...
News Sony Bend's Secret PS4 Project Will Sport Complex Human AI
How Logan you go?
Uncharted: Golden Abyss developer Sony Bend is working on a PlayStation 4 title, and a job listing uncovered by the ever observant DualShockers.com may have shed a little light on what we can expect. During the platform holder’s next-gen launch event late last year,
March2014
Talking Point PlayStation's Big Employment Perception Issue
In and out
Sony’s Worldwide Studios got a lot lighter this month. There’s been more hiring and firing within the platform holder’s pool of first-party developers than an episode of The Apprentice of late, with departures seemingly occurring every day. The end of SCEA president Jack Tretton’s colossal tenure was sad enough news at the...
News Uncharted PS4's Director Justin Richmond Departs Naughty Dog
Could the last one please turn out the lights?
Whip out your Sony studio boss bingo sheet, as yet another high-profile developer has bit the dust. The latest in the long line of executives to exit the manufacturer is Justin Richmond, who was acting as Uncharted PS4’s game director. His departure follows in the footsteps of Amy Hennig, who worked...
News High Profile Designer Seth Killian Has Resigned from Sony Santa Monica
Dropping like flies
Get out a pen and a mug of Horlicks – it's time to play Sony developer departure bingo. Most recently, Sony Santa Monica staffer Seth Killian has decided to jump ship, confirming the news mere weeks after the studio was ravaged with dismissals. The designer was famously involved w
News PS4 Exclusive DriveClub Not Dinged by Evolution Studios Layoffs
Project's paintwork still pristine
The confirmation of layoffs at Sony first-party outfit Evolution Studios earlier today left most racing aficionados fearing the worst for the MotorStorm creator’s inaugural PlayStation 4 outing, DriveClub. Fortunately, a spokesperson for SCEE has
News DriveClub Developer Evolution Studios Struck by Layoffs
Two other UK teams affected
We’re approaching the end of the fiscal year, which means that Sony’s still going through the process of downsizing some of its teams. Following redundancies at God of War developer Sony Santa Monica earlier in the month, the platform holder has now confirmed that there have been casualties at three of its British...
News SCEA President Jack Tretton Won't Be Dropping the Mic At Any More Sony Pressers
Goodbye old friend
Sony may have hit a homerun with the PlayStation 4 over the past few months, but it's undergoing a bit of an employment overhaul at the minute. Hot on the heels of layoffs at Sony Santa Monica and the departure of Uncharted creator
February2014
News God of War Studio Sony Santa Monica Slashed by the Blades of Corporate Chaos
By Zeus' beard
Sony Santa Monica has been hit by layoffs today, the studio has confirmed. In a statement issued to IGN, the platform holder revealed that the move is a result of “resource re-alignment” and is a decision which it “hasn’t taken lightly”. The firm added that it has offered any affected employees “outplacement services and...
News Ken Levine Closes the Booker on Irrational Games
BioShock studio caught in the Rapture
Irrational Games, the legendary developer best known for the BioShock franchise, is no more. Writing on the company’s official website, founder Ken Levine has confirmed that the studio is shutting down after an incredible 17 years of development. The outfit’s last ever release will be the second episode of...
News Unannounced Need for Speed Title Canned as Focus Turns to Battlefield
Not fast enough
With the multi-million selling first-person favourite Battlefield standing toe-to-toe with genre juggernaut Call of Duty, EA has chosen to focus its efforts on the modern military brand – but not without some casualties. Ghost Games UK, which aided production on Need for Speed: Rivals, has been hit by layoffs over the past few...
January2014
News Bethesda Issues a War Cry for 'Bleeding-Edge' PS4 RPG
Will there be any Fallout?
Last year was a rather quiet period for Bethesda, but a recent job listing for a games programmer has surfaced. The recruitment drive seeks to add new members to a "team that is pushing the bleeding-edge of role-playing game development". Alright, we're listening. With the Zenimax owned outfit set to release Wolfenstein:...
News Star Wars 1313's Creative Director Plots a Course for PS4
Not a Wookiee
Dominic Robilliard, the creative director on LucasArts’ unreleased Star Wars 1313, has fired up his jetpack and returned to Sony’s first-party fray. The developer – whose previous credits include London Studio’s underrated The Getaway games – has been working with the platform holder for over seven months now, though it’s...
November2013
News Graphics Coder Corrinne Yu Dumps Microsoft for Naughty Dog
Already loving PS4
Programmers rarely ever take centre stage in the games industry, but Corrinne Yu has enormous pedigree behind the scenes. Having cut her teeth as an elite programmer on the classic adventure title King’s Quest for the Apple II, she adopted many game development roles before eventually winding up as the Director of Technology at...
August2013
News Cory Barlog Recruiting a New Team at Sony Santa Monica
God of War II director working on something huge
Cory Barlog’s “crazy announcement” turned out to be exactly what we expected: the God of War II director is returning to his former stomping ground, Sony Santa Monica. In an enormous post on the PlayStation Blog, the outspoken developer talked candidly about the tim
News God of War II Director Cory Barlog Teases 'Crazy' Reveal
Has the king come home?
Put your hype in perspective – this is unlikely to be a game announcement. However, it’s still news worth anticipating. Cory Barlog, the man behind God of War II, has Tweeted that there’ll be a “crazy announcement” on the PlayStation Blog today. Our best guess? He’s returning to Sony Santa Monica. The outspoken
July2013
News Ratchet & Clank Writer Goes Commando, Departs Insomniac Games
Into the nexus
In an announcement that would make Captain Qwark cry, legendary writer TJ Fixman has confirmed that he’s set to depart Insomniac Games. The voice behind seven of the Ratchet & Clank titles has been lured away from game development by his screenwriter ambitions – but insists that he’ll continue to play a key role in...
News Ninja Theory Searching for Protégés, Working on Blockbuster Game
DmC developer's latest is probably for PS4
Fresh from irritating the entirety of the Internet with its reimagining of Devil May Cry, divisive developer Ninja Theory is recruiting for a brand new blockbuster project. Last week, the Cambridge-based outfit revealed that it was on the lookout for fresh blood, and it’s since followed up with a slew of...
June2013
News Hitman Developer Struck with Layoffs as Studio Refocuses on Franchise
Kane and Lynch keeping out of trouble
You can kiss goodbye to any hopes of a Mini Ninjas sequel. A spokesperson for Square Enix Europe has told Games Industry International that Danish developer IO Interactive has had all of its projects cancelled and its workforce cut in half as it refocuses on the Hitman franchise. In the process, former...
May2013
News Job Listing Suggests That Sony Wants You to Talk to Your PS4
Conversations with consoles
We regularly whisper sweet little somethings into our PlayStation 3’s disc drive, but other than the slight purr of the system’s primary fan, we don’t get much in the way of a response. That could be about to change with the PlayStation 4, as a Linked In job listing has hinted that Sony could be about to follow in...
News Ken Kutaragi Secures a Second Job at Marvelous AQL
Father of PlayStation teams up with Soul Sacrifice developer
It’s taken a while, but it seems that Ken Kutaragi has finally followed his own controversial advice and landed himself a second job. The man behind the PlayStation, and the former chairman and CEO of SCE, has secured the role of external director at Soul Sacrifice developer Marvelous...
April2013
News Disney Dumps LucasArts in a Galaxy Far, Far Away
Star Wars 1313's fate not looking good
Disney’s questionable treatment of non-Star Wars: Episode VII content has continued today with the closure of legendary video game arm LucasArts. Following the Mickey Mouse marker's acquisition of LucasFilm along with its various subsidiaries late last year, the company has opted to shutter a large portion...
March2013
News Could Sleeping Dogs' Sequel Be Resting with the Fishes?
No Wei
Given publisher Square Enix’s volatile temperament at the moment, we’re more than a little concerned by some reports filtering out of Sleeping Dogs developer United Front Games. Apparently, the Canadian studio has been struck by a round of layoffs, following the cancellation of an "action adventure" game. Seasoned snoop Superannuation...
News Yoichi Wada Exits Square Enix Following 'Extraordinary Loss'
Final Fantasy maker down on its luck
John Riccitiello is not the only high-profile video game executive to be heading for the exit door, as Square Enix gaffer Yoichi Wada has been ousted from the company following a dire financial forecast for its current fiscal year. The outgoing boss had been in the job since 2000, but he’ll now be replaced by...
News John Riccitiello Steps Down from His Post as EA CEO
Under fire executive resigns
Electronic Arts CEO John Riccitiello has submitted his resignation to a boardroom of (presumably) stern-looking directors. The executive’s final day will be on 30th March, the close of the company’s fiscal year. After that, he’ll be forced to pack up his ballpoint pens and Commander Shepard figurines, and leave the...
News Former Sony CEO Howard Stringer to Retire in June
Brave new world
Sony chairman and former chief executive officer Howard Stringer has announced that he will retire from his position within the firm in June. The Welsh businessman announced his departure as part of a speech at the Japan Society in New York City last week, where he revealed that he will turn his attention to the healthcare and...
February2013
News Sony Severs Ties with PlayStation All-Stars Developer
Walking away
Despite the likelihood of a sequel seeming fairly high, Sony has confirmed that it has ended its relationship with PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment. The platform holder confirmed the news in a press release earlier this evening, adding that its Santa Monica studio will continue to support the release...
January2013
News Warren Spector's Junction Point Reaches the End of the Line
Mickey mania
After the reportedly dire sales of Epic Mickey 2, it’s perhaps not surprising that Disney has decided to shutter developer Junction Point today – but that doesn’t make the news any easier to swallow. The publisher, currently wrapped up in the production of Disney Infinity, confirmed the closure earlier this evening, citing its...
News Crytek Resurrects Darksiders Developers with Texas Studio
Back from the brink
Darksiders may have been caught by the scythe of Death, but that’s not stopping a number of former Vigil Games employees from finding new life at Crytek USA. The Austin-based outfit, announced earlier today, represents the ninth studio in the German firm’s portfolio. Its foundation follows closely in the footsteps of Crytek...
News Legendary Rare Developer Switches Xbox for PlayStation
Flying the first-party flag
You may not have heard of George Andreas, but you will almost certainly have played one of his games. The former Rare employee worked on a wealth of classics during his 16 year tenure at the UK studio, including Banjo-Kazooie, Donkey Kong 64, and even GoldenEye 007. But, after playing a pivotal role in the production of
Rumour PlayStation All-Stars Developer Thumped by Layoffs
Heavy haymaker
PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale developer SuperBot Entertainment has apparently been struck by a round of layoffs. According to Insomniac Games designer Mike Birkhead, around 20 employees were released earlier today. “When it rains, it pours,” he said, presumably in reference to the recent slew of job losses at defunct...
News THQ's Assets Are Divided, Deep Silver Snatches Saints Row
Thanks for the memories
The auction for THQ’s assets has concluded, with the publisher closing up shop as a result. After a gruelling 22 hour auction process, intermediaries decided that individual bids would net a greater cash return for the debt riddled company, resulting in the demise of the once prolific publisher. The new owners of many of...
December2012
News Phew, Looks Like There May Be a PlayStation All-Stars Sequel
Celebrate good times
We’ve got to admit, PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale’s seemingly poor sales had us worried for a moment. Developer SuperBot Entertainment has crafted such an excellent starting point, that it would be a real shame if the idea didn’t get fleshed out further in a sequel – but it looks like that’s exactly what’s on...
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Closes for Good
You only live twice
Blighted British developer Eurocom has been forced to close its doors just weeks after announcing huge redundancies. The Derby-based studio employed over 200 people prior to releasing 007 Legends earlier this year. It slashed that headcount to just 50 in November, before letting the remaining staff go earlier today. “Today...
November2012
News 007 Legends Developer Eurocom Sheds a Chunk of Its Staff
The world is not enough
Legendary UK developer Eurocom has cut its workforce to just under 50 employees today. The studio – which previously employed over 200 people – has been forced to restructure after a decline in demand for console games. "Eurocom are undertaking a restructuring which I regret to say has meant we've made the majority of...
News Admit It, You Want This Glass DualShock 3
Parting gift
Jeff Rubenstein may have departed Sony Computer Entertainment America recently, but the social media wizard will always have something to remember his five years at the company with. In order to recognise his service, the platform holder has awarded the PlayStation Blog guru with a glass replica of the DualShock 3 controller. Not only...
News Sony Bend Recruiting for Blockbuster Vita Game
New blood
Sony Bend, the North American first-party studio responsible for the Syphon Filter franchise and the recent Uncharted: Golden Abyss, is staffing up for a new blockbuster PlayStation Vita title. A job listing for a Senior Staff Technical Animator on Gamasutra notes that the developer is currently looking for “top artistic talent to help...
News Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein Exits PlayStation
Thanks for the memories
After a slew of rumours, Senior Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein has confirmed that he’s leaving PlayStation. Those that have been invested in the brand since the early PS3 days will know that Jeff has played an integral part in transforming the PlayStation Blog into one of the most popular gaming websites in the world...
News Mafia Developer Aiming to "Push the Boundaries of Cutting Edge Hardware"
Period drama
Mafia II may have been disappointing from a gameplay perspective – but it remains one of the most atmospheric PlayStation 3 titles to date. As such, we’re eager to see what developer 2K Czech can achieve with next-generation hardware. Fortunately, the studio is rumoured to be working on a sequel to the open world crime drama for...
October2012
News Cliff Bleszinski Offers to Help Turn Resident Evil Around
Gears of gore
Currently unemployed video game luminary Cliff Bleszinski has offered to help resurrect Capcom’s ailing Resident Evil series. The former Epic Games employee Tweeted over the weekend, “Hey, Capcom. Call me. We can fix Resident Evil. Together.” The distinguished designer played a pivotal part in transforming Microsoft’s Gears of...
News Sony Is Slashing 2,000 Jobs in Japan
Cost cutting
Sony has announced that it will cut 2,000 jobs in Japan via an “early retirement” scheme. The Next Web notes that the cuts are set to affect the company’s head office the hardest, with 20 per cent of employees set to depart by the end of the year. The move will apparently save the manufacturer a whopping ¥30 billion (roughly $378...
News Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified Developer Changes Name, Focuses on Mobile
Dramatic turn of events
You’ve officially tarnished Nihilistic Software’s name to the point where the studio has had to completely rebrand. The Call of Duty: Black Ops Declassified developer announced this morning that it is renaming itself to nStigate. The stud
News Starhawk Developer Shrinks, Switches to iOS Development
Times are changing
We didn’t expect Starhawk developer LightBox Interactive to stay exclusive to Sony following the release of its most recent online multiplayer shooter, but we’re a little bit disappointed by the company’s decision to step away from console development altogether. Alas, company president Dylan Jobe confirmed overnight that...
News More BioShock Infinite Developers Depart on Sky-Lines
Job done?
That brand new BioShock Infinite trailer can’t come soon enough. Following rumours of a troubled development, a further two Irrational Games employees have departed the company. Both combat designer Clint Bundrick and AI lead Don Norbury have parted ways with the project, according to
News Backbone Entertainment Is on the Cusp of Closure
Troubling times
Port specialists Backbone Entertainment may be shut down, according to sources cited by IGN. The publication notes that the company is currently downsizing, with the hope that it will be able to continue to operate with a much “smaller” team. Of course, that won’t come as much comfort to the dozens of employees facing the chop...
News Sony Is Suing Bridgestone and, Erm, Kevin Butler
Bizarre twist
Switch off Match of the Day and replace that cup of cocoa for something stronger, because things are really heating up online. A handful of court documents have revealed that Sony is in the process of suing Bridgestone and advertising agency Wildcat Creek – which just so happens to be managed by Jerry Lambert, the actor best known...
September2012
News BioWare Co-Founders Quit Video Game Industry for Good
What's up, doc?
Affable executives Greg Zeschuk and Ray Muzyka have announced their departure from BioWare – and the games industry in general. The duo co-founded the company in 1995 after graduating from medical school. In an honest blog post aimed at fans, Zeschuk explained that his lust for games had waned: "After nearly twenty years working...
News WipEout 2048 Community Team Tweets: "We Are Alive"
What?
The official WipEout 2048 Twitter account has teased that it is “alive” this afternoon, causing mass confusion amongst PlayStation fans. Regular readers will recall the sad news regarding developer Studio Liverpool’s closure earlier this year, but it seems like something is bubbling behind the scenes. Exactly what, we’re not entirely...
News UK Retailer GameStation to be Rebranded GAME
End of an era
Those of you in North America have our permission to close your ears while we regale tales about the torrid state of UK retail. Chatting at a conference this morning, GAME Retail has revealed that its GameStation brand is to be phased out. The company – which recently went through a major reshuffle – previously operated GAME and...
News Patrick Seybold Exits Sony Computer Entertainment
Greener grass
Patrick Seybold – the employee saddled with the unfortunate task of spinning Sony’s often disappointing NPD sales results into something positive – has left PlayStation after 12 years. The veteran SCEA employee announced the news on Twitter earlier this week, confirming that he has a new role at mobile outfit TapJoy lined up...
August2012
News Team ICO Loses More Key Personnel
The last man standing
The employee in charge of production on both ICO and Shadow of the Colossus has left Sony Computer Entertainment. Kenji Kaido shared the news on Twitter, declaring: "This August, I left Sony Computer Entertainment.” He added that he has no immediate plans, aside from a long summer vacation. It’s unclear whether Kaido has...
News Sony Shuts Down WipEout Developer Studio Liverpool
No, no, no
Sony has shut down legendary WipEout developer Studio Liverpool. The unfortunate news was originally revealed on the GRCade forum, but has since been confirmed by a slew of staff on Twitter. The British outfit – which originally started life as Psygnosis – has been in business since 1984. Sandy Lobban, an audio lead at the developer,...
Rumour PopCap Games Struck By International Layoffs
Hmm
It looks like yesterday’s hastily prepared Plants vs. Zombies 2 announcement may have been cover for some more sinister happenings at PopCap Games. The Bejeweled developer has been struck by a series of international layoffs, according to comments made by Duke Nukem creator George Broussard. Apparently, the company's entire Dublin studio has...
News Former Irrational Games Art Director Joins Naughty Dog
Wishing you Wells
BioShock Infinite art director Nate Wells may have only just departed Irrational Games, but he’s already landed himself a new gig at award winning Uncharted developer Naughty Dog. Wells announced the news on Twitter overnight, but didn’t offer any specific details. It’s unclear whether he’ll be working on The Last of Us, or...
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