In a move that seems to have been planned behind-the-scenes for quite some time, Sucker Punch co-founder Brian Fleming has announced his departure from the Seattle-based studio after three decades of service.
The bigwig has overseen the creation of legendary PlayStation series such as Sly Cooper, inFAMOUS, and most recently Ghost of Yotei. In a statement, Sony said it had been working with Fleming all year to “ensure [the studio is] in the best hands moving forward”.
Which brings us to the developer’s new studio heads, who will assume the role beginning 1st January: veterans Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley. The pair will be tasked with guiding the “team’s focus on ambitious, character-driven experiences”.
Connell worked as Co-Creative Director on both Ghost of Tsushima and Ghost of Yotei, while Bentley most recently served as Technical Director.
As you can probably tell from their previous titles, the pair represent the best of Sucker Punch’s creative and technical talent, which Sony says will bring the “perfect blend” to their new leadership positions.
Nate Fox, in case you’re wondering, will maintain a very high position at the developer, as Co-Creative Director. While he may seem like the natural successor to Fleming, we’re going to assume he’d rather focus all his energy on creative endeavours.
So, a new era for Sucker Punch under new leadership, then, but the spirit of the studio will endure.
There’s no word on what Fleming will do next, but presumably he’ll be enjoying a well-earned rest first and foremost.