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LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez resigns
LucasArts president Darrell Rodriguez has resigned, prompting the company to begin a search for new leadership. Kotaku reports that several members of Rodriguez's executive team have also departed. A LucasArts representative confirmed the change to IGN, noting that Lucasfilm's Jerry Bowerman will lead while a replacement for Rodriguez is sought. "Darrell Rodriguez has resigned and we have initiated a search for a new leader," the statement read. "Jerry Bowerman - a member of the Lucasfilm Board of Directors and a games industry veteran - will be stepping in to lead the LucasArts executive team during this transition. Lucasfilm remains fully committed to making great games and we continue to invest in our business." Rodriguez once dubbed the revitalization of classic LucasArts games -- such as The Secret of Monkey Island: Special Edition - a "passion project." With a spruced-up sequel already on the way, it seems the publisher will continue carrying out his vision, at least within the near future.
Splinter Cell, Far Cry 2 designer Clint Hocking leaves Ubisoft
[Image Source] Clint Hocking, longtime creative director at Ubisoft on the Splinter Cell games and lead designer on FarCry 2, has announced on his blog that he has resigned from Ubisoft. The separation appears to be genial -- Hocking waxes a little poetic about his nearly-a-decade with the company, and then goes on to say that he has found the courage to "bid farewell to those tragically comforting habits" and move forward to "walk on hot coals and sleep on a bed of nails." We'll assume he's speaking metaphorically there, and guess that Hocking is moving off to start his own company. Still, as Hocking points out, it's a big move away from the company where he started out, originally hired after "fiddling around more or less constantly ... with the Unreal Level Editor" and having "sent in a resume on a lark" to a job posting. Hocking started work on the first Splinter Cell, and says he's "been very lucky to say the least" in his career so far. We'll let you know when we hear what he's up to next. [Via IdleThumbs]
Nippon Ichi head of sales and marketing resigning at the end of March (update)
In a letter recently distributed (.pdf link) to the company's investors, Nippon Ichi president Tomohiro Sato announced that he would be stepping down from his managerial post on March 31. Sato cites "personal reasons" as the force leading him to resign, though this news comes only two weeks on the heels of Nippon Ichi's announcement of its 98 percent year-over-year revenue decline, and resulting JASDAQ freefall. Though we may not undoubtedly know what led to Sato's departure, we're really hoping this is just part of Nippon Ichi's restructuring process, and that we're one step closer to getting our hands on Absolute Hero Modding Project. Ever the pragmatists, we are. Update: Tomohiro Sato is actually the company's head of Sales and Marketing. The current president, Sohei Shinkawa, is not stepping down. We apologize for the mix-up.
Arthur Levinson departs Google board amid FTC probe
We kind of doubt the departure of Genentech's former chief executive from Google's board of directors will close all of this out in the FTC's eyes, but if you were curious about the impact of said probe, here's your answer. Just two months after Google's Eric Schmidt peaced out from Apple's board due to a "conflict of interest," Arthur Levinson has left Google's board for presumably the same reason. Schmidt is still obviously fond of Sir Levinson, noting that he has "has been a key part of Google's success these past five years," and while he's exiting the board, he'll "always have a special place at Google." So, now that all of this is cleared up, can we finally move on without worrying that the aforementioned search giant will buy up the world's remaining inventory of dark fiber, fuse into Apple and create a telepathic iPod that would rule the world until the dawn of the Robot Apocalypse?[Via New York Times]
Google's Eric Schmidt resigns from Apple board over 'conflict of interest'
Should have seen this one coming, right? Google CEO Eric Schmidt has resigned from Apple's board today citing a conflict of interest. Apple (Steve Jobs, in fact) says that "Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple's core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric's effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest." Android and Chrome OS -- something had to give, but the timing sure does make it seem like that Google Voice app rejection might have really hurt someone's feelings. The truth is, it's been a tangled web for some time as far as the relationship between Apple and Google goes. Sure, Schmidt sat on the board, the companies claim to be working on new projects, and Google Maps comes preloaded onto the iPhone, but over the past year, Google's increasing move into Apple's space, and Apple's increasing desire to control every inch of that space have not been good bedfellows. It's hard to imagine that Apple could maintain a completely healthy relationship with a direct competitor in both the phone and OS space for very long, and that's to say nothing of Cupertino's latest push into online document editing and management, which couldn't have seemed very awesome to Schmidt and company. Oh, and there's that matter of the antitrust case which is currently ongoing. Still, it's a bit sad to see this power couple going their separate ways, though it does give us some hope that Google will begin a full assault with Android in earnest, because only sweet stuff could come from those efforts. If you're interested, the full PR is after the break. Update: The FTC says it's going to continue investigating the two companies for "remaining interlocking directorates," so Apple and Google aren't totally out of the woods, but we don't think anything else major is in store here.
2K Australia developer quits job with the help of Mario
If done correctly, quitting your job can be the absolute coolest thing you could ever do. When else do you get to air out hostilities you've harbored for countless years, impress cohorts with theatrical gesticulations and possibly, depending on the awfulness of your workplace environment, relieve yourself in a coffee pot?One Mr. Jarrad recently took a less disgusting route to resignation from his position at 2K Australia -- he programmed a short (but sweet) Flash game, one which informs his employers that he's putting in his two week notice with grace and politeness. Also, with Mario. It may lack the panache of tainted Folgers, but it's still pretty darn amusing (and, more importantly, legal).[Via superannuation]
Funcom CFO resigns in wake of $23.3M loss
These are bad times all around in the massively multiplayer online game industry in terms of the economy. The troubles of some companies are still coming to light, as is the case with Funcom. James Lee from GamesIndustry.biz writes that Funcom has reported its Q4 2008 financial results with "an operating loss of USD 23.3 million, caused by a depreciation of USD 22.8 million due to the lagging performance of Age of Conan." In addition, Funcom CFO Olav Sandes has given notice of his resignation. Sandes is not the first high level employee to quit in recent months, but all is not doom and gloom. Funcom's Q4 2008 subscription revenues from Age of Conan have shot up to USD 8.7 million, up from USD 1.2 million year-on-year, Lee reports. Funcom expects a Q1 2009 revenue of between USD 6 million and 8 million, largely comprised of subscription fees for Age of Conan. James Lee's GamesIndustry.biz article has further details on Funcom's financial situation. Having fun in Conan's homeland? Make sure to check out all of our previous Age of Conan coverage, and stick with Massively for more news from the Hyborian Age!
Rumor: Three dozen Team Ninja devs leaving with Itagaki, suing Tecmo
Losing one of your company's most recognizable figureheads, especially one whose name is so closely associated with most of your best-selling properties, is bound to put a damper on things around the office. However, that last statement assumes that there are still people in the office -- 1UP recently printed a rumor that as many as three dozen Team Ninja higher-ups could be leaving the company following Tomonobu Itagaki's resignation, and will sue Tecmo to gain unpaid bonuses for the games they've completed (much like the class-action suit Itagaki planned to file against the company following his departure).1UP's source for the rumor was the ever-present "word on the street", though that's likely just rumorese for "we have an inside source". Whoever it may be, we doubt it's the same hopeful Tecmo higher-up who recently assured the public that Team Ninja was going to be just fine, as losing your poster boy, a heartbreaking amount of stock market value, and supposedly, a healthy portion of your workforce in such a short period of time would surely make any game developer feel anything but.
Samsung resignations spark rioting, photo burning
Think you're a fanboy? Supporters of the Samsung Group gathered for a rally during a press conference held by Kim Yong-chul, a lawyer calling for punishments to be handed out to disgraced company CEO Lee Kun-hee. During the proceedings, supporters burned pictures of Kim and generally made Apple and Microsoft fanatics look like choir boys on especially good behavior. Now that's dedication.[Thanks, Dooder; Image courtesy AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon]
Samsung chairman, son, and others resign in shame
After years of whispers which ultimately turned to shouts of corruption, Lee Kun-hee, Chairman of Samsung and son of Samsung's founder, has resigned following an indictment on tax evasion charges. Lee said, "We, including myself, have caused troubles to the nation with the special probe. I deeply apologize for that, and I'll take full responsibility for everything, both legally and morally." Lee Jae-yong, the Chairman's son and heir to the Samsung throne also resigned as did Vice Chairman Lee Hak-soo, Lee's closest advisor. Lee Soo-bin, chairman of Samsung Life Insurance, takes on representation for Samsung Group although the group chairman position remains unfilled. So it's over. Now lick your wounds Sammy and get back to your hyperbolic announcements of world's first, fastest, biggest, etc... we miss you.[Thanks, Dave L.]
OLPC security chief resigns, cites ethical concerns as final straw
Nary a fortnight after Nicholas Negroponte affirmed that his role wouldn't be changing all that much once a new CEO was strapped in, along comes word that the nonprofit's highly regarded Director of Security Architecture, Ivan Krsti??, has moved on to greener pastures as of three weeks ago. According to a soul-bearing post on his own blog, the ex-chief outrightly noted that he could no longer "subscribe to the organization's new aims or structure in good faith, nor [could he] reconcile them with [his] personal ethic." Additionally, he admits that he was "asked to stop working with Walter Bender," someone he greatly respected, and forced to report to a replacement "with no technical or engineering background who was put in charge of all OLPC technology." It should be noted that Krsti?? seemed to admire his colleagues overwhelmingly, but we can't help but wonder who else in there is feeling similarly about the recent internal restructuring.[Via Yahoo / Infoworld, image courtesy of TheAge]
Phil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment
In a surprise announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the resignation of Phil Harrison. Effective February 29th, the current President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group. In his place, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties. "As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors." "The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can." Phil Harrison is responsible for a major refocusing of the PlayStation group, through his "Game 3.0" initiative, announced at last year's GDC. He recently lamented that Sony Japan was not outgoing enough about social gaming.[Via Joystiq]
Phil Harrison leaves Sony Computer Entertainment, Kaz Hirai takes place
In a surprise announcement, Sony Computer Entertainment announced the resignation of Phil Harrison. Effective February 29th, the current President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS) will resign from Sony Computer Entertainment Group. In his place, Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI, will immediately assume responsibilities as president of SCE WWS, in addition to his current duties. "As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry," said Kazuo Hirai. "It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors." "The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far," said Phil Harrison. "I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship. It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can." Phil Harrison is responsible for a major refocusing of the PlayStation group, through his "Game 3.0" initiative, announced at last year's GDC. He recently lamented that Sony Japan was not outgoing enough about social gaming.[Via Joystiq]
SCi management out, stock price recovering
SCi shareholders must be celebrating like the Munchkins of OZ after Dorothy dropped a house on the Wicked Witch of the East over the resignations of the company's executive board -- shares rose 44% on the news. The company's stock plummeted last week over the news that SCi had taken itself off the market for a buyout, causing investors to call for the heads of the executive board.The board officially saw the resignation of CEO Jane Cavanagh, Managing Director of Publishing Bill Ennis and Managing Director of Studios Rob Murphy; all resignations were effective immediately and former Corporate Development Director of EA Phil Rogers is now the chief executive. SCi Chairman Tim Ryan says the company needs to restore faith and trust in investors by "under-promising and over-delivering." Meanwhile, SCi will strap on the stilettos and start walking the streets again in search of a potential suitor -- maybe it'll fight for territory with Codemasters on the corner.
It's official: Lowenstein leaving ESA
It's been widely reported since late last week, but now it's official -- longtime ESA president Doug Lowenstein will be stepping down early next year, as soon as a replacement can be found.In a press release, Lowenstein said he was "honored to represent the amazing companies of the ESA, to serve as their advocate and to be part of an industry which is having such a profound and positive effect on our culture and the world of entertainment."Lowenstein's departure truly marks the end of an era. When Lowenstein joined the ESA back in 1994, the two-person organization was called the Interactive Digital Software Association and oversaw a $3 billion a year industry. Today, the ESA has 32 employees and helps support the $10 billion video game industry with a wide variety of educational and legal programs.All of us here at Joystiq are sorry to see one of the game industry's longest-serving defenders move on, and we wish him great success in his future endeavors.[Via Kotaku]
