Epic Games designer Cliff Bleszinski announced that he has left the studio after two decades. Bleszinski said that he is looking for a break after spending 20 years growing up in the industry.
"Today we are saying farewell with warm regards to Cliff Bleszinski, who is departing as Epic's design director to chart the next stage of his career," Said Tim Sweeney, Epic's founder, CEO and technical director. "During the past two decades, Cliff has helped shape many successful games that have captured the imaginations of millions of players around the world. We are grateful for his influence on Epic's legacy, from the wild adventures Jazz Jackrabbit to the visceral combat of Gears of War."
Bleszinski most famous work for the studios was his contributions to the development of the Unreal franchise and the Gears of War franchise. The military science fiction third-person shooter Gears of War franchise has totaled over a billion in sales and all three entries in the series have received critical acclaim.
"In 20 wonderful years with Epic, Cliff Bleszinski has grown into a true design luminary, and his contributions to the 'Unreal' and 'Gears' series have helped shape the game industry into what it is today," Sweeney said. "Cliff leaves Epic with our gratitude for his many contributions, and our wishes for continued success in the next chapter of his life!"
Here is what Cliff Bleszinski's said about his departure:
"I've been doing this since I was a teenager, and outside of my sabbatical last year, I have been going non-stop. I literally grew up in this business, as Mike likes to say. And now that I'm grown up, it's time for a much needed break.
I will miss the projects, the playtests, the debates, and most importantly, the people. Epic only hires the best of the best, and it has been a joy working with each and every one of you on a daily basis, whether you were hired weeks ago or decades ago. I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with a variety of disciplines, from code to art to marketing and PR - it's been one big, rewarding learning experience.
I'm confident that each project that is being built, whether at Epic, Chair, PCF, or Impossible will be top notch and will please gamers and critics alike."
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