Home Gaming Uncharted 4 game director leaves Naughty Dog

Uncharted 4 game director leaves Naughty Dog

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saduncharted

Coming just weeks after Uncharted’s creative lead, Amy Hennig, confirmed her departure from Naughty Dog, comes word that the latest game in the series is now without a game director. Justin Richmond, who was working on the latest, PlayStation 4 bound Uncharted as its game director, has confirmed he’s left developer Naughty Dog.

"I have in fact made the decision to leave Naughty Dog," Richmond told IGN in a statement.  "I love the company and the people and know that they will continue to create awesome games going forward. On a happier note, after careful consideration and exploration I have joined Riot Games. There is some really innovative stuff going on here that I can’t wait to be a part of."

Riot Games as you’re all obviously aware, is the studio behind Dota clone competitor League of Legends, which seems an ill fit for somebody who’s been making Uncharted games.

Sony’s confirmed his departure to Eurogamer, affirming that it won’t affect Uncharted’s development.

"SCEA can confirm Justin Richmond has left Naughty Dog to pursue other opportunities. The development timeline of Uncharted will not be impacted."

Richmond’s been with the company since 2008, serving as multiplayer lead on Uncharted 2, and game director on Uncharted 3. I wonder what’s going on at Naughty Dog.

Are other studios, seeing the success of the studio, poaching its top talent. are the egos of some – perhaps The Last of Us’ Neil Druckman and Bruce Straley – getting in the way? Is this perhaps some sort of show of support for Hennig, who’s unexpected, unceremonious departure suggests she was ousted?

Either way, it’s all making me a little wary of the next Uncharted with its creative director and game director have both having jumped ship.

Last Updated: March 28, 2014

12 Comments

  1. Admiral Chief of Auraxis

    March 28, 2014 at 08:37

    At least he didn’t go into speakers……
    Too soon?
    😛

    Reply

  2. Hammersteyn

    March 28, 2014 at 08:41

    Is he going to work for Good Cat? (Yeah it’s not Bad Dog but close enough?)

    Reply

    • Gr8_Balls_o_Fire

      March 28, 2014 at 14:59

      Maybe Smelly Cat

      Reply

  3. Alien Emperor Trevor

    March 28, 2014 at 08:43

    Maybe nothing’s going on. Speculative Geoff is speculative 😉

    Reply

  4. FoxOneZA

    March 28, 2014 at 08:55

    Director of DriveClub also left the other day.

    Reply

  5. Umar hearts Grandia

    March 28, 2014 at 09:01

    Maybe these guys just want to change jobs and do something else. Hell I could do with a change in jobs

    Reply

  6. Jim Lenoir (Banana Jim)

    March 28, 2014 at 09:04

    It could be that they’re under pressure to deliver a game before year’s end, which I don’t think would be a good idea. But it is worrying that so many Naughty Dog devs are leaving. Or as Geoff suggest show of support for Hennig? It’s possible.

    Reply

    • Umar hearts Grandia

      March 28, 2014 at 09:07

      Good theory, I for one adore Henning, if she should start up her own thing,man……gaad dayum that women got dem smexy vibes going ohn!

      Reply

    • FoxOneZA

      March 28, 2014 at 09:51

      Where’s the mass exodus of AAA Sony dev’s going to? Are exclusives becoming a pressure point in a dev’s work cycle? Or are they going Indie on us?

      Reply

  7. Rince

    March 28, 2014 at 09:56

    The Zyanga virus strikes again…

    Reply

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