Many people are buzzing about what is happening at Sony and their many world renowned studios. Sony Santa Monica just handed out more than a handful of lay offs for their popular studio as well as the cancelation of a title unknown. We all wish them well and I have faith that all these developers will have no issues finding their next projects, seeing as all of them are very skilled and experienced.
Just when you think that was enough to make you worry, Sony owned studio Naughty Dog writer Amy Hennig gets “forced out” of her role at the studio. The well known writer & developer is best known for her responsibilities for the AAA series Uncharted as well as other great titles. After dedication and a solid decade of hard work for the studio, Hennig has left during early development for the 4th installment of the Uncharted series that is coming out for the PS4. Creative directors for The Last Of Us, Neil Druckmann and Bruce Straley were said to have forced Hennig out to take control of the Uncharted 4 project. Naughty Dog has since replied stating they did not force out Amy Hennig in the following statement.
“Earlier this week we had to confirm the regrettable news that Amy Hennig has left Naughty Dog. She will be missed and, as we stated before, we appreciate the significant contributions that she has made to Naughty Dog and the industry in general. We wish her the best. However, we feel it necessary to clear up a very important point that was unprofessionally misreported when the story broke. Bruce Straley and Neil Druckmann were NOT involved in what transpired. It was very upsetting to us that dozens of stories were run, linking back to the same hurtful accusations in the original report. As co-presidents of Naughty Dog, we are responsible for all studio affairs. Normally, we wouldn’t respond to rumors and speculation on matters that are internal to Naughty Dog, but because the personal reputation of two of our employees is being damaged we needed to set the record straight. There is nothing left to be said on this subject. Now we’re going back to what we should be focused on – making games.”
We wish you luck in your future projects Amy! While you are probably thinking what is going on with Sony and its Developers, there is probably one more thing you should know…
Sony Computer Entertainment America CEO Jack Tretton has stepped down from his position in the renown company in mutual agreement not to renew his contractual relationship. Mr. Tretton said in his press release that “Working at SCEA for the past 19 years has been the most rewarding experience of my career.” He goes on to thank all of the talented employees and fans who made it all possible and wishes them luck in their future as a growing company. While he is looking forward to the next Chapter in his career we can’t help but wonder why he would leave now at the height of Sonys success. The PS3 had a slow start and a strong finish, while the PS4 had a remarkable success over the Xbox One, as well as the best AAA games yet to be released for the next gen gaming cycle. It is important to remember that Jack Tretton has been with SCEA since it was incepted in 1995 and progressing with the company from the original Playstation up to todays Playstation 4, as well as his role in serving as a frontman for the well known E3 Press Conferences from 2007-2013 alongside Andrew House.
Tretton leaves with a heavy heart filled with mixed emotions, and while leaving SCEA after 19 years of incredible growth and success may confuse a lot of people, it is better to leave after great success and move on to another chapter, then to leave at a failing point in the companies career. It is scary yet bold move for Tretton as he steps down effective March 31st, 2014.
Sony is shaking things up with these changes but there is no need for concern. SCEA is at its highest most successful point through its top tier gaming developers. Gaming comes in waves and it takes many years to create one game from one studio. Whether that game is a series or a one hit wonder is out of our hands entirely. All we can do is have faith, love games, and continue to show our support and passion to the hard working teams who create these fantasy worlds that we escape to.