Cliff Bleszinski the grown-up name of Gears of War creator, Cliff Bleszinski - a man who has been in video games creation since he was a wee lad is leaving Epic Games for as yet uncharted pastures new.
According to Epic co-founder, Tim Sweeney, speaking about the departure, Bleszinski's "contributions to the ‘Unreal’ and ‘Gears’ series have helped shape the game industry into what it is today."
Epic VP Mark Rein gets almost tearful, saying:
"Cliff has been my friend and business associate for the past 20 years and, while it is sad to see him move on from Epic, I know that everyone here has benefitted greatly from his passion for gaming and the depth of his expertise and experience.
“I’ll miss watching his star shine from such a close vantage point but I’ll still look forward to watching his continued success.”
Yes, 'his star shine'. Sob. Hold on, isn't that line usually reserved for a death?
Anyway, Cliffy himself tells Epic:
"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."
Farewell Cliff, see you in a month when you announce your new mobile gaming company and how super-excited you are about that.
According to Epic co-founder, Tim Sweeney, speaking about the departure, Bleszinski's "contributions to the ‘Unreal’ and ‘Gears’ series have helped shape the game industry into what it is today."
Epic VP Mark Rein gets almost tearful, saying:
"Cliff has been my friend and business associate for the past 20 years and, while it is sad to see him move on from Epic, I know that everyone here has benefitted greatly from his passion for gaming and the depth of his expertise and experience.
“I’ll miss watching his star shine from such a close vantage point but I’ll still look forward to watching his continued success.”
Yes, 'his star shine'. Sob. Hold on, isn't that line usually reserved for a death?
Anyway, Cliffy himself tells Epic:
"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."
Farewell Cliff, see you in a month when you announce your new mobile gaming company and how super-excited you are about that.
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