Today is a sad day in the life of Sega as acclaimed United Game Artists producer Tetsuya Mizuguchi announced he is to leave the firm, following the disbanding of his much-loved research and development studio.
Although the split is reported as amicable by all concerned, it is well known that Mizuguchi was furious that his studio was melded with Sonic Team after he had served the company for a staggering 14 years.
However, insiders and industry watchers alike have pointed to Yuji Naka as the source of Mizuguchi’s departure. Being made part of Sonic Team will have put Mizuguchi under Naka’s direct control.
And it is no secret that Yuji Naka, although without question a massively important figure at Sega, is famously difficult to work with. Indeed, Sega employees, off the record, have for years bemoaned Naka’s temper and temperament and his lack of respect for those in his charge.
“Once I've left the company, I'll become a free creator. I'll be making a company where I can act freely,” said Mizuguchi. “The 'who' and 'where' are, to a certain extent, already set. I cannot say the name of the company.”
It would seem that Mizuguchi felt that working for Naka, and taking Rez and Space Channel 5 to his team, was not an option.
Sadly, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, one of the nicest and most down-to-earth Japanese executives you could ever wish to meet, departs Sega this Friday.
Although the split is reported as amicable by all concerned, it is well known that Mizuguchi was furious that his studio was melded with Sonic Team after he had served the company for a staggering 14 years.
However, insiders and industry watchers alike have pointed to Yuji Naka as the source of Mizuguchi’s departure. Being made part of Sonic Team will have put Mizuguchi under Naka’s direct control.
And it is no secret that Yuji Naka, although without question a massively important figure at Sega, is famously difficult to work with. Indeed, Sega employees, off the record, have for years bemoaned Naka’s temper and temperament and his lack of respect for those in his charge.
“Once I've left the company, I'll become a free creator. I'll be making a company where I can act freely,” said Mizuguchi. “The 'who' and 'where' are, to a certain extent, already set. I cannot say the name of the company.”
It would seem that Mizuguchi felt that working for Naka, and taking Rez and Space Channel 5 to his team, was not an option.
Sadly, Tetsuya Mizuguchi, one of the nicest and most down-to-earth Japanese executives you could ever wish to meet, departs Sega this Friday.
Read More Like This