Update: Sony has responded (via Game Informer) to Richmond’s departure from Naughty Dog, confirming that it won’t affect the development of Uncharted for PS4:
SCEA can confirm Justin Richmond has left Naughty Dog to pursue other opportunities. The development timeline of Uncharted will not be impacted.
Original Story: Joining the long list of developers who have left, or been laid off from, a Sony studio in recent months is Justin Richmond, who worked at Naughty Dog and was the Game Director for the upcoming Uncharted game on PS4.
Richmond confirmed this news in a statement to IGN, where he revealed he will be joining Riot Games:
I have in fact made the decision to leave Naughty Dog. 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.
Sony and Naughty Dog have yet to issue a statement about Richmond’s departure.
Are you at all concerned about both Uncharted PS4’s writer, Amy Hennig, and game director leaving Naughty Dog in such a short span of time? Let us know in the comments below.
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