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Paul Meegan has quit his post as head of LucasArts.
The George Lucas-owned studio has undergone a number of restructures and management changes – but Meegan it was hoped would push it forwards after one of many rounds of layoffs.
He lead the studio to announcing Star Wars 1313, a high-end PC action/adventure set in the movie universe, at E3. Many named it game of the show.
Meegan has done little press, however – he did one interview a year ago, with MCV, saying that "in recent years, LucasArts hasn’t always done a good job of making games" and that he would change that.
He joined the firm in 2010 from Epic China.
Star Wars related games in recent years have all been produced outside of the LucasArts studio as the internal team was rebuilt; Kinect Star Wars (published and paid for by Microsoft Studios, using seven different teams), LEGO Star Wars III: The Clone Wars (from Traveller’s Tales), and Star Wars: The Old Republic (from EA BioWare, and itself the subject of its own struggle as user numbers fall).
In a statement, LucasArts said that "development on all current LucasArts projects will proceed" – it is believed the firm has unannounced projects in development also.
From Mich Chau, president and COO of Lucasfilm, commented: Paul has been a valuable member of the Lucasfilm leadership team and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
"We remain committed to our current projects and will be re-evaluating LucasArts’ leadership needs to ensure that we make the right decisions to keep the studio focused.”
Meegan offered: LucasArts has come a long way and I’m extremely proud of what the teams have accomplished. We had a great E3 with Star Wars 1313, and have other exciting projects in the works. It’s been a privilege to be a part of Lucasfilm. I wish the company all the best.”
In a tweet earlier this evening, he added: "Farewell to my friends and colleagues at LucasArts & Lucasfilm. It’s been a privilege. Now, next up."
Meegan’s not the only high-profile departure recently: designer Clint Hocking left after two years, with no project he has working on yet released.
