Rare hires Sega design chief

Former Sega design chief Simon Woodroffe has joined Microsoft-owned UK developer Rare as its new creative director.

Woodroffe is a 20+ years veteran of the games industry whose credits include seminal titles such as Simon the Sorcerer and Call of Cthulhu. His more recent employers include Midway, where he worked on The Wheelman.

As chief designer at Sega how worked on, amongst others, Sonic Generations and Renegade Ops.

"Simon’s vast experience and knowledge are a fantastic addition to Rare’s strong Design team,” Rare’s senior studio director Craig Duncan.

He has worked on many innovative titles over the years, including some really impressive R&D prototyping projects. He is a terrific all-rounder and the ideal person to head up our Design department.

Rare is committed to making the best possible games experiences that inspire everyone to play, and we believe the best way to do that is to attract the brightest and best talent in the business."

Woodroffe himself added: "Games are my passion and they are Rare’s passion so this is my dream role. I love working with talented and creative people and there are plenty of them here at Rare.

I am looking forward to getting stuck into making incredible games that will be worthy additions to the pedigree of the studio."