CEO switch at Monumental Games

Rik Alexander, one of the two founders of UK studio Monumental Games, has stepped down as the firm’s CEO following a turbulent twelve months for the developer.

Nick Wheelwright, who joined the Monumental board around six months ago, has been appointed to the role. Alexander becomes chief creative and commercial officer.

“I’m genuinely thrilled to have Nick on board as CEO,” said Alexander.

“His appointment has already brought a fresh energy to the company and I’m looking forward to building the company alongside him.”

Wheelwright suggested one of Monumental’s goals for the year was to build on the potential of its Prime engine, dubbed as the “first ever” browser-based 3D MMO engine – a claim Unity has contested.

Wheelwright claimed Monumental the Prime engine “is in an extremely good position”.

In December the UK developer refuted growing rumours that it had entered administration, but revealed its subsidiary group had become “technically insolvent”.

In November Monumental began a series of staff cuts at the company following the “unexpected” cancellation of an unannounced project.

The number of staff affected is unknown, though a tip-off which suggested two-thirds of staff will be axed was branded as “nonsense” by an insider.

The news continues Monumental’s rollercoaster year, which in April last year saw the firm close its Manchester-based offices, while in September was named as the sixth-fastest growing technology company in the UK.

The company made £5.1 million last year, according to data in a Sunday Times survey, though it remained out of profit.