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Arkane Studios founder and director for Prey and the Dishonored series, Raphael Colantonio has announced that he is leaving the company to spend more time with his family.
After forming the company in 1999 and releasing its first title, Arx Fatalis, the company joined ZeniMax Media in 2010 and has expanded from its original studio in Lyon, France to Austin, Texas.
Colantonio leaves behind a legacy of inventive and respected titles under Arkane with the recent Prey reboot, Dishonored and its sequel all garnering critical acclaim.
Writing on the Arkane Studios blog, Colantonio said, "I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest people in the industry, and I feel extremely lucky to have been part of this journey with everyone at Arkane.
"I’ve lived many magical moments. I’ve also been through the hard times. But, I can say that joining ZeniMax took things to the next level and gave Arkane the opportunity to emerge as a world-class studio. ZeniMax enabled us to make the best games that we’ve ever made. And I know there is even more to come."
Colantonio also reinforced that this is not the end of the studio, easing any fears that a difficult time at retail would affect any future development from the studio. Arkane’s other founder, Harvey Smith, will continue at the studio and help ZeniMax in finding new management for the studio.
"I wish the best to everyone at Arkane, Bethesda, and ZeniMax. Without a doubt I will miss everyone," finished Colantonio in his statement.
"As I close, I’d like to thank the Arkane fans for their passion and support. I proudly join them as Arkane Studios’ biggest champion, and I look forward to playing the extraordinary new games the studio is working on."
