Tymon Smektała, the esteemed director of the Dying Light franchise, has announced his decision to part ways with developer Techland, embarking on a new journey. Having played a pivotal role as producer for both the original game and its sequel, Dying Light 2, Smektała has been the guiding force behind the series, shaping it into a beloved staple in the gaming community. While his departure marks a significant transition, he expresses heartfelt gratitude towards the community for their unwavering support and affection, assuring fans that he will remain an enthusiastic supporter of the franchise’s future endeavors.
In a candid message shared across various social media platforms, Smektała reflected on his time with the franchise: “There’s no easy way to say it, so let me just say it: After years with Dying Light, I’m moving into a new chapter. It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m proud of what we’ve built.” The franchise has carved out a niche for itself, evolving from Techland’s earlier work on Dead Island into a gritty, parkour-infused zombie survival experience.
Community and Team Appreciation
The latest installment, Dying Light: The Beast, has garnered acclaim, with PCGamesN’s Paul praising it as “a gloriously silly zombie sandbox.” Player feedback on Steam has been overwhelmingly positive, with 87% of respondents giving it a favorable rating. Smektała has become a recognizable figure within the creative team, frequently engaging with the community through interviews and the informative ‘Dying 2 Know’ series during the development of Dying Light 2.
In his farewell message, Smektała extended his gratitude to his colleagues at Techland, stating, “Thank you for the passion, energy, and shared ambition to make Dying Light the ultimate zombie experience. We made it happen together.” He then addressed the players directly: “To our amazing community: your love, engagement, and vocal support have always been our north star. You helped shape what Dying Light became.” He reassured fans, saying, “The franchise is in great hands, and I’m excited to see it grow even further. I can’t wait to experience its next chapter as a player. I’ll always root for Dying Light! Good night, and good luck.”
While there is currently no official announcement regarding Dying Light 3, the success of The Beast has opened the door for more adventures in the franchise. Techland is actively expanding its team, currently seeking a Lead Online Game Designer to help craft a new experience within the Dying Light universe. Despite Smektała’s departure, his closing remarks provide reassurance that the franchise remains vibrant and poised for continued growth, even as fans bid farewell to one of its most prominent figures.
