leadership changes Archives

AppWizard

July 10, 2025

Subnautica 2 reportedly delayed into 2026 just months before Krafton was due to pay a $250 million bonus to developer Unknown Worlds

Krafton has announced a delay for Subnautica 2, now set for release in 2026, following playtests that indicated the need for improvements. The decision was based on a commitment to quality and community feedback, not contractual obligations. The delay affects a potential 0 million bonus tied to the game's timely release and revenue targets set for the end of 2025. Krafton acquired Unknown Worlds in 2021, and discussions about the delay had been ongoing prior to recent leadership changes at the studio. CEO Steve Papoutsis stated that the delay aims to enhance the game's content and was not motivated by financial considerations.

AppWizard

July 6, 2025

Subnautica 2 studio begs rioting fans for benefit of the doubt after leadership axed by owner Krafton: ‘The team that has been working on the game day-to-day over the last few years remains completely unchanged’

Developer Unknown Worlds has announced a leadership transition, with co-founder Max McGuire departing and Steve Papoutsis appointed as the new head of the studio. This change has led to mixed reactions from the Subnautica community, including calls for a boycott of Subnautica 2. The announcement did not provide details about the reasons for the departures of key figures. The studio reassured fans that Subnautica 2 will not shift to a live service model or change its monetization strategy. Unknown Worlds emphasized the commitment of the remaining development team and requested patience from fans as they navigate this transition.

AppWizard

June 20, 2025

Embracer’s headcount dropped by 1.8k staff last year

Embracer Group has reduced its workforce by over 1,800 employees, specifically a decrease of 1,857 compared to the previous fiscal year. This follows approximately 1,400 job losses in the prior year. The company has also divested several studios, including Gearbox and Saber Interactive. Embracer is planning to split into three publicly-traded entities, and founder and CEO Lars Wingefors will step down, with Phil Rogers taking over as CEO. Wingefors will become executive chairman of the Board, focusing on strategic initiatives, mergers and acquisitions, and capital allocation.

AppWizard

June 18, 2025

Warner Bros Games has been restructured

Warner Bros. Games is restructuring its operations to focus on its key franchises: DC, Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, and Mortal Kombat. Yves Lachance has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Development, overseeing the Harry Potter and Game of Thrones series. Shaun Himmerick will lead the Mortal Kombat and DC franchises, while Steven Flenory has become Senior Vice President of Central Tech and Services. J.B. Perrette, CEO of Global Games and Streaming at Warner Bros. Discovery, expressed enthusiasm for the restructuring and the potential for long-term franchise development.

Winsage

June 6, 2025

I wish this version of the Microsoft Store shipped 10 years ago

The Microsoft Store is undergoing significant changes to improve user experience, including a personalized homepage that showcases apps tailored to individual interests, accelerated search functionality for easier app discovery, and integration with Windows search. Earlier this year, Microsoft announced over 150 changes to the Store, focusing on user feedback to enhance engagement and satisfaction. The Store is used by over 250 million users each month, and strategic leadership changes have contributed to an improved user experience.

AppWizard

May 21, 2025

Fireshine taps Jasper Tanner-Barnes as chief portfolio officer

Fireshine Games has appointed Jasper Tanner-Barnes as its chief portfolio officer. Tanner-Barnes previously worked at Team17 for five-and-a-half years, starting as a talent acquisition manager and later leading the game scouting division. He has also worked at Ubisoft Leamington and Sega Hardlight. Brian Foote, CEO of Fireshine Games, expressed enthusiasm about Tanner-Barnes' arrival, highlighting his knowledge and experience. This appointment follows Foote's promotion to CEO in February.