leadership team Archives

AppWizard

March 31, 2025

Myst maker Cyan Worlds has made layoffs

Cyan Worlds has reduced its workforce by half, eliminating 12 positions due to challenging industry conditions. The management acknowledged the difficult situation and maintained open communication with the team about potential challenges. They offered severance packages to affected employees and invited other developers to consider the available talent. The studio's focus is on securing financing for their next project and stabilizing operations.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

How to use ChatGPT: A beginner’s guide to the most popular AI chatbot

ChatGPT, developed by OpenAI, was launched in late 2022 and has evolved into a versatile tool for tasks such as composing emails, generating essays, brainstorming ideas, translating languages, assisting with coding, and answering questions. OpenAI offers a free version and paid plans for additional features. Users can access ChatGPT via its website or app without creating an account, although registration unlocks features like saving chat history. The user base has grown to over 400 million weekly users within six months. OpenAI's subscription plans include a free tier, a Plus plan at per month, and a Pro plan at 0 per month. ChatGPT can assist with advice, data analysis, browsing, deep research, image generation with DALL·E, and file uploads. Features include Voice Mode for spoken interaction, ChatGPT Canvas for visual organization, and ChatGPT Tasks for scheduling reminders. ChatGPT can also generate images and videos, with the upgraded GPT-4o image generator available to Plus subscribers. The desktop app is available for Windows and MacOS, and users can try ChatGPT without logging in. Accuracy may vary, and users are advised to fact-check responses.

AppWizard

March 19, 2025

Bossa co-CEO Clough steps down

Daniel Clough, co-CEO of Bossa Studios, announced his departure from the company via LinkedIn. He joined Bossa in 2018 as general manager and became co-CEO in January 2021. His tenure included navigating challenges in the gaming industry, leading to a significant downsizing of the studio in preparation for the release of their upcoming title, Lost Skies. Clough noted that the studio's new size necessitated a restructuring. His departure is part of a broader leadership change, with several team members also leaving. Bossa recently implemented job cuts as part of ongoing adjustments to industry dynamics.

AppWizard

March 3, 2025

Sumo sells Secret Mode to Emona Capital

UK-based gaming company Sumo Group has divested its publishing label, Secret Mode, to Emona Capital, with the leadership team continuing to guide the label's creative direction. The financial details of the transaction are undisclosed, and Secret Mode will remain an independent publisher. Ed Blincoe and James Schall expressed enthusiasm about the partnership and the opportunity to focus on indie game publishing. Emona Capital's managing partner, Dominik Dolenec, noted the potential for supporting Secret Mode's mission in the independent games sector. Secret Mode was founded in 2020 by Sumo Group, which is shifting towards a work-for-hire business model.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Microsoft Gaming’s franchise exec becomes new studio head for Minecraft dev Mojang

Mojang has appointed Kayleen Walters as its new studio head, effective immediately, succeeding Åsa Bredin, who will remain until the end of February for a smooth transition. Walters, who joined Microsoft in 2018, will also continue as Microsoft Gaming's VP and head of franchise development. She previously worked at Lucasfilm as VP of franchise marketing and planning. Additionally, Amy Stillion, currently overseeing content and studios at Microsoft, will join Mojang's leadership team to lead the people experience team in Redmond, WA. Helen Chiang, VP of the Minecraft franchise, highlighted the importance of the new leadership in addressing marketplace challenges.

AppWizard

December 20, 2024

Moon Beast Productions lands $4.5m in seed funding

Moon Beast Productions has secured million in seed funding, led by 1AM Gaming with participation from 1UP Ventures, The Mini Fund, Overwolf, Versus Ventures, and various angel investors. The funds will be used to develop a new action RPG title. The studio was founded in March 2022 by Peter Hu and Phil Shenk, who were involved in the creation of Diablo 2. Erich Schaefer, another co-creator of Diablo 2, joined as chief creative officer in 2023.

AppWizard

November 8, 2024

Unity hires Jarrod Yahes as its new CFO

Jarrod Yahes has been appointed as the new chief financial officer and senior vice president of Unity, succeeding Luis Visoso, who left the company in August. Yahes previously worked at Shutterstock and Zeta Global. Unity's CEO, Matt Bromberg, expressed enthusiasm about Yahes' appointment, highlighting his operational rigor and growth orientation. Yahes expressed excitement about joining Unity and supporting its mission in the gaming and interactive experiences ecosystem.

AppWizard

October 21, 2024

Keywords acquires Halo co-dev Certain Affinity

Keywords Studios has acquired Certain Affinity, a co-development studio known for its work on gaming franchises like Halo, Call of Duty, Doom, and Hogwarts Legacy. The financial details of the acquisition are undisclosed. This move is intended to strengthen Keywords’ Create division by leveraging Certain Affinity's expertise. Bertrand Bodson, CEO of Keywords Studios, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, highlighting the potential for growth and collaboration. Max Hoberman, founder of Certain Affinity, noted the importance of stability during challenging market conditions and the respect Keywords has shown for their team and culture.

AppWizard

October 17, 2024

Google announces big reorg: Gemini app team moves to DeepMind, Assistant now part of Pixel/Android

Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a reorganization involving the Gemini, Assistant, and Search teams to enhance operational efficiency and innovation. The Gemini app team will move from the Knowledge & Information division to the Google DeepMind organization to improve feedback loops and expedite new model rollouts. The Assistant teams focused on devices will be reassigned to the Platforms & Devices division to consolidate AI-powered home initiatives. Prabhakar Raghavan will step down as chief of Google Search to become Chief Technologist, collaborating with Pichai on technical direction. Nick Fox will take over the Knowledge & Information division as Senior Vice President, leveraging his experience to drive innovation.

Tech Optimizer

September 20, 2024

Administrators place UK’s largest decorative surfaces distributor up for sale | TheBusinessDesk.com

International Decorative Surfaces (IDS), the UK’s largest distributor of decorative surfaces, has collapsed into administration and initiated a sale process while making some of its workforce redundant due to a downturn in the property and construction sectors. IDS, established in 2022 through a management buyout from Compagnie de Saint-Gobain, had over 6,000 products and was supported by private equity investor Chiltern Capital. The company’s assets, including half a million square feet of warehousing and a fleet of 85 vehicles, are now managed by administrators from FRP Advisory. At its peak, IDS employed 393 individuals across 12 locations, with 11 sites currently operational. Leadership changes include the departure of CFO Kevin Riddle and managing director John Bagshaw, with Tony Buffin appointed as chair. The last accounts reported 525 staff and revenues exceeding £78.7 million. FRP Advisory's Alastair Massey expressed optimism about the company's strengths and capabilities while inviting potential buyers to discuss acquisition options.