Hello everyone,
I’d like to start this blog by acknowledging how difficult things have been for our team members and players in Los Angeles over the past few weeks. As I write, news reports are mixed predicting more challenges ahead with fires due to the extreme weather.
Our thoughts are with those who have been affected and we will continue to work with our peers at Sony to support our team members and their families as they continue to deal with the tragic situation.
I am so proud of the many insomniacs who have rallied to help others in Los Angeles inside and outside of insomniac. Helping those who are less fortunate is part of our mission statement. Insomniacs embrace it daily and it is one of the many aspects of our culture that I love.
Another aspect of our culture that we hold dear is the ability of insomniacs to come together and successfully overcome what often seem like insurmountable obstacles.
Speaking of which, despite a 2024 challenge, Insomniacs has remained fully focused on building games for our fans. As a result of the team’s persistence and collaboration, we are in one of the strongest positions we have been in in years, every game in development looks good and plays fantastic.
Therefore, last week I felt comfortable announcing to the Insomniac team that after being incredibly fortunate to enjoy such a fulfilling career in games, I will be retiring from the industry at the end of March. Today, I share this news more widely.
I made this decision last year. For me, after 30+ years of insomniac, I felt it was simply time to step aside and let others lead the way for our team.
Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with the Insomniac leadership team to create a succession plan that I know will provide the continuity, stability and strong leadership needed to deliver more what our fans will cherish for decades to come.
So, today, I’m extremely excited to announce that Chad Dezern, Ryan Schneider, and Jen Huang will become the new co-studio heads of Insomniac Games.
From left to right: gaming cods Insomniac Games, Chad Dezern, Ryan Schneider and Jen Huang
I firmly believe that for us to continue our success, we need leaders at the top who know intimately how we do things, leaders who have helped build our culture and processes, and who have earned people’s trust .
For many years, Chad, Jen and Ryan have helped make Insomniac what we are today. I’ve seen every major initiative here that has positively changed the lives of insomniacs. Additionally, they have consistently demonstrated the type of collaboration and transparency that is part of our DNA. And just as importantly, their skills are truly complementary.
There is no way I would consider handing over the reins to a team I didn’t trust to take care of insomniacs and lead us to even greater heights. Chad, Jen and Ryan are that team. For those who may not be familiar, please take a moment to get to know them here.
To conclude this blog, Insomniac has been my life, my home away from home, for three decades.
I want to thank every insomniac for making a positive and lasting impact on my life. Working side by side with insomniacs for so many years has been a gift I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I also want to thank our fans who, for three decades, have shared their enthusiasm, encouragement and support – inspiring us to take each game further than the last. We do what we do for you. And I can assure you that we will not slow down.
As for me, I’m very excited to officially join the ranks of insomniac fans. I look forward to experiencing our future games purely as a player. Plus, I can’t remember the last time I played any game and subconsciously encounter bugs. I’m ready to break this habit!
Finally, I am confident that under the combined leadership of Chad, Jen and Ryan, Insomniac will continue to deliver the industry-defining games that gamers have come to expect from us… while making a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives for decades to come come.
Thank you to insomniacs, our gamers, and video games for 30 wonderful years.
-Ted