In 2018, Microsoft began the process of creating a new development studio called The Initiative. For the years that followed, many were unsure what would come from the mysterious in-house studio until December 2020 withthe announcement of a newPerfect Darkgameat The Game Awards. News on thePerfect Darkreboot remains stagnant, but the studio has been going through a state of reformation in recent weeks.
Design director Drew Murray, who was a part of the studio since its inception in November 2018,announced his departure from The Initiativeearlier this month. The reasons behind his departure were scarce, citing “life outside of work needing more attention” as his motivation for leaving. Prior to his tenure with The Initiative, Murray was a designer for Insomniac Games for over a decade. With the latest announcement involving Murray’s future in his career, it seems that his story with Insomniac Games is not over.
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Weeks after announcing of his departure from the studio makingPerfect Dark, Murray revealed today that he has rejoined Insomniac Games for a second stint. Resuming his work within Insomniac Games, Murray’s tweet identifies his new role within the studio as “Principal Designer.”
Murray’s first departure from Insomniac Games came years beforeSony’s acquisition of the development studio,which makes Murray’s rejoining an interesting case as he left a Microsoft-owned studio to join a Sony-owned studio. The departure from The Initiative was not on bad terms, however, as executive vice-president of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer bade fond farewells after his initial resignation tweet.
It would seem that Murray wished to rejoin his former colleagues, considering his long history with Insomniac Games. Murray’s accolades within Insomniac Games include being a designer and the lead designer for several games, including theResistanceseries,Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction,and directing the Microsoft-exclusive titleSunset Overdrive.Sunset Overdrivewould be the last game he worked on with Insomniac Games prior to leaving for the first time. Being a veteran of the studio, Murray’s knowledge of Insomniac Games as its Principal Director should prove valuable on Insomniac Games' future projects.
Currently, Insomniac Games is working onRatchet and Clank: Rift Apart,the company’s first exclusive PS5 developed game. With the game scheduled for a June release, it’s to be expected that Murray’s insight with theRatchet and Clankseries will prove invaluable as the game approaches gold status.
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