Over on the Epic Games website, company president Mike Capps announced that he's stepping down from his position after serving 10 "crazy and wonderful" years. News of his departure arrives exactly two months after the studio's famed game director Cliff Bleszinski announced his departure from the popular Gears of War / Unreal developer.
According to Capps, he's not leaving the company, but rather is shifting into an advisory role. His announcement indicates that he's in a financial position to take a long leave of absence to become a new stay-at-home daddy, as he and wife Julianne are expecting a baby boy. During this time, he said he may focus on side projects like teaching, creative writing and being more active with a few charities.
"After dedicating a decade of my life to Epic, and with so many close friends here, it’s impossible to just walk away," he said. "I absolutely love this company. If you cut me, I think I probably bleed nanoblack and Imulsion. (Wow, just think about what mixing those would do…) Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney and other board members asked me to stay on the board, and I’m thrilled to do so as I’m truly excited about our future games and Unreal Engine 4."
He went on to reassure fans that he'll continue to be available as a resource for Epic, to provide context or advice where needed. He also expressed great confidence in the executive team including VP of Development Paul Meegan who is new to the smell of North Carolina pigs in the summer afternoon (read: potent no matter where you drive).
"Our partners and customers can reach me anytime on my Epic email address, and I’ll still be posting the occasional foodie and gamer musings on @epicactual," he said. "As a member of the board, I’ll help keep the ship pointed directly towards Na Pali, and make sure that everything we do is Epic."
Back in October, Cliff Bleszinski said that he was exiting the gaming business after serving twenty years. His portfolio of accomplishments in the gaming industry include Jazz Jackrabbit, Unreal, and Gears of War. He said he has been going non-stop since he set foot in the industry, and now it was time for a much needed break.
"I will miss the projects, the playtests, the debates, and most importantly, the people," he said. "Epic only hires the best of the best, and it has been a joy working with each and every one of you on a daily basis, whether you were hired weeks ago or decades ago."
"I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with a variety of disciplines, from code to art to marketing and PR – it’s been one big, rewarding learning experience," he concluded. "I’m confident that each project that is being built, whether at Epic, Chair, PCF, or Impossible will be top notch and will please gamers and critics alike."
Two key active players have stepped down from their roles in the last two months. Is Epic's momentum finally slowing down? Not with Tim Sweeney and Epic VP Mark Rein still at the wheel. As an Epic rep told me via Facebook, "It's all good!"
