After ten years at the helm, Rod Cousens is leaving the company he helped make such a big name the world over, as he is officially stepping down from his role as the CEO of Codemasters. He will now be joining Jagex, the developer of the popular game Runescape, instead.
“Throughout an illustrious career within the UK video games industry, Rod has presided over the likes of Activison, Acclaim and, most recently, Codemasters,” Jagex said in a statementt released exclusively to GamesIndustry.biz. “Now, in this latest role, he brings his experience, insight and acumen to Jagex as it enters a new chapter of business.
“Rod will oversee the company during a period of expansion in which the studio’s flagship title branches out into the collectable card game genre via the recently announced Chronicle: RuneScape Legends. Meanwhile the tactical online shooter, Block N Load, will bring its strategic combination of construction and marksmanship to the world on 30th April 2015. Away from the public domain, an additional number of games are currently moving through development towards announcement.”
As for Codemasters, Frank Sagnier, Codemasters’ Chief Operating Officer, is currently in charge to help the company through the transitory period, though it is expected that his rokle will become permanent once the formalities are completed.
“I am honored, humbled and excited to lead Codemasters through its next stage and we sincerely thank Rod for his many achievements and wish him every success in his new venture,” said Sagnier.
“Over the years, Codemasters has built award-winning games and franchises with an amazing pool of talent and the support of its principal shareholder, Reliance ADA. To this day, Codemasters remains an iconic brand and I am committed to making it shine brighter than ever. The industry’s continued growth, driven by the explosion of new platforms and new business models, represents a significant opportunity for Codemasters to expand existing IP and continue to innovate.”
Currently, Codemasters is working on releasing F1 2015 for Xbox One, PS4, and PC; they are also rumored to be working on a new game in the Dirt franchise.