Massive founder leaves four months after Ubisoft purchase [update]
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Mar 18th 2009 at 12:01AM } 
Ubisoft picked up the company last November after Activision Blizzard was no longer interested in the studio, known for RTS titles World in Conflict and Ground Control. There's no word yet as to what Walfisz is doing next but, if he's staying in the game space, he's run a successful studio for over ten years with 120 employees -- that's got to look good on paper to someone out there.
Update: We received a statement from Martin Walfisz. We've placed it after the break.
It's correct that I will not manage Ubisoft Massive going forward. Last week I decided not to accept the offer to manage the studio, and my last day with the team was on Friday. Ubisoft has very ambitious plans for Massive, and they are undoubtedly a great publisher, but they are not the right employer for me at this time in my life.
Nevertheless, Massive is in good hands and I have no doubt that the company will continue to do greatness in the future. I want to thank everyone at the studio, and all the fans, for the good times so far!
As for my own future, I have a lot of thoughts, but no concrete plans. I'll definitely stay in the games industry but first I'll take a few weeks to relax, I haven't had much time for that in the past twelve years. :)
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Cheers!
// Martin
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Skyflur @ Mar 18th 2009 12:35AM
He'll probably start his own company and make a fail game.
jcd @ Mar 18th 2009 1:29AM
I wish I could downvote you more
Banners @ Mar 18th 2009 3:43AM
Maybe it's to do with the botched launch of Soviet Assault, here in the UK at least?
Here, there's (currently) only one place from where to download the add-on for the original game (ie. not the Steam version), where just on its own it costs *more* than buying the Complete Edition on DVD and having it posted. That makes a mockery of the supposed benefits of digital distribution.
So, to get the add-on at the best price, we're being made to buy the original game for a second time, which is very annoying - and slightly unfair.
Codex @ Mar 18th 2009 4:24PM
I havn't seen a single games shop without a copy here in new zealand, it's sold rather well here :>
ToRo @ Mar 18th 2009 12:29PM
Ubisoft needs to stop fucking around and give me more details on the next Splinter Cell already.