Visceral execs wooed away from EA by Activision [update]
by David Hinkle 
{ Jul 22nd 2009 at 12:00PM }
Original post: EA's Visceral Games (formerly EA Redwood Shores) may have lost two key personnel, if a rumor originating at GameSpot is to be believed. General manager Glen Schofield and COO Michael Condrey supposedly jumped ship to rival Activision, with a memo circulating at Visceral apparently describing the departure of the execs. Schofield is best known as the guy behind Dead Space, whereas Condrey got his start by directing this Levi's commercial.
This news comes following some job listings (via superannuation) for a San Mateo-based studio with Activision. The company currently has nothing in the area, so this lends credence to the rumor that Activision is looking to start up something around the Bay. Add what Schofield and Condrey bring to the table and you have the makings of a fine studio.
Inside sources close to GameSpot said the departure follows weeks of rumors circulating about Activision aggressively pursuing Visceral talent. We've put in word to EA and Activision for comment and will be sure to get back to you if we hear anything.
[Via Big Download]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Neuromancer @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:16PM
I wonder what this means, if anything, for a Dead Space sequel.
solarshadows074 @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:20PM
DAMN YOU ACTIVISION
The Dark Wayne @ Jul 22nd 2009 2:05PM
DEATH TO ACTIVISION!
Ryan @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:20PM
Sounds like Activision might want some new IPs to milk.
Mr Khan is over 9000 @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:20PM
Modern Warfare: Extraction incoming?
j.howlett @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:24PM
they created Visceral Games just for them. i wonder if peripheralvision lured them away with promise that they'd package their game with a controller to hack off limbs.
UNREAL @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:36PM
activision better leave them to make the games and not mess them up, i was impressed with dead space as a game and how it looked identical on both consoles
grod @ Jul 24th 2009 1:12AM
I think it would take the promise of a new IP at Activision to lure Schofield away from Dead Space unless there was some bad blood at EA. Or a lot of money>
Snake Robot Podium @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:40PM
This is your fault, Joystiq! You should have left Dead Space Girl alone.
Squirtforce @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:44PM
Maybe I'm missing the joke but why was Condrey mistaken for Gondry in that Levi's ad?
Jack Tretton @ Jul 22nd 2009 12:45PM
This must be for Activision's new Not 4 PS3 Studios.
OMGOMG @ Jul 22nd 2009 1:02PM
Don't let Bobby Kotick get you in a funk, Mr. Tretton! You guys have some great games coming out. Now, if you could hook me up with a PS3, seeing as I have 34 cents in my bank account...
:(
Antec747 @ Jul 22nd 2009 1:03PM
Squirtforce, i think you're right. Michel Gondry directed that Levis commerical, nothing to do with Michael Condrey.
lol.
iFester @ Jul 22nd 2009 1:20PM
Somewhere on the Death Star Emperor Palpatine is cackling not realizing someone switched his lightsaber with a Wiimote.
jynxycat @ Jul 22nd 2009 1:35PM
General Manager and COO both are titles that don't sound like they have anything to do with the game making process.
I wouldn't be too worried for any of the parties involved to change much.
Misframed @ Jul 22nd 2009 1:44PM
Look mom, more Activision games I will not buy...
The Dark Wayne @ Jul 22nd 2009 2:05PM
Dead Space 7: The Legend of Pengs Treasure!
xtremeholymuffin @ Jul 22nd 2009 2:24PM
GLEN!
NOOOOOOO!