Crystal Dynamics Boss Announced as New Head of Studios at Square Enix

Square Enix has today announced a series of management changes across the company's Western developer outfits with Crystal Dynamics president Darrell Gallagher named as the new head of studios.

As part of the reshuffle David Anfossi, the executive producer of Deus Ex: Human Revolution, is now studio president of Eidos Montreal. The studio is currently at work on the new Thief, which is set to be released on current and next-gen consoles, as well as two unannounced projects. 

Square Enix Montreal also has a new manager with assistant director Patrick Naud taking the reigns. When the studio was founded in 2011 it was intended to increase the company's AAA development capacity but it seems that is no longer the case with the developers focusing on mobile and tablet games – beginning with the Hitman franchise.

The changes come mere days after Square Enix announced a raft of layoffs at IO Interactive; the creator of the Hitman series. The studio is known to be working on another entry in that franchise though it's not known when the game will be announced. Hitman: Absolution, the latest entry in the saga, was released last November.

Phil Rogers, the CEO of Square Enix America and Europe, commented in a press release "Our focus remains firmly set on making great games and delivering unforgettable experiences. Whilst our games will come in different shapes and sizes, we want to deliver them faster and better and we believe these changes will help our studios achieve just that." 

Square Enix may have said sales of Tomb Raider – which broke series' sales records – did not match its expectations but Gallagher's promotion reflects the importance of Crystal Dynamics to the company. The reboot was one of the company's biggest hits in several years.

Gallagher will remain as studio president at Crystal Dynamics; in addition to his new role, although it's unclear if this will be the case in the long-term.  

The company is also known to be working on a new Legacy of Kain game; entitled 'Nosgoth' which is not a "traditional" entry in the series. 

In May, Square Enix announced what it called an "extraordinary" loss which prompted the resignation of president Yoichi Wada. Also last month Mike Fisher, CEO of Square Enix of America, departed the company. 

Square Enix began restructuring last year in a bid to turn its fortunes around; at E3, the company's Japanese division announced Final Fantasy XV and Kingdom Hearts 3 for next-gen consoles. 

Via: GamesIndustry International, Polygon.