In a statement released on their community page, the studio best known for Gears of War bid farewell to Cliff Bleszinski. No word has been given on Cliffy B’s next steps beyond Epic, but the designer did offer a statement on his departure, calling it “a much needed break”.
“I’ve been doing this since I was a teenager, and outside of my sabbatical last year, I have been going non-stop.” read Bleszinski’s statement, in part, “And now that I’m grown up, it’s time for a much needed break.”
Bleszinski continued, “I will miss the projects, the playtests, the debates, and most importantly, the people. 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…”
Beginning his career at Epic two decades ago, Bleszinski designed and released his first game via shareware in 1991, being picked up by the then Epic Mega Games shortly thereafter. Before Gears of War, Cliffy B’s most well known releases included Jazz Jackrabbit and the Unreal Engine.