Square Enix announced today that it is making “strategic changes” to some of its studio teams, including the appointment of Crystal Dynamics head Darrell Gallagher as the head of studios in North America and Europe. Gallagher will retain his current role at Crystal Dynamics “for the immediate future,” and also work directly with the other studios.
Eidos Montreal has appointed David Anfossi as its studio head, and part of his new duties will include oversight on the development of the Thief reboot alongside two unannounced projects. Assistant director of Square Enix’s Montreal studio, Patrick Naud, will step into the studio’s central leadership role while the developer shifts focus to mobile development, with an emphasis on tablet games.
Earlier this week it was announced that IO Interactive’s production director Hannes Seifert had been appointed as the studio head. Multiple unannounced projects have been cancelled, as all focus was now on a new AAA Hitman project.
“Our focus remains firmly set on making great games and delivering unforgettable experiences,” CEO of Square Enix America and Europe Phil Rogers said in a statement, in part. “Whilst our games will come in difference 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 began their restructuring process late last year when they laid off several employees at its LA office. Company CEO Yoichi Wada announced his resignation in March after an “extraordinary loss” in its financial report. In April Square Enix confirmed layoffs in its European sector. Last month Square Enix America’s President, Mike Fischer, left the company after nearly three years.