38 Studios President And CEO Brett Close Resigns

Brett Close, president and CEO of Massachusetts-based online game developer 38 Studios, resigned from the company, the studio said Friday. A rep for the studio told Gamasutra in a phone call that Close left 38 Studios "to pursue other opportunities." She didn't offer specifics, as 38 Studios is a privately-held company that doesn't comment on personnel changes. Close was with the company for three years, but left before the launch of the studio's first MMO, currently dubbed Project Copernicus. In a statement, he said, "I've had the privilege of building 38 Studios to become an established force of IP creation and entertainment." Taking his place is Jennifer MacLean, who is moving into the CEO rank from SVP of business development. 38 Studios initially announced that she would be joining the company in March 2008. Former pro baseball pitcher Curt Schilling, an avid player of World of Warcraft and Everquest, founded 38 Studios in 2006. In May, the studio announced that it acquired Rise of Nations developer Big Huge Games from THQ. Schilling said, "Brett's leadership over the last three years has well-positioned 38 Studios for the next phase of the company's development. The entire 38 Studios team wishes Brett much success in all his future endeavors." [UPDATE: 38 Studios clarified that Close did in fact resign from the company.]