Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: arkane studios, Dishonored, Dishonored 2, prey, Raphael Colantonio

Raphael Colantonio Is Leaving Prey Developer Arkane Studios

Raphael Colantonio, the president of Dishonored and Prey developer Arkane Studios, has announced he is stepping down from his position "to spend some time with my son and reflect on what is important to me and my future." Colantonio made the announcement today in a post on Bethesda Softworks's website.

"The last 18 years have been an amazing adventure – from starting Arkane in 1999, to making our first game, Arx Fatalis, to joining ZeniMax Media in 2010 and releasing the Dishonored series and Prey to critical acclaim – it is time for me to step out to spend some time with my son and reflect on what is important to me and my future," Colantonio wrote.

Colantonio explained that director Dishonored and Dishonored 2, Harvey Smith, will oversee the Austin-based team while Colantonio "will be around for as long as necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the new management team in Lyon."

"I've lived many magical moments. I've also been through the hard times. But, I can say that joining ZeniMax took things to the next level and gave Arkane the opportunity to emerge as a world-class studio. ZeniMax enabled us to make the best games that we've ever made. And I know there is even more to come," Colantonio wrote.

Arkane most recently released Prey, the top-selling game in May of this year that saw Arkane put a new spin on the franchise first established by Human Head Studios in 2006. Despite being the subject of numerous PC troubles including corrupted save file issues that prevented players from continuing the game, Prey was still a success for the developer.

Last year saw the release of Arkane's Dishonored 2, and they revealed a standalone story expansion, Dishonored: Death of the Outsider, at this year's E3.

"I'd like to thank the Arkane fans for their passion and support. I proudly join them as Arkane Studios' biggest champion, and I look forward to playing the extraordinary new games the studio is working on," Colantonio said in the close of his announcement.

We wish Colantionio the best in his future endeavors and hope he enjoys getting to spend time with his family.

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