Yet another top talent from Konami is jumping ship.
Julien Merceron, previously the worldwide technology director at Konami, has decided to leave the publisher to hold an important position at Bandai Namco Studios.
Bandai Namco announced that it hired the lead of Konami's Fox Engine to be the studio's newest worldwide technology director.
The publisher noted that Merceron is going to play a significant role in "championing and pursuing the development of core technologies for content and production pipelines for various platforms."
There is no word, though, as to which specific projects he would be focusing on.
Bandai Namco CEO Hajime Nakatani formally welcomed Merceron to his team as the studio goes on to speed up its efforts across the globe.
"In line with the evolution of information-communication technology, innovative services through VR/AR/IoT are being created, and we are facing a chance to create a lifestyle and entertainment that has never been imagined," said Nakatani.
Nakatani went on to say that for the studio to come up with the finest product for the world, Bandai Namco wishes "to evolve the studio together with Mr. Merceron."
Meanwhile, Merceron expressed his excitement to work with the studio, saying that he hopes to empower the teams he is going to be working with. He added that his goal is to accelerate innovation, growth and creativity. Furthermore, working with Bandai Namco is a chance of a lifetime.
Apart from Konami, Merceron was likewise connected with big names in the industry, which include Ubisoft and Square Enix. He decided to leave Konami back in September this year.
Earlier, it was believed that he was joining with the reformed Kojima Productions.
Under the leadership of Merceron, Konami produced titles like the PES 2016 and Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain.
This news comes just after Hideo Kojima left Konami to develop games for the PlayStation 4.
Both Sony and Kojima verified the veracity of the news, saying that Kojima is already on board and set to create an exclusive title for the PS4.
"PlayStation's history is one of game innovation and great new franchises," told Andrew House, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s president and global CEO. "Hideo Kojima has been a huge part of that history, and we are therefore delighted that he has chosen to bring his brand new project to life in partnership with PlayStation."
He added that his team is delighted to welcome Kojima to the PlayStation family.
Kojima, in the meantime, is pleased in establishing an independent studio. He said that he, along with PlayStation, cannot wait to come up with a game that is going to be a "compelling franchise."
