Michael Capps took to his Facebook page Thursday night to announce that he is cutting ties with Epic Games, the video game technology company he helped build into an international powerhouse.
Capps stepped down as Epic’s president in December but said he would serve in an advisory role.
No longer.
“When we announced that I wanted to transition out of my leadership role at Epic, the plan was for a continued but less active role, service on the board of directors, and ideally, being that eccentric semi-retired guy who still comes to playtests and gold parties,” he wrote.
“I’m sad to say that plans have changed, and as of February 11th, I’m no longer affiliated with Epic Games. (I thought it best for Epic’s staff to hear it first, and the announcement was made today, so now I’m sharing this more widely.)”
Epic is in the process of launching its next “Gears of War” title in two weeks.
“I have many wonderful memories of my time at Epic, and I wish my friends there all the best in their future projects,” Capps wrote.
“So what’s next for me? Games have been so good to me, and I’m delighted to have the time to give back. I’m a member of several game industry boards, and I’m proud to serve as an advocate for our art in Washington.
“I’m considering seats on a few company and advisory boards, as well as options for teaching at one of the world-class universities in the North Carolina Triangle area.
“And mostly, I’m focused on being a new dad in a few short weeks. Time is flying by, and I’ve still got a dozen games I want to play before the UnSleep begins! :)”
Capps’ departure is one of several major changes made at Epic in recent months. Design guru Cliff Bleszinski has left, Epic recently closed a studio in Baltimore, but also has pressed on with development of its latest Unreal game development engine and, of course, the next Gears.
[EPIC ARCHIVE: Check out more than a decade of Epic stories as reported in WRAL Tech Wire.]
