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Lightning strikes thrice with new recruits Three new faces at Lightning Fish studio EA bags Google Apps chief Bruckheimer opens games studio LIGHTNING FISH UK development studio Lightning Fish has taken on three new members of its team across a range of key positions. LAURENCE ALEXANDER joins as game designer, and will be working on the design of the studio’s NewU: Fitness First Personal Trainer. He had previously worked at notable studios Frontier Developments and Traveller’s Tales. ALAN KEMP leaves his position as CTO at Stainless Games for the same position at Lightning Fish, while BEN ADAMS is brought on board as assistant producer. Adams
GONE FISHIN’: Alexander, Kemp and Adams join the ranks at Lightning Fish Studios to work on upcoming fitness title, NewU
previously worked in the same role at Relentless Software and will oversee production, localisation and QA of NewU. The studio’s CEO SIMON PRYTHERCH said: “We see Alan as key in our expansion plans. He is a valuable addition
to us with his considerable experience on Xbox 360 and PS3 on titles such as Magic: The Gathering, Red Baron Arcade and Asteroids. “Ben’s experience on family games such as Buzz will also be invaluable for our games.”
ELECTRONIC ARTS JEFF HUBER has joined EA’s board of directors, although he will continue serve as senior vice president of engineering at online giant Google. While at Google, he has been instrumental in the development of the company’s AdWords, AdSense and Google Apps. He has also served in management positions at eBay and Excite@Home. He said: “EA has an exciting vision for delivering great new experiences for online gaming and packaged games, across
consoles, handhelds, mobiles and PCs.” EA CEO John Riccitello added: “We’re thrilled to have Jeff on our board.” BRUCKHEIMER GAMES As part of the early stages of his new gaming empire, JERRY BRUCKHEIMER has enlisted the expertise of two key industry figures: Halo 3 producer JIM VEEVAERT and former Ubisoft executive JAY COHEN. Speaking to the LA Times, Veevaert said: “This is not Hollywood approaching games. Jay and I have worked on a number of successful games.”