Josh Fairhurst Steps Down After a Decade at Limited Run Games
▼ Summary
– Josh Fairhurst, co-founder of Limited Run Games, is leaving the company after stepping down as CEO in September and will fully depart his role as President in March 2026.
– He is leaving to pursue new opportunities to help bring “dream games to life,” stating he would regret not seizing these chances.
– The company, which he co-founded in 2015, specializes in creating physical editions of typically digital-only games and was acquired by Embracer Group in 2022.
– Fairhurst believes the company will benefit from new leadership to provide fresh perspectives for its future, despite his deep personal connection to it.
– He acknowledges the company has faced criticism for production issues but views such feedback as essential for growth and improvement.
The co-founder of Limited Run Games, Josh Fairhurst, has confirmed his departure from the company he helped build, marking the end of a significant chapter for the influential physical game publisher. Fairhurst revealed he actually relinquished his role as CEO in September and will continue as President until March 2026, after which he plans to significantly reduce his involvement to pursue new ventures. His decision stems from a series of compelling opportunities to help realize ambitious game projects, a call he felt he could not ignore without future regret.
Fairhurst established Limited Run Games in 2015 alongside Douglas Bogart. The company carved out a unique niche by partnering with major publishers like Sega, Konami, and Arc System Works to produce physical editions of games that otherwise would have remained digital-only. This business model helped sustain a market for physical game media in an increasingly digital age. The company’s trajectory shifted in 2022 when it was acquired by the Embracer Group through its Embracer Freemode division.
Reflecting on his choice, Fairhurst admitted it was difficult. Limited Run Games has been my life for ten years, he stated, expressing deep affection for the company’s mission and team. However, he also recognized that the organization could benefit from new leadership to provide fresh perspectives for its next decade of growth. His announcement emphasized gratitude for the “wild ride” and his intention to continue supporting Limited Run as a fan and partner.
While celebrated for preserving physical game collections and achieving notable feats like releasing a new SNES version of DOOM, the company has not been without controversy. It has faced criticism for production delays, problematic cartridges, and other fulfillment issues. Fairhurst has previously addressed this feedback, noting that criticism is essential for growth. He acknowledged past mistakes as learning opportunities crucial for the company’s future improvement.
Looking ahead, Fairhurst expressed confidence in Limited Run’s future, highlighting an impressive lineup of planned releases. His departure underscores a personal philosophy of seizing life’s opportunities, even when it necessitates challenging farewells. The move paves the way for a new leadership era at one of the gaming industry’s most distinctive publishers.
(Source: Time Extension)
