David Grivel Returns to Direct Splinter Cell Remake at Ubisoft
▼ Summary
– David Grivel has returned to Ubisoft Toronto as game director on the Splinter Cell remake, having previously held the role in 2021 before a stint at Electronic Arts.
– Jason Avent has joined QA services studio Six Peak Games as founder and non-executive director, following his previous role as CEO and founder of Hardball Games.
– Vince Farquharson has been appointed chief games officer at Good Gate Media, bringing executive experience from companies like Bossa Studios and Atari.
– Holly Watson is the new senior operations manager for customer support at The Pokémon Company International, moving from her prior position as head of player support at Dreamhaven.
– Distribution platform Rokky has hired Anastasia Dvoinishnikova as an influencer marketing specialist and Zhang Shui Qi as a business development manager focused on the Chinese market.
Navigating the dynamic world of video game development often involves following the career paths of key creative talent. A significant move has occurred at Ubisoft Toronto, where David Grivel has resumed his position as game director for the Splinter Cell remake. Grivel originally stepped into this leadership role in 2021 but departed after a year to join Electronic Arts as a senior design director. His return to Ubisoft in May 2024 initially involved an unannounced project, but he has now officially reassumed command of the highly anticipated stealth title. His extensive history with the publisher includes foundational work as a senior game designer on Splinter Cell: Blacklist and lead design roles on several Far Cry titles, making his return a notable development for the project.
In other industry movements, Jason Avent has taken on a founder and non-executive director role at QA services studio Six Peaks Games. Avent’s background includes founding Hardball Games and holding executive positions at companies like TT Games and Boss Alien, where he served as studio head following its acquisition. His career spans decades with tenures at several renowned studios, including Bullfrog Productions and Electronic Arts.
Cross-platform entertainment firm Good Gate Media has expanded its leadership by appointing Vince Farquharson as chief games officer. An industry veteran, Farquharson brings executive experience from Bossa Studios, Atari, and Jagex to the role. He currently holds several advisory and investment positions within the games ecosystem, including with Creative UK and The Game Angels.
The Pokémon Company International has strengthened its team with the hiring of Holly Watson as senior operations manager for customer support. Watson brings a wealth of player support experience from her time at Riot Games, Dreamhaven, and Singularity 6. She expressed great enthusiasm for her new role, stating her eagerness to craft outstanding support experiences for Pokémon fans globally.
Furthermore, the PC distribution platform Rokky has bolstered its team with two strategic hires. Anastasia Dvoinishnikova joins as an influencer marketing specialist, leveraging her years of expertise to enhance visibility for the platform and its clients. Simultaneously, Zhang Shui Qi has been appointed business development manager with a focus on the complex Chinese gaming market. Rokky emphasized the importance and unique challenges of this market, noting that Zhang’s expertise will be crucial for navigating its distinct rules and audience to support both Chinese developers and the platform’s growth.
(Source: Games Industry)
