Naughty Dog announced a leadership change: after 25 years, co-president Evan Wells will retire this year, leaving Neil Druckmann in charge of the company.
The studio behind The Last of Us has a tough pill to swallow: co-president Evan Wells announced his retirement, leaving the other co-president Neil Druckmann in charge all by himself. In an emotional goodbye, Wells shared his confidence in his decision.
There's never a perfect time to step away, but I'm incredibly confident that I'll be leaving the studio in the best hands. Neil and the rest of the capable and dynamic Studio Leadership Team are perfectly suited to ensure Naughty Dog continues to lead the industry.
With amazing games like Crash, Jak & Daxter, Uncharted and The Last of Us, Evan Wells surely leaves big shoes to fill and a legacy that'll always be remembered. As one of the key figures in Naughty Dog's success, we just hope he taught Druckmann well before leaving!
Naughty Dog Co-President Says Goodbye: Mixed Reactions To The Leadership Change
In Wells' message to fans and employees at Naughty Dog, he shared that he has been talking with Druckmann about his retirement for quite a long time, so it's safe to say it didn't come out of left field for him. Still, it's the end of an era, not only for Wells, but for Druckmann as well.
Sad to see my boss, mentor, partner, friend leave... but happy for him to enjoy a well earned retirement! Evan, your unmatched legacy will forever be part of Naughty Dog! https://t.co/G0jy946NHm
— Neil Druckmann (@Neil_Druckmann) July 11, 2023
There have been basically nothing but well wishes for Wells, congratulating him for his well earned retirement and thanking him for what he did for one of the most popular gaming studios. Having Neil Druckmann take over hasn't been received quite as well, though.
It seems like fans are divided into two groups: those who trust Druckmann and those who hate him with burning passion.
Druckmann has mastered dividing a fanbase with The Last of Us Part 2 and it seems lots of people still haven't forgiven him for his narrative choices. They fear the "downfall of Naughty Dog" if Neil Druckmann has solo control over the company.
Need Neil Druckmann to retire for ruining TLOU2's story plot
— Mohamed Enieb (@its_menieb) July 11, 2023
There's nothing left to do but wait and see where Druckmann will steer Naughty Dog or if there even are big changes to come at all. Still, we're happy for Evan Wells and his well deserved retirement, even if we're sad to see him go.