After eight years at Nughty Dog, Uncharted designer Richard Lemarchand has left the building. He's gone to teach in the Interactive Media Division at Southern California's School of Cinematic Arts. While it may sound like a step down at first blush, it's actually a very prestigious position. For example, Journey developers Jenova Chen and Kellee Santiago studied at the Interactive Media Division. Lemarchand will also be taking part in a research project that will see him working on experimental games.

"I think the simplest answer is that it seems like a natural transition point," Lemarchand said. "I was involved with the development of the Uncharted series not quite from the beginning, but almost...and even though the Uncharted series isn't intended to be viewed as a trilogy, maybe there's something about the number three that felt...there is a certain amount of completeness for me."

He went on, "For about ten years now, I've wanted to make different kind of game, alongside my professional practice. I've always really loved working on the kinds of blockbuster AAA games that I've had the opportunity to work on, and I think I've been exceptionally lucky - it's partly luck and a little bit of judgment I've gotten to work on big games that are also, I think, real exemplars in terms of craft, and hopefully, ultimately, with some transcendent aspects to them.

"I've always loved the experimental and avant-garde. I wanted to try to make a game in that sphere for the best part of a decade now."

So Lemarchand will pass on his knowledge to others and we the fans reap the benefits!

[Via Gamasutra]

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