Jobs roundup: Robert Khoo leaves Penny Arcade
Elsewhere, Jason Rubin expands his focus beyond games at Oculus, Facebook makes a big hire in its eSports push, and Nintendo UK has a new boss
It can be difficult keeping track of the various comings and goings in the games industry, which is why we've decided to start compiling them in semi-regular round-ups. If you have new appointments or transitions in your company that belong here, please get in touch with us here.
Robert Khoo resigns as president of Penny Arcade - After 15 years in which he helped to grow the company from a popular web comic to a globe-straddling events business, Robert Khoo has resigned as president of Penny Arcade. In an official statement, Khoo described his time at the company as "an immeasurable privilege," though he offered no details on his future plans. Penny Arcade founders Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik will now take full control of its, "the company's creative direction, focusing on the creation and licensing of Penny Arcade's stable of intellectual property."
Jason Rubin promoted to head of content at Oculus VR - After just over two years as head of Oculus' worldwide studios, Naughty Dog co-founder Jason Rubin will now oversee all content made for the company's VR platform. That includes "experiences" as well as games, Oculus CEO Brendan Iribe said, so, "videos, apps, Story Studio, and more." Rubin's old role will be filled by Steve Arnold, who joined Oculus in May 2014 after more than a decade at Electronic Arts.
Facebook hires former pro gamer to expand eSports business - The ubiquitous social network has confirmed that Stephen "Snoopeh" Ellis has joined to lead, "a collaborative effort between the sports and games partnership teams to support the eSports and gaming communities using our platform." Ellis made his name as a professional League of Legends player, before joining the eSports betting firm Unikrn as VP of global business development for eSports. He also founded the eSports Player Resource Center, an institution that helps aspiring professional gamers.
Nintendo UK appoints new GM - Two weeks after the departure of Simon Kemp, Nintendo UK has found its new general manager: Nicolas Wegenez, who has worked for Nintendo for more than 20 years, most recently as marketing and PR director for Nintendo Iberica. Wegenez started in the role on June 20, 2016.
Destructoid axes UK team - Laura Kate Dale, Joe Parlock and Vikki Blake will be let go from the Destructoid team as of June 30, 2016, eradicating the long-running site's presence in the UK. According to a post from Dale on Patreon, the team was "dismantled" due to, "seasonal financials and our team of three being the most recent additions to the salary payroll." Dale's Patreon is an attempt to secure the funding to allow the team to stay together and continue making content.
AbleGamers refreshes advisory board - The leading charity has added six "advocates and supporters" to its advisory board, including some very familiar faces: Vlambeer co-founder Rami Ismail, Paradox COO Susana Meza Graham, Kalypso Media founder Mario R. Kroll, journalist Andrea Rene, author Chuck Wendig and actor Kurt Yaeger. The new members will, "advocate for those with physical and mental challenges, encouraging and educating about accessibility in video games."