Hasson to step down as CEO of TIGA Immediate release

Tiga CEO and founder Fred Hasson this week informed the Tiga board that he would be stepping down from the post after almost 7 years; effective from when a successor has been found.

With the founder members and what was then the DTI, Fred was instrumental in setting up Tiga in 2000 and started as CEO on Tiga's launch in March 2001.

Tiga was formed by 12 independent developer founder members, but in 2005 changed its rules to allow publisher studios to join and sit on the board. The figure now stands at 157 members, of which 130 develop all or parts of video games (the others are service companies). The organisation boasts such leading studios as Sony London and Cambridge, Reflections, Eutechnyx, Team 17, Sumo, Swordfish, Juice, Pivotal, Lionhead, as well as three founders Blitz, Kuju and Rebellion. According to Screen Digest figures there were 295 developers when Tiga launched in 2001 and 160 in 2006 reflecting the rapid pace of change in the development sector through this period and which continues today.

"I don't know where the last 7 years of my life have gone but it seems to have gone in a trice" says Hasson, "It's a long period but it's been, without doubt, the most exhilarating and enjoyable time. I would consider a good number of the people I have met in the industry to be friends but that does not mean it has always been easy! The industry is generally not one for collective action, except when it comes to fun, and there have been antagonisms and hostilities to weather during this time. I believe we have achieved much in that time; we have rightly championed the role the development community plays in the success of this industry, crystallized coherent messages to government, and greatly increased the flow of best practice in the industry across a wide range of business and production issues. I believe Tiga was the inspiration for similar organisations to be formed across Europe and we are proud to be founders and Chair of the effective European Games Developers Federation"

Ian Baverstock, Chair of Tiga's board said: "Fred's contribution to Tiga and to the development sector has been huge. Those of us who've had the privilege to work with him first hand have seen his passion and enormous experience with government as well as other media sectors add great value to Tiga's impact in many areas. We know we wouldn't be where we are today without all his hard work over the last 7 years and the board and members would like to thank him for his dedication to promoting the development industry and the member's interests over that period."

For further information please call: Stephanie Rickwood on 0845 094 1 095.