Jobs roundup: Microsoft taps USC VR researcher

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.

Mark Bolas jumps to Microsoft - USC professor and virtual reality researcher Mark Bolas has accepted a position with Microsoft, according to Polygon. While neither party announced the hiring, Bolas' successor as director of USC's Mixed Reality Lab and Studio Todd Richmond confirmed the news for the site. "Mark is on a sort of 'extended sabbatical' to get back into the tempo of private sector research and development," Richmond said. "He's an incredibly creative and energetic guy, and the stimulations and associations of academia, government and commercial are all different and fuel his passion in different ways."

Team17 adds Chris van der Kuyl to board - The developer of Worms and indie publisher this week added van der Kyul to its board of directors. The co-owner and chairman of Minecraft console developer 4J Studios is joining the Team17 squad following a minority stake investment in the studio he made along with fellow 4J co-owner Paddy Burns. "It's an honour to be able to invest in and play a part in the Team17 story," van der Kyul said. "[Team17 co-founder] Debbie [Bestwick] and her team represent a pillar of the British games industry and I can't wait to see where this new and exciting chapter takes the company."

Mark Rubin added to Gazillion board - After more than a year out of the spotlight, long-time Call of Duty developer Mark Rubin has returned to gaming with his appointment to Gazillion's board of directors. Rubin joins Gazillion CEO Dave Dohrmann and Sega veteran Tom Kalinske on the Marvel Heroes 2016 studio's board. "Whereas Tom represents someone who revolutionized the way games are marketed, Mark's creative input on some of the biggest selling games of the last decade helps us tremendously on the development end of things," Dohrmann said. "He is a great addition to our board, and as we announce our product pipeline later this fall, our community will understand why Mark is a perfect fit for Gazillion."

Rob Crossley joins Creative England - The former GameSpot UK editor has signed on as Head of Games for the UK-based media investment firm. "With my experience I want to further unify Creative England with the industry it serves, find the best undiscovered talent, as well as use my knowledge in publishing to help our partners break through the noise and turn heads," Crossley said. "But the main thing I want to say is a message to the wonderful developers and studios in England today: Creative England wants to work with you. We want to learn from you. And we want to support you."