In a financial document filed yesterday, Take-Two Interactive revealed that company co-founder Dan Houser would be leaving Rockstar Games after 21 years. He’ll be making his exit on March 11, following an “extended break” that began nearly a year ago (spring 2019).
No reason was given as to why he decided to quit, but Take-Two thanked Houser – who currently serves as Rockstar’s Vice President of Creative – for his talent and role in bringing one of the game industry’s biggest juggernauts to life.
“We are extremely grateful for his contributions. Rockstar Games has built some of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful game worlds, a global community of passionate fans and an incredibly talented team, which remains focused on current and future projects.”
Houser’s absence could be substantial. Aside from starting the company in 1998 with his brother, Sam (who currently serves as its president), Houser had a significant hand in shepherding many of Rockstar’s properties.
His credits include writer for some of today’s biggest franchises, such as Grand Theft Auto, Red Dead Redemption, and Max Payne. He also served as a video and audio director, going so far as providing pedestrian dialogue for GTA IV and its Vice City and Liberty City spin-offs.