January 11, 2023

After a Six Year Struggle, the Co-Founder of one of the oldest MMOs is leaving Amazon Games Studios

This post may contain affiliate links from places like Amazon and Green Man Gaming — and we may earn a small commission when you click these links. All earnings will go to keeping this website as minimally ad-free as possible. Learn more here.

After a Six Year Struggle, the Co-Founder of one of the oldest MMOs is leaving Amazon Games Studios

By Nick | January 11, 2023

John Smedley, the head of Amazon Games San Diego and co-founder of Everquest MMO, has announced his parting from the on-line retail giant.

After a Six Year Struggle, the Co-Founder of one of the oldest MMOs is leaving Amazon Games Studios

Smedley announced in an email to staff published by Bloomberg News that after much thought, he has decided it is time to try something new. He has yet to reveal what his next endeavor will be but experts predict he will land a senior position with another top gaming publisher.

Smedley joined Amazon Games in 2017 and had a hand in several projects at Amazon Games, but none of them were released during his six-year tenure with the company.

Smedley, co-created EverQuest, one of the world's oldest MMOs, and worked on games such as Star Wars Galaxies, Planetside, Free Realms, and H1Z1 during his 13-year stint as president of Sony Online Entertainment (later renamed Daybreak Game Company) from 2002 to 2015.

Before that, he was CEO of Pixelmage Games. Smedley's departure isn't the first for Amazon as Michael Frazzini, the long-serving boss of Amazon Games, also left the company in 2021.

Frazzini had helped to build Amazon's gaming division into a competitive gaming division but struggled to find success due to staff turnover and internal departmental conflicts.


June 4, 2023
Blood and Greed: Greedland Demo Impressions and Feedback

Unleash chaos in Greedland, an electrifying shooter where you traverse dynamic levels and showoff you skills as an interstellar mercenary

Read More
June 1, 2023
Why a Sony PlayStation Only World Could Destroy the Gaming Industry

The gaming industry thrives variety and a Sony PlayStation-only world would close the door on millions who deserve a chance to enjoy the magic of gaming

Read More
May 31, 2023
Scramble All Fighters (Steam) Review - Because Sitting Calmly Doesn't Win Wars

Scramble All Fighters: Where crashing into each other and shooting down your own teammates is strangely satisfying!

Read More

POPULAR POSTS

December 15, 2022
GRIME: Colors of Rot DLC Out Now On PC and Consoles

Clover Bite and Akupara Games proudly announce that their new DLC expansion, GRIME: Colors of Rot, is now available on PC and consoles

November 15, 2019
The Takeover PC Review - Taking Back the Streets Sinch 80s

The Takeover does provide enough charm, action, and thumb numbing action to keep you fighting until Street of Rage 4 is released.

February 1, 2023
Minecraft: Still the Most Googled Game of 2022. But Why?

We will take a look at some of the reasons why Minecraft is still the most Googled game and why players are so enamored with it.

December 11, 2022
Is VR Gaming Still The Next Big Thing?

With new and innovative games being released along with ever-improving technology, VR is only going to become more popular in the years to come.

March 6, 2023
Breathe Baby, Breath: Unveil the Secrets of Darth Vader's Mask and Suit

Dive into the inner workings of Darth Vader's costume that explores how his iconic mask and sophisticated black suit work together to create a powerful villain.

envelope
linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram