Media Molecule Co-Founder David Smith Bids Farewell
David Smith, a co-founder of Media Molecule, the acclaimed studio behind fan favorites like LittleBigPlanet, Tearaway, and the ambitious Dreams, has announced his departure. Smith, a pivotal figure in the studio's 20-year history, is moving on to focus on personal creative endeavors.
A Creative Journey Comes Full Circle
Unlike many industry departures, Smith's decision to leave Media Molecule is amicable and by his own choice. He expressed a strong desire to dedicate more time to his own creative projects, which he found increasingly difficult to balance with his responsibilities at the studio. In a heartfelt farewell letter shared with the community, Smith reflected on his two decades with the company:
“It seems like only yesterday I was working on the prototype that would eventually become LittleBigPlanet,” Smith wrote. “Today, I am announcing that I am leaving the studio to focus on personal creative projects.”
Smith highlighted the foundational influence of Lionhead Studios, describing it as “a chaotic wellspring of creativity and the best training ground I could have ever wished for.” He noted that Media Molecule was born from this unique creative spirit, driven by an “insatiable desire to make exciting new experiences” and a belief in sharing the joy of creation with players.
“I am proud that all the games we have made (and are making) are imbued with a spirit of creativity and joy,” he added, stating that “these years have not been wasted.”
Balancing Passion and Personal Projects
The core reason for Smith's departure is a familiar one for many creatives: the pursuit of work-life balance and the call of new, bold ideas. He explained, “Lately, I’ve felt an increasingly irresistible urge to explore truly bold ideas and create things based on my personal eccentricities.” While he still cherishes the creative dynamic at Media Molecule, he found there simply weren't enough hours in the day to manage both his work at the studio and his personal projects without sacrificing his well-being.
Smith concluded his message by expressing hope for future collaborations with Media Molecule and plans to visit his former team. He praised the current team, acknowledging that while it's different from 20 years ago, “the positivity and free exchange of ideas remain true to the spirit embedded in the company's foundation. I am leaving it in safe hands.”
Smith did not specify what these new personal creative projects entail, leaving fans curious about his next venture. His departure marks the end of an era for Media Molecule, but the studio's legacy of fostering player creativity, as established in games like Dreams and LittleBigPlanet, seems set to continue under the guidance of its strong existing team.
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