"The Elder Scrolls Online" was recently launched for consoles but it appears that developer ZeniMax Studios Online has hit a small bump on the road. Right after the console release, lead gameplay designer Nicholas Konkle left the company and joined "League of Legends" developer Riot Games.
Now, Paul Sage, the game's creative director, has officially left ZeniMax to work for Gearbox Software, the developer of games such as the "Borderlands" series, "Duke Nukem Forever," and "Aliens: Colonial Marines." His departure was confirmed by ZeniMax assistant community manager Gina Bruno on the game's official forum.
The official statement also confirms that with Sage's departure, lead content designer Rich Lambert will be taking over as the game's new creative director and will work hand-in-hand with game director Matt Firor. Lambert has not only worked as the lead content designer for "Elder Scrolls Online" but was also a part of the development team for "The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion."
According to a report from PC Gamer, Sage's departure comes right after Gearbox Software's advertisement calling for new employees to fill in several positions in the company. The report speculates that Sage, who has extensive experience now with the MMO genre, might be joining Gearbox to help incorporate MMO elements in "Borderlands 3" or their recently announced new IP, "Battleborn." It is expected that he will give an update on what specific project he is working on with Gearbox in the weeks to follow.
"Elder Scrolls Online" will still push forward and ZeniMax Online Studios has big plans for the game. During their presentation at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, they revealed that the game is scheduled to have a few new updates that will let gamers explore the fallen capital Imperial City, Orsinium the Realm of the Orcs, and more.
