Devolver Digital CEO Douglas Morin has stepped down from the role on Jan. 31 following layoffs at the Artificer studio, and will be succeeded by co-founder Harry Miller.
Morin joined the company in 2020 as the Chief of Staff, and was promoted to CEO in 2021. According to the announcement of the leadership change, “Douglas played a vital role in Devolver’s IPO, strengthened the corporate and operating structure of the listed company, and championed the acquisition of System Era Softworks.”
Miller co-founded Devolver in 2009, and previously served as the CEO prior to Morin. “Harry has been instrumental in defining and building Devolver’s business and culture into the award-winning independent video games publisher and developer it has become,” the announcement says. He previously served as the CEO of Ritual Entertainment and En-Tranz Entertainment and the President of Gathering of Developers and Gamecock Media.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at Devolver, I would like to thank Douglas for his significant commitment and achievements at Devolver in the last four years,” Miller wrote. “Douglas’ energy, leadership and determination were critical to our IPO and programme to build our infrastructure as a listed company, culminating in the exciting System Era acquisition.”
“I am excited by the opportunity to step back into the CEO role,” he continued. “It’s an incredible pleasure and honour to continue to work with Devolver’s fantastic and talented team, building out a strong pipeline of fun and creativity, and of course delivering on our long-term growth strategy.”
In addition to the CEO change, former Independent Director Kate Marsh was appointed as the Chair of the Nomination Committee.
These changes have come on the same day as a wave of layoffs within the company. According to a report by Kotaku, Devolver laid off 28 employees from its Artificer studio, who worked on the game Showgunners, though 10 will remain to complete their current project.