Bigpoint hires former Zynga and SOE execs

Online games giant Bigpoint has hired two key executives to help run its live games operations.

Former Zynga general manager Heather Sinclair joins as head of product optimisation, a newly-created position in which she will help drive metrics-supported game design for titles that are currently live as well as upcoming launches.

Sinclair has 11 years of experience in the industry. She was general manager for Zynga’s flaship title FarmVille, and was director of product on CastleVille and CoasterVille.

Meanwhile, Shawn Lord takes on the role of producer for sci-fi hit DarkOrbit Reloaded. Lord boasts over ten years of experience from Sony Online Entertainment, where he led the Everquest live team. Prior to joining Bigpoint, he was producer at Kingisle Entertainment.

"Heather and Shawn are the perfect fit for our international game teams," said Bigpoint’s live games director Nina Müller. "Heather’s extensive knowledge involves not only working with comprehensive, game-specific data sets, but also choosing the proper metrics and drawing the right conclusions. 

"Shawn has vast experience and is used to leading huge teams by involving the whole team in the development process. With him, we are happy to have found the right talent to further develop DarkOrbit, which entertains millions of players every month."

Sinclair added: "I am very glad to be at Bigpoint. The teams are truly international and so is the spirit, the open-mindedness and the creativity. I appreciate the high potential to sustainably grow the free-to-play industry here.”

Lord said: "I am extremely excited to join Bigpoint here in Germany. DarkOrbit has a huge established following with a strong commitment to the game and great potential to continue that success and growth.

"The international team of developers expressed to me their motivation and excitement in delivering new creative content and features to their audience on a regular basis. It’s this type of commitment from both developers and fans that will ensure that DarkOrbit continues its success for years to come."