Former Zynga vets join Rumble Entertainment

Two Zynga senior staff and industry veterans have assumed new roles at free-to-play studio Rumble Entertainment.

Brian Schneider is to take on a role within Rumble’s executive team, where he will focus on retention and monetisation strategy. He brings with him experience as Zynga design director, where he served a creative lead role of both CityVille and Treasure Isle. He has also worked as lead game designer at table-top outfit Wizards of the Coast, where he oversaw art, design, balancing, and brand vision on sensationally popular collectible card game Magic: The Gathering.

Another former Zynga design director, Steve Desilets, is to step up as creative partner of Rumble co-founder and design director John Yoo, with a view to to building new Rumble-developed games. Desilets has also worked in senior roles at Electronic Arts and Valve.

“At Rumble, we are in pursuit of redefining the games experience on digital platforms,” said Greg Richardson, Founder and CEO of Rumble Entertainment. “Brian’s track record of successfully engaging customers across different types of microtransaction games and Steve’s raw creativity will further our mission of creating the world’s best free to play games.”

Redwood City-based Rumble Entertainment is presently developing free-to-play title KingsRoad.