Atari appoints new Product Development SVP

John Hayase has been appointed as the new SVP of Product Development at Atari, reporting directly to his employer and company CEO Jeff Lapin.

In his new role Hayase will focus on the overseeing of all of Atari’s studio including Los Angeles, Cryptic Studios and Eden Games. He will also manage Atari’s upcoming slate of titles including Test Drive Unlimited 2, Neverwinter, The Undergarden and Blade Kitten.

Hayase heads to Atari following a prolific career in the games industry to date. Most recently, he was executive director of development and studio head at Sony Online Entertainment, and before that held a variety of roles at Electronic Arts, including executive producer at EA Visceral Studios and GM of EA China.

“John joins Atari during an essential growth period in which we continue to transition our business toward the online space while maintaining a focus on retail,” said CEO of Atari Jeff Lapin.

“His strong background leading development teams to produce free-to-play MMOs, digital and retail console products with some of the industry’s most respected publishers, will serve Atari well as we move forward.”

Hayase was highly enthusiastic about his move.

“I can’t think of a better time to join Atari as the company expands its games business online,” he said.

“I look forward to leading Atari’s talented studios and delivering memorable gameplay experiences, further contributing to the company’s development and success.”