Ian Livingstone leaves Eidos after 20 years

Game industry legend Ian Livingstone has parted company with Eidos and Square Enix after 20 years with the firm.

Livingstone oversaw the creation of Eidos plc in 1995 during his time as executive chairman, and was later named life president at the company.

He helped launched a number of major franchises during his time as chairman, including Tomb Raider, Thief, Deus Ex and Legacy of Kain.

The UK game development icon is stepping away to focus on projects outside of Square Enix, such as setting up the Livingstone Foundation to open Free Schools and Academies, with a focus on coding and using games as a learning tool.

Square Enix said despite his departure, it hoped to still work with Livingstone on future projects.

“All of us at Square Enix do want to take this opportunity to publicly thank Ian for his unparalleled tenure and contribution to this business and the UK games industry,” read a statement.

“And we wish him every success with his future projects and new ventures.”

Livingstone currently holds a number of roles in the industry, including vice chair of trade body UKIE, as well as the chair of Playdemic, Playmob Skillset’s Video Games Council and the Next Gen Skills Committee. He is also a trustee of GamesAid and an advisor to the British Council.