Serious games firm Virtual Heroes nabs EA exec

Virtual Heroes has announced the hiring of former EA LA producer Takayoshi Sato as director of visual development.

Sato, who also worked for Konami, will help guide the artistic vision of Virtual Heroes’ advancing plans for learning-based and serious games.

“We are thrilled to have an industry veteran like Sato as part of our team,” said Jerry Heneghan, Virtual Heroes founder and CEO. “Sato’s artistic vision and leadership will play an integral role as we continue to create collaborative interactive learning solutions for the federal systems, healthcare and commercial training markets. The addition of this high caliber of talent helps take both Virtual Heroes and serious games to the next level of realism and intensity.”

“Serious games may sound rigid, but in fact there are more creative outlets within this segment of the game industry because there is no set format to follow and less dependency on the ‘cool’ factor,” explained Sato. “Serious games can be really interesting because you know the purpose of the project – it’s to save lives, to train for an emergency, inspire and educate.

“It is especially exciting for me because the field of serious games is still in its infant stage, and leaders like Virtual Heroes will drive innovation in the industry. It is also gives me the opportunity to deliver a portfolio of art that provides real learning experiences and powerful messages, combined with Hollywood-quality entertainment appeal."