Trion Worlds Rift producer joins Zynga

Trion Worlds’ Hal Hanlin has left the MMO studio to join Zynga as a producer.

Hanlin broke the news on his Facebook page, saying: “Huge step today. After 4 and a half years at Trion, I have moved on. As of Monday, I will be working as a Lead Producer at Zynga.

“This is a huge opportunity for me professionally, and I will be working closely with some good friends. Nothing but love for Trion, but with the maturation of Rift, there was no urgent demand for my specific skillset. Thanks and deep respect to the people I have shared this white water ride with. Now it’s time for some new horizons.”

Hanlin started work at Trion Worlds in September 2008, where he became producer on MMORPG Rift. Previously, he had worked at NetDevil and Midway Studios Austin.

MMO studio Trion Worlds was hit by layoffs in early December, following the release of its first expansion pack for Rift.