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Ready At Dawn has named Paul Sams as its new CEO as it seeks to publish its own games.

The studio, best known this year for PS4 exclusive The Order: 1886, wants to create its own ‘transmedia IP’ and is on the hunt for investors.

Sams – the longtime COO of Blizzard – will lead the company’s new Austin office, which will focus on business development and publishing.

Ready At Dawn’s co-Founder and current CEO Ru Weerasuriya will now take on the role of president and chief creative officer.

Words can’t describe how excited our team and I are to have Paul join the Ready At Dawn family,” said Weerasuriya in a press statement.

He is not only one of the most accomplished, respected and experienced leaders in our industry, I am also fortunate to count him as a close friend. It is never easy finding someone to take over the reins of a company after this many years but I cannot think of anyone better suited to guide the team as we look to the future.

"In addition, this opportunity further fulfills a goal we had long sought. With Paul’s arrival, the entire team at our studio in Irvine will turn its attention solely on creative and game development, while Austin will become the focus of our business endeavours. Paul’s expertise will be essential in achieving some of our goals, including our desire to seek a strategic partner in helping us create and retain ownership of our own transmedia IPs.”

Sams main role at Ready At Dawn will be to take the business pressures off Weerasuriya, so he and his team can focus on making games. During his time at Blizzard, Sams oversaw the launch of World of Warcraft, Hearthstone and Diablo, he also saw the business go from 50 employees to 4,000.

Check back later to read our interview with Sams.