Sunset Overdrive Director: Drew Murray

Rise of the Tomb Raider Lead Producer: Brian Westergaard

Lara Croft and the Guardian of Light Director: Dan Neuberger

Tomb Raider Technical Art Director: Joe Stinchcomb

SpaceX Senior Software Engineer: Ben Diamand

Red Dead Redemption Lead Writer: Christian Cantamessa

God of War Senior Level Designer: Chris O'Neill

Apex Legends Senior Games Designer: Sean Slayback

Anthem Animation Director: Ryan Duffin

The Initiative has been recruiting world-class talent from across the industry since its inception in 2018. Now, it looks like Microsoft's "AAAA" studio has had a significant departure. Tom Shepherd has left the company after a year to re-join Rockstar Games' San Diego office as Co-Studio Head.Tom Shepherd was one of the first to join The Initiative after leaving his position of technical director at Rockstar San Diego. He then spent a year and two months at the Microsoft studio before going back to Rockstar as the Co-Studio Head last month.Shepherd's LinkedIn profile doesn't list the role he filled at The Initiative, and it's unclear on why he left, although taking a position as a Co-Studio Head at one of the world's biggest game studios is an offer most wouldn't turn down.Drew Murray, Design Director, for The Initiative did reply to a tweet asking why Shepherd had left:Other notable acquisitions that The Initiative has picked up are as follows:If or when we hear of a new hire that's filled Shepherd's role, we will be the first to let you know.