LucasArts Gets New President, Is Preparing to Unleash the Force

LucasArts is currently involved in the development of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, a game that should revolutionize the way we play while, at the same time, breathing new life into the Star Wars game franchise. With development nearing final phase and the game set to debut later in the year, it's very important for LucasArts to have a leadership with a clear and complete view of the games industry, a leadership that knows how to take chances and make a game a success.

Early in February, Jim Ward, the man that had overseen LucasArts since 2004, decided to call it quits, citing "personal reasons." Ward had supervised titles like the MMO Star Wars Galaxies, that enjoyed significant initial success, and Knight of the Old Republic II, a game that some say has redefined the RPG genre. His departure left LucasArts without effective leadership when they were going into one of the most important years in the company's life.

After more than two moths of limbo, LucasArts has announced that their new president will be Darrell Rodriguez, former head of the Electronic Arts Los Angeles games design studio. He is best known for his work on the Command & Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars title, but has also contributed to games like Medal of Honor: Airborne or The Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth II. He has a rich background that includes EarthLink, Walt Disney Imagineering and the Walt Disney Internet Group.

Darell Rodriguez stated: "I couldn't be more excited to join such a dynamic and innovative company as LucasArts. The people are world class and the IP is the best in the business. To be able to work with such cultural icons as Star Wars and Indiana Jones and develop new franchises is like a dream come true."

The first milestone of his presidency will be the much hyped and expected release of Star Wars: The Force Unleashed sometime near the end of the year.