The founder of Game’s Multiplay division Craig Fletcher is set to leave the video games retailer at the end of the year after announcing his resignation.
Fletcher joined the retailer back in 2015 when Multiplay, which he founded in 1997, was acquired for £20 million.
Fletcher remained the boss at Multiplay until 2016, when he was promoted to a role as Game’s senior vice president for esports and competitive gaming strategy.
The Multiplay name, and the company’s online server business, was sold to Unity for £19 million last month, while Game absorbed Multiplay’s events and esports aspects.
At the time of the Multiplay sale, Game said Fletcher would not be leaving the business.
However, the retailer said he would be formally departing at the end of this year, and the news comes as it positions its business towards esports and its Belong computer lounges, areas which are Fletcher’s expertise.
“Craig will continue to support the company’s esport aspirations and development of Insomnia over the months and years ahead whilst formally leaving at the end of December,” Game said in a statement.
Andy Dopson, currently head of Belong, will take over Fletcher’s role and assume the title of head of esports and Belong, overseeing all of the company’s esports activities.
Chief executive Martyn Gibbs added: “I’d like to personally say a massive thank you to Craig for the energy, fun and vision he has brought to our business, and of course for the support and friendship that will continue way beyond today.
“We are making good progress with our Belong, esports and competitive gaming strategy.
“Results from our Belong arenas and activities are encouraging, our arena competitive gaming tournament, Arena Clash, is now fully operational and the recently announced partnership with Activision for Call of Duty: World League at Insomnia demonstrates our unique ability to deliver through all elements of esports and competitive gaming.”
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