After nearly two decades of dedicated service and visionary leadership, Angie Smets, Studio Director and Executive Producer at Guerrilla, is set to take on a new role as Head of Development Strategy at PlayStation Studios. Smets has been a key figure at Guerrilla, overseeing several groundbreaking games development and fostering a collaborative work environment.
In her farewell message, Smets expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to work with the talented team at Guerrilla and the lasting friendships forged over the years. She also paid special tribute to Jan-Bart van Beek and Michiel van der Leeuw, her fellow leaders and close collaborators at the studio.
These past two decades at Guerrilla have been an absolute dream. I feel privileged to have worked alongside some of the smartest and coolest people in the industry. I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned alongside all the other Guerrillas. We have accomplished so much as a team, and I’m incredibly proud of all the games we’ve shipped together.
A special shoutout to Jan-Bart van Beek and Michiel van der Leeuw. It feels like just yesterday that we were figuring out how to make and ship the first Killzone. Little did we know that we would eventually lead Guerrilla together. You’ve become like brothers to me, and there’s no way to thank you enough. I will miss you dearly.
As Smets embarks on her new journey, Guerrilla is ushering in a new era with a reshuffled management team. Joel Eschler, who will serve as Studio Director and Production Director, and Hella Schmidt, who will take on the roles of Studio Director and General Manager, join Jan-Bart van Beek, Studio Director, and Art Director, in leading the company forward.
The new leadership trio is expected to bring fresh perspectives and approaches to the studio as they continue to expand the world of Horizon and its protagonist, Aloy. In addition, they will oversee the development of an exciting new online project that promises to further solidify Guerrilla’s reputation as an innovative force within the gaming industry.
Meanwhile, Michiel van der Leeuw, Technical Director, will concentrate on shaping the future technology and strategy for the Decima engine, ensuring that Guerrilla remains at the forefront of gaming technology.
