Yet Another Major Figure Has Left PlayStation’s Mobile Division

Founder and Managing Director of Savage Game Studios, Michail Katkoff has left the company within less than a year of its acquisition by the PlayStation mobile gaming division. The PlayStation Studios mobile handle acquired Savage Game Studios last year for undisclosed finances as part of their entry into the mobile gaming arena.

Katkoff announced his departure through his LinkedIn panel. His farewell announcement talked about his wishes for his co-founders and other colleagues. Katkoff further reasoned his verdict with his decision to focus on his mental health and find balance in life.

I’d like to believe I’ve done my fair part in taking the company from zero to one. Now I’m eager to watch from the side as Nadjim and Mike take it from one to one hundred.”

Katkoff went further to wish the heads of PlayStation Studios Mobile Division in the same post.

In the same breath, I wish nothing but the best to Olivier C. and Kris Davis who are leading PlayStation’s charge onto mobile. Can’t wait to play all the amazing games from all the fantastic developers!”

Further on his notice, Katkoff explained how his work mentality was always to “push tirelessly to pursue his career and financial goals,” but somehow his resolution in terms of his work life proved to be at the expense of his “friendships, parental life, marriage, and mental health.” He said he feels the need to gain equilibrium in his life.

Needless to say, my life got out of balance. And now I’m taking a good amount of time to course correct and find the equilibrium. My apologies for any spiritual posts in advance.”

Moreover, Katkoff’s departure from PlayStation Studios’ mobile division is another high-profile withdrawal from the company within 10 days. Previously the division faced major leadership alteration when Nicola Sebastiani, the Vice President and head of mobile at PlayStation Studios left the company to “pursue a new, undisclosed opportunity.” Sebastiani was one of the main reasons Sony acquired Savage Game Studios.

While announcing the acquisition of his studio by Sony last year, Katkoff specifically mentioned PlayStation mobile division’s leadership saying they let the deal happen because the division’s leadership “respects their vision for how we can best operate and succeed.”

Furthermore, Savage Game Studios was co-founded by an incredible table of devs with vast industry experience in 2020, which included Katkoff (Rovio, Zynga), Nadjim Adjir (Wargaming, Rovio), and Michael McManus (Wargaming, Insomniac). The studio is yet to put forward its potential. However, it was disclosed that the team is working on a new unannounced AAA live-service action game inspired by one of Sony’s franchises.