Report: David Jaffe Leaving SCEA?

June 22, 2007 | By: James Brightman

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The rumors surrounding David Jaffe are true according to a new report, although SCEA has yet to officially confirm it. Having professed his love for small downloadable games like Calling All Cars, Jaffe appears to be forming a new studio in Utah with Incognito head Scott Campbell. [Update: Not leaving SCEA, but still setting up studio]

Earlier this month God of War and Calling All Cars creator David Jaffe posted two images on his blog that appeared to be photos of new studio space. The only words to accompany these photos were "coming soon." The entire Internet jumped to the conclusion that this was a sign that the outspoken developer would soon launch his own studio—and considering that he talked about such an idea not long ago, it certainly seemed possible.

Well, if a report on 1UP.com is accurate, it would appear that Jaffe is indeed leaving his position at SCEA. 1UP said it confirmed with multiple sources that Jaffe will join Incognito Entertainment head Scott Campbell and the two will form a new studio based out of Utah— the two photos are likely of that Utah studio space.

Incognito is currently working on the online multiplayer focused Warhawk for PS3, but it's not entirely clear what effect Jaffe's move will have. 1UP noted that Jaffe has had a good relationship with Icognito, as he's traveled back and forth between their studio and his San Diego headquarters over the development of a number of Incognito-based games.

As for SCEA, they've yet to confirm the departure of Jaffe. SCEA issued the very same statement that they previously issued to GameDaily BIZ: "We have made no announcements regarding any change in David Jaffe's relationship with Sony Computer Entertainment."

We'll be sure to bring you more information as it becomes available.

[UPDATE] After the news made the rounds today, David Jaffe responded in a posting on the NeoGAF forums: "I can promise you guys I am still part of SCEA...I just got a paycheck from them! I am still 100% a Sony employee and unless I got fired today and they didn't tell me, I'm still working for them. Also, I love working with the guys at Incog and hope to work with them for a long, long time but I sure as s**t ain't moving to Utah...nice as it is, I don't think I could live there long term and I don't think the good people of Utah would want me to."

1UP then went on to clarify its own initial report: "Just a little clarification for those slightly confused by this story. David Jaffe, at this very moment, is still employed by Sony. But he is very much in the process of setting up this new Utah-based studio with Scott Campbell. This new studio is said to be independent of Sony, so his role within the company is currently changing or disappearing. He will not be moving to Utah, though."