A New Chapter: Sjoerd De Jong Departs Epic Games After 27 Years
Sjoerd De Jong, a prominent figure in the realm of Unreal Engine, has announced his departure from Epic Games after an impressive tenure that spanned nearly 27 years. First joining the company in **2014** as its “lead evangelist,” Sjoerd has played a pivotal role in shaping the engine’s evolution, most recently serving as the senior director on a secretive project.
A Journey Through Gaming History
In a heartfelt message shared on LinkedIn, Sjoerd reflected on his remarkable journey, stating, “After 27 years of Unreal Engine, and 12 years at Epic Games, I have decided to move on. Last week was my final week at Epic.” His story began at the young age of **15**, when he started modding the original **1998 FPS** game, Unreal. His talent as a map creator earned him a spot with Epic, leading to his work on **Unreal Tournament 2004**, where he designed iconic levels like **DM-Rankin** and **ONS-Torlan**. Notably, DM-Rankin holds the title of the most-played map in UT2004 history.
A Life Transformed by Unreal Engine
Sjoerd’s portfolio is a testament to his contributions to various titles, including **Killzone** and **The Ball**. While he has collaborated with multiple studios, including his own indie venture, **Teotl Studios**, his passion for Unreal Engine has remained a constant. Epic Games recognized this dedication when they named him the engine’s “lead evangelist” upon his hiring.
Life Lessons and Impact
His LinkedIn post elaborated on the life-changing impact of his career, highlighting, “Dozens of countries visited, hundreds of studios visited, hundreds of talks presented, tens of thousands of people met, and millions of developers supported every year.” It’s clear that his journey has not only reshaped his life but has also left a lasting mark on the global gaming community.
Why Now? Embracing Change in the Gaming Industry
As for the reasons behind his departure, Sjoerd emphasized the importance of progression, noting, “It is time to move forward… The games industry has always been an industry where change is relentless and inevitable.” He feels we are at a critical juncture in gaming, filled with both challenges and opportunities.
“Let’s see where we end up,” he concluded, hinting at his excitement for what lies ahead in his career.
Moving forward, Sjoerd aims to assess the direction of the gaming industry and prepare for the inevitable changes that await. His exit marks not just the end of an era for him but also for many who have followed his work with admiration.