Hangar 13’s Haden Blackman is stepping down as studio head, leaving 2K

Haden Blackman is the founder of Mafia 3 developer Hangar 13, is leaving the studio and publisher 2K after serving seven years as the studio’s head.

Announced in a memo addressed to the studio’s staff, which was provided to Polygon by publisher 2K, Blackman is stepping down to quote, “pursue his passion at a new endeavor.” Blackman, who founded the studio in 2014, previously served as the creative director on Star Wars: The Force UnleashedAs the lead producer Star Wars: Galaxies.

Nick Baynes was a Hangar 13 member in 2018, and previously served as Hangar 13 Brighton’s studio head. He will now take the reins as studio head. “While change can be challenging, it can also breed new opportunities and success,” the memo states. “We are confident the studio is in great hands heading into the multiple projects currently under way, and the team has 2K’s full support.”

With the recent swath of Star Wars games currently in production, one might wonder if Blackman’s passions will see him returning to helm a new title in the franchise once again. Kotaku has learned that Matthew Urban, the former Hangar 13 COO, is also leaving the studio. Urban is believed to be working on a prequel to The Mafia Trilogy.