02. Mike McCain Returns to HBS as Executive Producer
Late last year Mitch Gitelman announced that with work on The Lamplighters League completed he was stepping back from the day-to-day operations of HBS. “I'm moving into an advisory role, taking a much-needed break, and exploring what the next stage of my life looks like,” Mitch wrote. We didn’t start this blog until this year, though, so we wanted to share the news here too.
“This is a ridiculously talented team. I’m proud of them, I'm excited for them, and I look forward to playtesting the new game they're prototyping—I think it will really resonate with longtime HBS fans.”
If you know the studio from the early Kickstarter days, you know what an open and inspiring figure Mitch is. He’s had a lot of different titles around here; Executive Producer, Studio Manager, not to mention Founder. We’ll miss his daily presence, his energy, and insight around the studio, but of course, we’re very happy that our friend is getting some time to rest. Like he said, he’s still here in an advisory capacity, he’s just taking a little time to sharpen his axe (one of Mitch’s favorite sayings).
Mitch’s departure does leave some big shoes to fill on our team, though. That’s why I am pleased to announce that Mike McCain has rejoined the studio as Executive Producer.
Mike was the Game Director on BATTLETECH and Shadowrun: Dragonfall. Since he left the studio in late 2019 he has worked on some of the most exciting projects in animation. He’s done visual development for Netflix’s Blue-Eyed Samurai and Sony’s Across the Spiderverse. He also Art Directed the Academy Award-winning The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and the Horse. Now he’s back here to help us navigate the transition to indie studio again.
“I’m thrilled to be back in the virtual office with this amazing team,” says Mike. “There will be plenty of challenges, but the creative momentum we have around this new project right now is exhilarating. We're a small crew making something we really believe in and I can't wait to share it!”
