**Brian Fleming Resigning as Leader of Sucker Punch Productions**

After close to thirty years of impactful service in the gaming sector, Brian Fleming has declared his intention to resign as the leader of Sucker Punch Productions, the esteemed game development studio located in Washington. Renowned for developing legendary franchises like *Ghost*, *Infamous*, and *Sly Cooper*, Sucker Punch will hand over the reins to seasoned team members Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley, who will take on their new duties in January 2026.

Fleming, who co-established Sucker Punch in 1997 alongside other former Microsoft employees, conveyed his trust in the incoming leadership team via LinkedIn, asserting his belief that Connell and Bentley will thrive as studio heads. He plans to stay with the studio until April to aid in the transition before seeking his next endeavor.

Connell and Bentley bring a combined 37 years of expertise at Sucker Punch to their new leadership positions. Connell, who has played a key role as co-creative director, has significantly influenced the studio’s visual storytelling approach, particularly in the *Ghost* franchise. Bentley, in his role as technical director, has overseen engineering and production initiatives that have propelled the studio’s innovation and excellence.

Sony Interactive Entertainment recognized Fleming’s influence on the studio and the gaming community, emphasizing his role in fostering creativity and collaboration at Sucker Punch. Their press release mentioned that the new leadership will persist in the studio’s dedication to providing ambitious, character-focused experiences that embody PlayStation Studios.

Sucker Punch’s journey commenced with its debut game, *Rocket: Robot on Wheels*, launched for the Nintendo 64. Nevertheless, the studio solidified its place in PlayStation’s legacy after being acquired by Sony, introducing *Sly Cooper* on the PlayStation 2. As gaming technology progressed, Sucker Punch shifted towards the *Infamous* series on the PS3 and subsequently produced the critically acclaimed *Ghost of Tsushima* during the PS4 generation.

While numerous PlayStation studios have ventured into multiplayer and live service games, Sucker Punch has stayed true to its emphasis on single-player storytelling. However, the forthcoming *Ghost of Yotei* is expected to feature a standalone multiplayer segment, named Legends, planned for release in 2026.

Brian Fleming’s exit signifies the conclusion of a significant phase for Sucker Punch Productions, a studio that has continuously expanded the horizons of gaming through its dedication to narrative, character growth, and immersive gameplay. With Connell and Bentley at the helm, the studio is poised to preserve its legacy while embarking on new journeys that are set to captivate and inspire players around the globe.