Rockstar as a developer stands as one of the most influential within the industry, with nearly two decades of success with projects likeGrand Theft Auto 5,which continues to break sales records. Yet, the company finds itself going through a considerable shift as it begins the new decade.
Veteran writer, actor, and producer Lazlow Jones has left Rockstar after nearly 20 years at the company. The news came from Jones' LinkedIn profile, which notes that the writer and producer left Rockstar in April. He now works in a consulting capacity “for a video game company” and has in-development projects with Disney and Netflix. This news comes just two days after Jones posted on Instagram detailing his sister’s battle with cancer and chemo therapy.
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If the name “Lazlow” rings a bell forGrand Theft Autofans, that’s because it is none other than the same Lazlow who appears in the majority ofGTAtitles as a radio host. While most fans would know him for his offbeat personality coming through on a drive, the man behind the voice served as a writer and producer alongside Dan and Sam Houser.
Jones is the second high-profile exit from the company over the last two years.Rockstar co-founder Dan Houser left the companyin February of 2019 following widespread criticism for reported practices of crunch and abuse within the studio. This was after the completion ofRed Dead Redemption 2,which would stand as one of Rockstar’s most celebrated games in terms of narrative and storytelling.
Jones was confirmed to be significant part of the writing team at Rockstar during the controversy surrounding Dan Houser’s notorious crunch comment. Houser boasted in an interview aboutpulling “100-hour work weeks” at Rockstarin the lead up toRed Dead Redemption 2’s launch. Houser later clarified that those 100 hours were in reference to the “senior writing team” which included Jones. Jones served as audio director and writer onRed Dead Redemption 2.
Many gamers have started to question where Rockstar as a developer goes from here as more of the company’s figureheads leave the studio. The only confirmed project for the developer outside of its continued support ofRed Dead OnlineandGTA Onlineis thenext-game port ofGrand Theft Auto 5. With the future uncertain for the studio known for creating some of the most high-profile games of all time, fans will still eagerly await the next step for the developer.
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