Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Microsoft's newly-unveiled development studio The Initiative has expanded with a heap of fresh talent, including industry veterans who previously worked on God of War and Red Dead Redemption.
Darrell Gallagher, who heads up The Initiative, confirmed in a post on LinkedIn that former Sony Santa Monica developer and God of War lead producer, Brian Westergaard, has joined the team alongside Christian Cantamessa, who worked on Red Dead Redemption at Rockstar Games.
Cantamessa joins The Initiative as narrative consultant while Westergaard's role remains unknown at this point.
The pair are joined by Daniel Neuburger and Blake Fischer, who previously worked at Crystal Dynamics and Microsoft, respectively. Also joining The Initiative are Annie Lohr, who has worked at Electronic Arts, Respawn, and Riot, and Lindsey McQueeney, formerly of Crystal Dynamics.
Interestingly, Gallagher's LinkedIn post (via Resetera) has since been removed, although Westergaard, Neuburger, Lohr, and McQueeney have confirmed their new position with The Initiative on their respective profiles.
Microsoft announced the opening of The Initiative during E3, where it confirmed the studio has set up shop in Santa Monica, California.
