Casey Hudson, the former BioWare developer best known for his work as the creative lead on the Mass Effect series, has joined Microsoft Studios as the company’s new creative director.
Rather than helming a new game series, Hudson will specifically be working on the ‘mixed-reality’ Microsoft HoloLens, as well as on the Xbox and other “awesome projects.”
“Since 2000, Casey has led teams in the development of major “event titles” that went on to achieve both critical and commercial success, giving him one of the most outstanding track records in the history of AAA game development.,” reads an announcement post over on the Xbox site.
“As Creative Director at Microsoft Studios, my primary focus will be the creative direction of HoloLens Experiences,” adds the man himself. “I am extremely passionate about the potential of this kind of technology, as anyone who’s talked with me over the last couple of years can attest. I feel that the work being done at Microsoft on mixed reality and holographic computing will have a tremendous impact on how all of us interact with technology in the coming years.”
The HoloLens was announced earlier this year, and will be compatible with a special platform called Windows Holographic, to be included with new copies of Windows 10. The idea is to enable the presence of virtual elements alongside real-world environments – so you might be able to scroll and flick between Minority Report-style interfaces in the comfort of your kitchen, while also accidentally cutting your fingers off with a big vegetable knife.
Hudson will also be working on future Xbox game titles, though considering the fact he pointedly describes himself as a “lifelong PC player”, I’d imagine there will be some crossover between the two platforms on any future projects.
