Jason Rubin on Naughty Dog Departure

And, says the platformer gamer's champion, he will endeavour to make big waves in the development scene after finishing Jak III.

Jak and Daxter creator Jason Rubin (see our video interview here) says he plans to leave Naughty Dog, the company he co-founded with his business partner and school buddy Andy Gavin and later sold to Sony Computer Entertainment, after work on Jak and Daxter III is complete later this year.

The platform game designer, who also created the original Crash Bandicoot, says he is committed to the Jak III project and, unsurprisingly, that he feels it will be the best in the series.

Rubin explained his decision and what's on the horizon: "I'm committed to seeing Jak III through completion. I've worked extremely hard on it and believe that it's the best Jak game yet. Beyond that, I've made a conscious decision to leave Naughty Dog and explore other options in the gaming sector.

"I have absolutely nothing but appreciation for Sony, especially the product development group. They have been an incredibly strong vehicle that has guided Naughty Dog's and my success.

Jak III

"Naughty Dog is a well-oiled machine - it practically runs itself. I now want to take on new challenges and create something new. I want to refuel my passion for the business of gaming. Andy and I have had a great relationship for 20 years - I only wish all my other relationships lasted that long."

Rubin also discussed his opinion that developers should put up more of a fight against publishers holding all the cards: "I want to lead by example and take a real risk. I hope other developers take my message to heart. Instead of focusing my energy on making games under tight deadlines, I want to build relationships with people outside of this sector. That will enable the gaming industry to integrate itself into other areas that will prove to be profitable. That's just not possible in my present situation."

Looking to the future, and quite possibly something PlayStation 3 related, he concluded, "I've seen this industry go from nothing to something. I definitely want to stick around to see it go to the next level."

We hope to speak to Rubin again before he finishes Jak III, so stay tuned.

Adam Doree
Director, Kikizo.com