It looks like Dan Houser, the co-founder and head writer at Rockstar Games is leaving the company, with Take Two Interactive announcing the change in staff via an official press release.

Having worked on Rockstar’s most beloved games, we’ve probably all experienced Dan’s fantastic work in one way or another, but it’s also important to remember that the writer was shown to be working around 100-hour weeks prior to the release of Red Dead Redemption 2.

It’s a shame to see the talented creative leaving the company, but at the same time, could this be the proof that extended periods of hard-crunch can lead to burnout in writers and workers, with Houser leaving after an extended absence the following spring after the game’s release.

With no mention as to why Houser is leaving the company, maybe we’ll get our answer in the near future, but I wish him the best in his future endeavours and hope he knows that we’re all in awe of his storytelling abilities and prowess.

Good luck in the future, Dan!