Media Molecule Creative Director and co-founder Mark Healey has announced that he would be leaving the studio, with the goal of “following one’s heart” and “exploring the unknown.” The developer had been a part of Media Molecule since its beginnings in 2006.

Healey announced his departure in a short Twitter thread posted on his profile:

(1/4) So, after SEVENTEEN incredible years of co-birthing and building Media Molecule – I have decided it is time for me to fly the nest – set sail and chart a new course – today is my last day at MM. pic.twitter.com/Z5tORKEr74

— Marcos (@marcoshealey) April 17, 2023

Here’s the full message if you’re interested:

So, after SEVENTEEN incredible years of co-birthing and building Media Molecule – I have decided it is time for me to fly the nest – set sail and chart a new course – today is my last day at MM. From LittleBigPlanet to Dreams and beyond – proud to have played my part and lucky to have jammed with some truly brilliant people – and such a wonderfully talented Community which I will continue to be a fan of… but a strong cosmic breeze is pulling me and my pirate heart is awakened, I’m not getting any younger so am going to indulge myself in the winds of my various curiosities for a while and see where they take me… So here’s to new beginnings, following one’s heart and exploring the unknown – Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum – I’m off on a Pirate adventure! (One that involves making games that is). 🏴‍☠️

Healey had worked on various projects while at Media Molecule, including platformers LittleBigPlanet 1 and 2 and game creation software Dreams, which will no longer receive live support starting September 1 this year.