EA Creative Chief Leaves After More than 30 Years

[UPDATE] EA has confirmed that Hilleman has left the company. In a statement to GameSpot, EA called Hilleman a "pioneer," and wished him well for whatever comes next.

"Rich Hilleman is a pioneer--a creative mind whose work influenced many games at EA and beyond. We are thankful to Rich for his contribution over more than 30 years with the company, and we look forward to seeing what he pursues next," an EA representative told GameSpot.

The original story is below.

One of the most senior and veteran employees at Electronic Arts has left the company, according to a report from Polygon. Richard Hilleman, who was instrumental in designing the early Madden games and eventually became EA's chief creative director, has parted ways with the gaming giant, sources said.

EA has not responded to requests for comment at publication time.

Hilleman began his career at EA in 1983 as a support specialist, according to his LinkedIn page. He rose to the role of VP of production, and apparently left EA in 2002 before coming back in 2004. He was named chief creative director in 2008, a position he held until leaving EA earlier this month, two sources told Polygon.

Hilleman's LinkedIn page also mentions that his career at EA ended this month.

There is no word yet on why Hilleman left EA, what he plans to do next, or who will replace him. We'll report back with new details as they become available.

Hilleman made headlines recently for saying EA's games are "too hard to learn." He also defended Battlefield 4's rocky launch, saying the game got extra attention in part because "the more customers you have, the more noise becomes available."