Bloodlines 2 developer “suddenly” fires lead writer and creative director

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 developer Hardsuit Labs fired the game’s Lead Writer Brian Mitsoda and Creative Director Ka’ai Cluney.

The departure of these two key figures is the “organizational changes” Hardsuit Labs referred to when they announced Bloodlines 2 was delayed into 2021 last week.

In a short statement on the manner, the developer states that the decision to terminate Mitsoda’s and Cluney’s employment was a “joint decision made by the leadership of Hardsuit Labs and Paradox Interactive.”

“We appreciate, and value, the contributions of Brian and Ka’ai, which were instrumental in establishing the game’s storyline and dark tone and have helped to ensure that we are making a true successor to the iconic Bloodlines,” the statement reads. “We wish them both the best in their future endeavors.”

Speaking with Rock Paper Shotgun, Mitsoda claims he was “suddenly terminated” on July 16, after five years of work on Bloodlines 2.

“That this came as a shock to me is underselling it,” Mitsoda wrote in an email. “The story and main cast was initially conceived in my living room. I helped develop the pitch for Hardsuit Labs and helped pitch the project to Paradox in Las Vegas.

“I’ve been in charge of the narrative since the beginning, working long days and sometimes weekends to deliver a successor to Vampire the Masquerade: Bloodlines, and I’ve never been led to believe that I hadn’t succeeded.”

Brian Mitsoda was a lead writer on the original Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines at Troika Games. His involvement with the sequel was a big part of the game’s marketing and a way for Hardsuit Labs to appeal to fans of the original.

“I lent my legacy with the franchise, my name, and my participation in marketing efforts for the game, even when it was intensely difficult and took a mental and physical toll. This is all because I wanted to do what was best for the game and the team,” he continued.

Taking on the role of the new Creative Director is Alexandre Mandryka, who worked on franchises such as Assassin’s Creed, Splinter Cell, and Warhammer 40,000. There’s still no word who, if anyone, will replace Mitsoda as Lead Narrative Designer.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 is now scheduled for 2021, on PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.