Former Fox Engine lead finds new home at Bandai Namco

Bandai Namco Studios has a notable new hire: Julien Merceron, the former worldwide technology director of Konami and Square Enix. Merceron is joining Bandai Namco's internal development group, according to an announcement from the Tokyo-based company, after two years working with Konami's Fox Engine, the technology behind Metal Gear Solid 5 and Pro Evolution Soccer 2016.

Merceron will be "championing and pursuing the development of core technologies for content and production pipelines for various platforms" in his new role, according to a release. His work will focus on more than just games, Merceron said in a statement.

"I'm looking forward to empower the teams I'll be working with and accelerate growth, innovation and creativity," he said. "The reach of this group goes well beyond games, it is a true Multimedia and Entertainment Group, so I know I will learn a lot too!"

"In line with the evolution of information-communication technology, innovative services through VR/AR/IoT are being created, and we are facing a chance to create a lifestyle and entertainment that has never been imagined," said Hajime Nakatani, CEO of Bandai Namco. "In such revolutionary times, in order to create the best product for the world, we would like to evolve the studio together with Mr. Merceron."

Merceron joined Eidos in 2006, as the studio's worldwide chief technology officer and helped establish Eidos Montreal and Eidos Shanghai. He later became worldwide technology director at Square Enix. In 2013, Konami snapped up Merceron, appointing him worldwide technology director. He left Konami in November, amid reports that the company was scaling back its AAA game development efforts.