August 16, 2004 - LucasArts posted an announcement on their official site today describing significant restructuring Along with a new executive appointment, the company has laid off 31 employees from its development staff. The company will now be "concentrating on fewer titles," according to the announcement, though current titles should not be affected.

Peter Hirschmann, who worked on Secret Weapons Over Normandy, Star Wars Battlefront, and Mercenaries, has been named Vice President of Product Development. Before LucasArts, Hirschmann oversaw the launch of the Medal of Honor franchise at Electronic Arts.

"Since joining LucasArts in early May, I've taken a hard, critical look at our business," commented LucasArts president Jim Ward. "I've come to the conclusion that to make LucasArts thrive and to position ourselves for the long-term future, we need to make some fundamental changes."

When contacted, a LucasArts representative clarified that the staffing changes will not affect any of the titles currently in development: none have been canceled, and previously announced release dates have not been changed at this time.

The representative was not able to offer further comment on the restructuring.