Madden NFL lead producer David Ortiz has left developer EA Tiburon, reportedly citing family reasons. Analysts
have called the
Madden franchise the 'crown jewel' of the Tiburon studio, which produces all of Electronic Arts' sports titles.
An EA spokesperson
confirmed Ortiz's departure to consumer site 1UP.com, who added speculation on rumors that Ortiz had grown "frustrated with the inner workings of the studio."
According to the report, Ortiz's role will be assumed by EA Tiburon producer Phil Frazier, who will take the helm of
Madden development. The annual franchise
helped drive a record $1.5 billion in sales during the 2007 holiday quarter for EA.
An EA spokesperson told 1UP, "David's been a valuable part of our team at EA Tiburon, and we wish him the best. Dale Jackson, an EA veteran for more than a decade, continues to lead the
Madden NFL development team."
