Marcel Offermans Departs Studio 397

Marcel Offermans announced today via his YouTube channel that he is leaving Studio 397 and rFactor 2 development.

In a video that you can see below, he says:

So long, and thanks for all the fish!

Those of you familiar with the works of Douglas Adams will probably have figured out what’s going on by now. The fourth book in the famous trilogy is used more often as a humorous way to say goodbye. Almost six years ago now I got the opportunity to take over rFactor 2 and start Studio 397. Over time we grew the user base by an order of magnitude, improved just about every aspect of the simulation and did some really cool projects and collaborations. I had a great time, met many interesting people, worked with a lot of smart people and made some good friends. By the end of May it is time to move on. I’m leaving rFactor 2 in very capable hands. So long, and thanks for all the fish!

Obviously I worked for Image Space Incorporated when things began to slow down and it was quickly decided to stop working on the product. Marcel, who had moved rFactor 1 to Steam for ISI, leapt on the chance to develop the product further. I think he certainly pushed things in the right direction by switching the pricing model first of all, which allowed the product to actually make money and generate a budget for more licensed content. As he says, many areas have been greatly improved over the years.

One of the most difficult things about working in the industry is how little you get to enjoy it. Part of the reason I run this Web site is to allow myself a way to enjoy sim racing and I’m really happy for Marcel that he’s in a position to give himself the time and space to do the same. I expect you’ll see him on the virtual race track a lot more now.

This isn’t the first time, of course, that this kind of thing has happened. Kunos left the company that carries his name a couple of years ago to do something he wanted to do.

Marcel deserves praise for what he did. rFactor 2 didn’t deserve the slow decay it would have had without him, and it was great to work with him. I’ll try to arrange an interview with him soon.

View this video on YouTube. Please consider subscribing to RSC’s channel.