Employment update: June 2026 | Senior management shifts at gaming service firm Side

Staying updated with the dynamic changes in the gaming industry can be challenging. Therefore, we provide semi-regular summaries of recent developments.

Should your company have notable staffing updates, please share the details, including names, roles, and previous affiliations, with us at newhires@gamesindustry.biz.

Changes at the Helm of Side

Olivier Deslandes has taken on the role of COO at Side, a gaming service provider. Before this, Deslandes was the senior vice president focused on global strategy and growth. His tenure with the firm started in 2006 as head of localization.

In related shifts, Martin McBride has moved up to CCO after his previous role managing corporate affairs and staffing at PTW. Meanwhile, Chris Donnelly is now the senior audio director, whereas Matt Furmidge will oversee localization and QA.

Additionally, Side has welcomed three new executives: Sijo Jose as chief services officer, Kaley Hurst fills the chief marketing officer position, and Caroline McDonald leads player support.

Lucy James' Departure from GameSpot

Lucy James has stepped down from her role as lead video producer and host at GameSpot. She has embarked on a new venture to create an independent weekly newsletter called lookingfor.game on Player.gg, which focuses on upcoming PC titles and includes access to demo codes.

Daley Eve Johnson Takes Creative Role at 33 Games

Daley Eve Johnson has been brought on as the creative strategy lead at 33 Games, following her tenure as senior community manager at Super Studios.

Celeste Valentine Joins Imprint Studios

Celeste Valentine is now the lead designer at Imprint Studios. Her previous experience includes serving as a senior game designer at D3T.

Eva Piatrushina Strengthens Mojang Studios

Eva Piatrushina has assumed the role of game designer at Mojang Studios. Her past positions include working as a live designer at Sharkmob and a design owner at Wargaming.