Sony's Talent Acquisition Lead joins Xbox Game Studios in same role

Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Talent Acquisition Lead has jumped ship over to Xbox.

After nearly four years in the role for PlayStation, Talent Acquisition Lead Fiona Cherbak is now in the employ of Microsoft. Working for Xbox Game Studios, Cherbak is an employment tour-de-force. Picked up by Jack of All Controllers, this is surprising but interesting news.

During the four years she staffed Sony, Cherbak was responsible for the acquisition of developers for God of War.  Her resume is vast: from Disney animation recruiting in the early 90s all the way to Xbox, it’s impressive.

Cherbak’s work at Xbox will focus on the new development studio: The Initiative. The Initiative may be a new team, but it’s already acquiring top-tier developers, including many that worked on God of War.

With PlayStation also looking to acquire new studios, most likely in response to Microsoft’s recent pickings, next gen is getting interesting.

Cherbak’s role at Xbox Game Studios may not be tied to picking up entire studios, despite Phil Spencer setting his eyes on the East. Instead, her role will be tied around beefing up the existing teams that Microsoft has. Obsidian may be a key target: while the developer always releases quality titles, many have criticized its management.

Whatever the plan, the hiring of such an experienced acquirer is bound to turn some heads. While we’re already excited for what next gen can offer with Scarlett’s tech, we’re more excited to see the software.