Microsoft and Square Enix vet Des Gayle has joined Radical Forge as the studio's executive producer.

He comes on board having worked in the industry since 1999 when he was responsible for overseeing LEGO's entry into the games market. Since then he has worked at Microsoft and EA in tech roles, before moving into production at Exient in 2007. In the years since, he has held producer roles for the likes of Climax, Crytek and Square Enix. In 2013 he founded his own company, Altered Gene.

Outside of game development, Gayle currently sits on the BAFTA video games committee, was a founding member of POC In Play and is a board member of UK video games trade body UKIE.

“I’ve been a big fan of Bruce and Radical Forge for years, seeing and hearing about them consistently turning in solid work," Gayle wrote.

"It’s been great to watch them grow from strength to strength from the outside and now it is a privilege to join the team and help from the inside."

Radical Forge CEO Bruce Slater added: “Des is not only an incredible producer with an amazing record of success, but he is also, without doubt, one of the most generous, giving, and supportive people in the industry. From the moment I met him, I got along with Des, and he was always there offering help, advice and encouragement long before we started the company. To have Des come on board now to help us reach our ambitious goals is a real coup. He brings so much to the super-talented teams at Radical Forge.”

He continued: “Although he would never say it, Des is a game industry legend. He is one of the best producers on the planet and has done more to create a positive, inclusive industry than anyone else I know. Des completely gets the Radical Forge vibe and will be a key player in what we do in the future."