Long-time Bethesda staffer Pete Hines is departing the company after 24 years.

In a post on Twitter, the industry vet has decided to leave the studio to retire, saying that it felt right to do so after the launch of the recently-released Starfield. Hines joined Bethesda back in 1999 and has spent much of his career working in marketing and public relations for the company. In 2022, he was promoted to head of publishing.

“After 24 years, I have decided my time at Bethesda Softworks has come to an end,” Hines wrote.

“I am retiring and will begin an exciting new chapter of my life exploring interests and passions, donating my time where I can, and taking more time to enjoy life.

“This was not a decision I came to easily or quickly, but after an amazing career, culminating in the incredible launch of Starfield, it feels like the time is right.

“This is certainly not goodbye by any means. My love of Bethesda and its people has never wavered, and I will never stop being part of this incredible community we have grown.

“Thank you to the hundreds and thousands of fans l’ve gotten to meet and talk to over the last 24 years. Your energy, creativity, and support has been such a big part of my journey. I look forward to experiencing the next part of the adventure alongside you.

“Working with the amazing people, teams, and studios at Bethesda has been the greatest experience of my life. I’m incredibly proud of everything we have done together, and I’m genuinely excited to see the amazing things they will create next.”

In a statement, Bethesda added: “Pete’s public presence was only a small part of his role at Bethesda, although the way he represented us carried over into the values he nurtured here: authenticity, integrity and passion,” it said.

“His contributions have been integral in building Bethesda and its family of studios into the world-class organisation that it is today. His vision helped push us forward, and his hard work inspired us.

“We’re thankful for his 24 years of leadership and wish him the best in this next chapter. We’ll miss you, Pete!”