Cliff Bleszinski, better known to computer game fans as 'CliffyB', is leaving his position as design director at development studio Epic Games to take a "much needed break."

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In an announcement posted on Epic's official website, Bleszinksi told fans that he'd been working non-stop, and wanted some time to rest:

""I've been doing this since I was a teenager, and outside of my sabbatical last year, I have been going non-stop. I literally grew up in this business, as Mike likes to say. And now that I'm grown up, it's time for a much needed break.

"I will miss the projects, the playtests, the debates, and most importantly, the people. Epic only hires the best of the best, and it has been a joy working with each and every one of you on a daily basis, whether you were hired weeks ago or decades ago. I have been fortunate enough to collaborate with a variety of disciplines, from code to art to marketing and PR - it's been one big, rewarding learning experience. I'm confident that each project that is being built, whether at Epic, Chair, PCF, or Impossible will be top notch and will please gamers and critics alike."

The Gears of War and Unreal Tournament series that Bleszinski oversaw have both proved huge successes for Epic Games, with CEO Tim Sweeny wishing Bleszinki the best of luck in the future:

"In 20 wonderful years with Epic, Cliff Bleszinski has grown into a true design luminary, and his contributions to the 'Unreal' and 'Gears' series have helped shape the game industry into what it is today. Cliff leaves Epic with our gratitude for his many contributions, and our wishes for continued success in the next chapter of his life."

Bleszinski has so far announced no plans for the future, although he jokingly told Twitter followers: "Perhaps I'll wander the earth, like Cain in "Kung Fu" a reference to the film Pulp Fiction.

Epic Games' upcoming title Gears of War: Judgement was on show at Eurogamer 2012, and will be available next year.

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