Jaffe to found new core studio, looking at next-gen and browser

Eat, Sleep, Play co-owner David Jaffe has confirmed he's to set up a new company, after it was reported yesterday he's to leave his current role at the Salt Lake City developer.

In a series of tweets, Jaffe said he's to start a new studio focused on making core games. It was reported yesterday that he's to leave ESP to move into the "casual" space. It seems, however, he's sticking with the core.

"I am still with ESP and have not left, and will not leave until we get Twisted Metal launched (probably another 1.5-3 months)," he said.

Jaffe went on to add: "But I will be leaving to start new game studio. Talking to people about some big, huge next-gen game ideas I'd love for us to make, as well as cool stuff in the browser space (action-oriented, gamer-centric).

"Once DICE wraps and the game launches, it's company-building time!"

Jaffe is to speak at DICE in Las Vegas tomorrow.

The God of War developer also clarified yesterday's Salt Lake City Tribune report concerning his departure from ESP, which said Jaffe was "expected" to leave. The piece also detailed recent lay-offs at the Twisted Metal studio.

"if I may clear this up: I was not laid off. I co-own the company. There were a few lay-offs and they were very painful to do for all involved," he said, adding: "I'm leaving because - again - games are just getting too big to direct from 300 miles away, and I miss the day-to-day of working direct with a team."

Twisted Metal is to release exclusively for PS3 on February 14.