There’s some sad news for WildStar fans today. Community Director Troy "Aether" Hewitt  announced in a message to the community today that he will be departing Carbine Studios. Hewitt praised the community and the Carbine team for the relationship that they’ve had while the game has been in development.

Hewitt’s reason for departure was intentionally left vague, citing only that “recent tragedies” in his family require that he return home. While Hewitt described the decision as “agonizing” he goes on to reassure fans that they are in good hands.

“The good news is that I leave you in capable hands, with Loic and David in North America, and Melanie, Mark, Jan and Akli holding down the fort for Europe, your community team will be working even harder to build a connected and engaged community like none other,” Hewitt wrote in his post.

Hewitt also praised several members of the team before closing out with one final promise to fans.

“So while this is goodbye for now, I guarantee you that we’ll be playing WildStar together on launch day.”

We would like to wish Troy "Aether" Hewitt the best and hope that whatever issues have drawn him away will be resolved with the best possible conclusion.

Source: A Personal Message from Troy “Aether” Hewitt