We’ve learned some sad news – Junichi Masuda has left Pokemon developer Game Freak, but he’s sticking around at The Pokemon Company.

While Masuda has left Game Freak as of June 1st, he also left his position as managing director of Game Freak. Instead, he has been appointed as Chief Creative Fellow at The Pokemon Company, and will use his talents and experience to develop new products and services for the Pokemon brand.

“I have served as the director of the Pokémon video game series, starting with Pokémon Ruby Version and Pokémon Sapphire Version up until Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, and was involved in the development of many video games, including Pokémon GO. I would like to express my heart-felt thanks to all Pokémon fans,” Junichi Masuda said.

He added, “Going forward, I hope to transcend the boundaries of video games by trying to offer greater surprises, fun and excitement to people all over the world, while doing my utmost to connect people, expand the circle of “play” and to help bring about a richer world for us to share. I appreciate your continued support in my new role.”

Junichi Masuda was one of the founding members behind Game Freak, and was also naturally on the team that created the original Pokemon Red Version and Pokemon Green Version, and has had his hand on essentially every release since.