Valorant, Riot Games' flagship first-person shooter, has seen a meteoric spike in popularity since its introduction in the summer of 2020. The game continues to develop dramatically, thanks to an extensive roster of unique Agents and a burgeoning esports culture that culminated in the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) in early December 2021.

Without all of the developers working behind the scenes, it wouldn't be where it is now. One of the most well-known is Game Director Joe Ziegler, who has announced his retirement from the Valorant team.

Joe Ziegler revealed that he will be departing the Valorant development team in an announcement dated December 30, 2021.

"I come to you today with news," he adds, "with a heart full of thanks and a deep excitement." "I am handing over the mantle of Game Director of the Valorant tac-shooter to my good friend, Andy Ho, after eight years of working on Valorant, building it from the ground up with a team of dedicated and passionate developers who have worked tirelessly to serve you all with the respect and admiration that you deserve."

"Andy is someone who I am glad to say has invested many years of his own time into Valorant, and whose personal commitment to delivering to the highest standards encourages those who work with him." He has my whole confidence and belief that Valorant will continue to grow and expand year after year to become even better than I could have imagined."

What about Ziegler, though? "As for me, I'll be starting something new (*wink, secrets...) with the hopes of even scratching the surface of Valorant's incredible influence thus far. That said, I'll be close to the game and the team, and I'll always be there to support them."

"Thank you to everyone who has supported and continues to support Valorant, and a special shout out to everyone who has supported me and my work," he says. You've made my time as your Game Director a genuinely enjoyable and unforgettable one."

While Ziegler may be slipping away into the shadows, he will not be forgotten. It'll be intriguing to watch where the game goes in Ho's hands, but either way, 2022 appears to be Valorant's most important year yet.