Ken Balough: Goodbye Sonic Fans.... :(

[Ken Balough]

Hi Everyone,

After 5 absolutely amazing years, and a lot of great memories and games, it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Friday March 22nd will be my final day at SEGA.

I can't tell you all what an incredible experience this has been. Ever since I was a kid playing the SEGA Master System, I wanted to work at SEGA. I grew up on our games playing Wonder Boy, Sonic, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and so many more. When the chance to work on the Sonic franchise appeared - I never thought twice - it was a dream come true!

I am incredibly proud of how well the Sonic Franchise has grown; and it is poised to continue to grow into some amazing directions.

The Sonic fans are the best I've experienced - passionate, intelligent, with an unrivaled love of the franchise. I have been privileged to get to know you, and hear your thoughts, and talk to you personally when given the opportunity. There are so many of you I want to thank. You guys are really one of a kind. Continue to encourage everyone at SEGA to make better games – it’s really fuel for us when we see, or hear you guys excited.

As many of you know, I am very passionate about the Latin America side business, and I have been given a phenomenal opportunity to join the team at Sony PlayStation and do just that. I am very excited, and while I am VERY sad to be leaving my dear friends at SEGA, am looking forward to be working with a 1st party in an emerging market.

Thank you all again for… well…. Everything! And maybe I’ll stop by and make a visit in a future Sonic event

Your ever-grateful Sonic 4 Brand Manager
Ken Balough

[italianert]

Hi Everyone,

After 5 absolutely amazing years, and a lot of great memories and games, it is with a heavy heart that I am announcing Friday March 22nd will be my final day at SEGA.

I can't tell you all what an incredible experience this has been. Ever since I was a kid playing the SEGA Master System, I wanted to work at SEGA. I grew up on our games playing Wonder Boy, Sonic, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and so many more. When the chance to work on the Sonic franchise appeared - I never thought twice - it was a dream come true!

I am incredibly proud of how well the Sonic Franchise has grown; and it is poised to continue to grow into some amazing directions.

The Sonic fans are the best I've experienced - passionate, intelligent, with an unrivaled love of the franchise. I have been privileged to get to know you, and hear your thoughts, and talk to you personally when given the opportunity. There are so many of you I want to thank. You guys are really one of a kind. Continue to encourage everyone at SEGA to make better games – it’s really fuel for us when we see, or hear you guys excited.

As many of you know, I am very passionate about the Latin America side business, and I have been given a phenomenal opportunity to join the team at Sony PlayStation and do just that. I am very excited, and while I am VERY sad to be leaving my dear friends at SEGA, am looking forward to be working with a 1st party in an emerging market.

Thank you all again for… well…. Everything! And maybe I’ll stop by and make a visit in a future Sonic event

Your ever-grateful Sonic 4 Brand Manager
Ken Balough

Aww, man, but you were one of the only ones to actively talk with/listen to the fans. You'll be missed, broseph.

Good luck in the future.

[HayleyChaotix]

Aww, man, but you were one of the only ones to actively talk with/listen to the fans.

Those always seem to be the ones to leave.

So long, Ken.

[Sonic Aether]

That's a shame. We'll miss you Ken.

[zappers14]

Awwww

[The Deleter]

That's too bad. Ah well, have fun at Playstation, Ken. You shall be missed.

[tikal]

:'( Thank you for all you have done for us. i know a lot of people will start celebrating that know that you are gone sonic 4 will die out. but i sill like the sonic 4 games. Thank you for holding those contests and doing what every company should do with there fans celebrate. i will miss you and you will be remembered as the nicest Sega employee ever. I have 1 more question though. will the sonic 4 series get an episode 3? also can you tell us some of the scrapped things from episode 1 and 2!

[The 120]

Good luck and thanks for bearing with some of the more hostile people here man, and remember the prestige.

[Saberclaws]

I am sad to see you go Ken. Thank you for everything you have done for us, you will not be forgotten, I sincerely wish you the best of the best. It was a pleasure to have you around the Sonic community.

[HayleyChaotix]

:'( Thank you for all you have done for us. i know a lot of people will start celebrating that know that you are gone sonic 4 will die out.

He's a brand manager and seems to be leaving on his own accord. It doesn't mean anything about the future of that mini-series.