Dying Light Franchise Director Timon Smektala Resigns From Techland After Thirteen Years Leading The Popular Zombie Action Brand Through Major Successes
Timon Smektala who directs the Dying Light Franchise will leave Techland according to his announcement. The Dying Light series lost its franchise director when Smektala decided to leave his position. Smektala issued a farewell statement on May 6 2026 ending a career at Techland that spanned 13 years. The development team and the community received his appreciation but he maintained that the zombie action brand will continue to thrive under current management. The Polish studio completes its significant era through this resignation as it enters the post launch period of its latest projects.
Techland hired Smektala in May 2013 when he first joined the company. He began his career with the company by working on production and design tasks for the original Dying Light game which served as the series foundation. Over the next decade he advanced through company ranks until he became series director in November 2022. He executed his duties as the intellectual property director which led the brand to become a major survival horror franchise. His departure letter explained to Smektala that his colleagues' ambition and enthusiasm served as the main reasons for the franchise's success.
Dying Light The Beast successfully launched in autumn 2022 which led to his resignation from the company. The project started as an expansion for Dying Light 2 Stay Human but it became a standalone spinoff that featured the main character from the first game. Techland developed the project into a full game because the story and gameplay elements required a separate title. The transition in leadership comes at a time when the franchise has reached a peak in content volume and player engagement. The studio has not yet announced a permanent successor for the director role but continues to maintain operations for its ongoing live service titles.
Source: linkedin
