After months of rumors that his role was in flux, Warren Spector has decided to leave Ion Storm. British publisher Eidos, which owns Ion Storm, the studio behind the Deus Ex and Thief franchises, confirmed Spector's departure to GameSpot today. “Eidos announces that Warren Spector has relinquished his role as studio director at Ion Storm," said a spokesperson for the publisher.

However, the same spokesperson was eager to emphasize that Spector will not sever his ties completely with Eidos. "Warren has chosen to pursue personal interests outside the company, but he will continue to work for Eidos as an IP consultant. His insight and expertise is highly valued by Eidos, and the company looks forward to continuing its relationship with Warren in his new role.”