Lately we've seen evidence indicating that Sucker Punch is working on a new open world game, and in order to do so, they're strengthening their ranks. As part of the process, the studio is welcoming back a veritable veteran, as hinted by Co-Founder Brian Fleming on Twitter.

But who is Rob? We managed to find out thanks to Linkedin. Fleming is talking about Rob McDaniel, who just rejoined the studio as Senior Technical Artist.

The definition of "old friend" is quite appropriate, as McDaniel worked at Sucker Punch almost from the very beginning, from 1998 to 2007, all the way through the first three Sly Cooper games and the first inFAMOUS.

After leaving the studio he moved on to  Loose Cannon Studios and then PopCap Games. Now the circle is closed and he's back at Sucker Punch.

It'll be quite interesting to see what kind of game Sucker Punch will release next. Details are still extremely scarce, but hopefully we'll hear something more soon. Besides, in an era in which everyone seems to be scrambling to report when people get laid off or leave their studio, it's a pleasure to join up in welcoming a development veteran back home.