Only a few days after he expressed discontent with Sony Japan, Phil Harrison, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS), has announced that he will step down from Sony Computer Entertainment Group on February 29, 2008.

To replace him in the position is Kazuo Hirai, President and Group CEO of SCEI. Says Harrison on his resignation,

The past 15 years at Sony Computer Entertainment has been the defining journey of my life so far. I am grateful to all the PlayStation family for their incredible support, guidance and friendship.

It has been a privilege to serve as part of the team and be inspired by them on a daily basis. I am so proud of everything PlayStation has achieved and will continue to support its future in every way I can.

Word is abuzz, though, that Harrison will instead be joining former EA executive David Gardner in heading Atari. There is still no confirmation on this matter as of press time.

Harrison is known for his high profile projects with SCEI such as the EyeToy, SingStar, and the up and coming PlayStation Home. Hirai, meanwhile, has this to say about Harrison's departure:

As one of the founding members of SCE, Phil played a key role in the development and growth of the PlayStation business and our industry.

It is sad to see him departing from SCE, but I wish to express my gratitude for his many invaluable contributions and also wish Phil the very best of luck in his future endeavors.

Phil Harrison sure has contributed a whole lot to the gaming community. And while his resignation from Sony - whose name has been greatly affiliated with his - is surely a loss for the company, at least he isn't totally leaving the community - if the word be true that he's going to Atari instead.

Watch this space for more updates on this news.