John Smedley is stepping down as president and CEO of Daybreak Game Company, the publisher of H1Z1 and EverQuest previously known as Sony Online Entertainment. Chief operating officer Russell Shanks will assume the role of president, but the sun has not completely set on the Smedley era, as Daybreak tells GamesBeat that he may return in a different role. "I can confirm that John Smedley will be taking some time off from the company for the near-term and transitioning to a different role to be determined," a Daybreak spokesperson explained. "Upon finalization of his plans, further communication will be provided." Daybreak has had other personnel shakeups since being sold off in February, as the sale was immediately followed by layoffs, and Planetside creative director Matthew Higby resigned days after that. Just a couple of weeks ago Smedley told a convicted Lizard Squad member involved in cyber-attacking his company (and his plane) "I'm coming for you," but it seems unlikely he's taking a sabbatical to hunt hax0rs.