1UP carries word that David Ortiz, the lead producer on the Madden series for the PS3/X360 platforms, has left EA Tiburon, the studio which makes all these football games. They state that Ortiz has left for personal reasons, but also mention that there were rumors that he grew frustrated with the inner workings of the studio.

They continue, stating that EA Tiburon producer Phil Frazier will take over Ortiz’s role and head up development on the current-gen versions of the game. He is apparently a major player in making the series successful during the last generation.

Madden NFL 09 is due out later this year. Hope it’s as good as its being billed to be.