Local entrepreneur Henk Rogers has been named chief executive officer of Avatar Reality, a Honolulu-based video game studio he co-founded in 2006.

Rogers replaces Jim Sink, who left the company in January when it was restructured to focus on the development of applications for Apple mobile devices, an Avatar spokesman said.

Privately held Avatar Reality is the creator of the Blue Mars 3D platform that allows players to create social virtual worlds.

"I believe that the full potential of the Blue Mars platform and technology has yet to be realized," Rogers said in a news release. "With this I am excited about the innovation to come and am fully committed to the success of the company and Blue Mars."

Rogers is best known for introducing Tetris to the world market. He also is CEO of Blue Planet Software, the sole agent for the Tetris brand. He began his career nearly 30 years ago when he programmed and self-published Japan’s first role-playing game, the Black Onyx. He also holds leadership positions at several other software companies, and is the founder of the Blue Planet Foundation, a Honolulu-based nonprofit working to establish Hawaii as a leader in energy independence.

Avatar in March released Blue Mars Mobile 1.1, a free application for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. The application includes thousands of fashions, accessories and other virtual items available for "in-app purchase." Users also have access to several free items.

The company said Avatar co-founder Kazuyuki Hashimoto will continue as the company’s president.

"We are thrilled that Henk will take on an expanded, more active role at Avatar Reality," Hashimoto said. "Our team, the product and the Blue Mars community will all benefit from his vision, leadership and experience."