Mike Ybarra draws a positive conclusion for 2022 and looks to the future.
In an update later this year, Mike Ybarra takes stock and also gives an outlook on the future of Blizzard Entertainment.
In terms of numbers, Ybarra writes, “This year, approximately 12 billion hours of Blizzard games were played and 50 million new players joined the Blizzard community. This would not have been possible without the passion of Blizzard employees. We’re hearing from them that a sea change is happening and it’s the thousands of people who work here who are steering this ship towards something bigger than we’ve ever been – and we’re only just beginning.”
The results can be seen in games, Azeroth in World of Warcraft: Dragonflight, seasonal updates in Overwatch 2, Wrath of the Lich King Classic and Diablo II: Resurrected, Hearthstone and Diablo Immortal. Warcraft Arclight Rumble and finally the Diablo IV team was able to announce the release date of June 6th, 2023.
It was also announced that important changes were made to the teams:
- Allen Adham, Blizzard Co-Founder, Chief Design Officer: We embrace game design as a discipline and help ensure that we keep Blizzard gameplay at the forefront of the gaming experience.
- Holly Longdale, Executive Producer of World of Warcraft: Having directed WoW Classic, Holly now oversees all of World of Warcraft and brings her extensive MMO experience to the fore.
- Jared Neuss, Executive Producer for Overwatch 2: Taking a holistic approach to create a great live service experience for this incredible universe.
- Peiwen Yao, Executive Producer for Diablo Immortal: Leading the joint development partnership for our first mobile-first title.
- April McKee, BlizzCon Executive Producer: Yes, we’re bringing BlizzCon back – more on that early next year!
- Mike Elliott, Chief Technology Officer: A Blizzard veteran and the leading voice of engineers overseeing technical assessments, recommendations and execution.
- Dan Hay, General Manager of Survival Game: He leads the team infusing this genre with Blizzard magic as we develop our first new IP since Overwatch. The team has doubled in size this year and we aim to grow even more in the new year!
The company has continued to make a large amount of internal changes aimed at improving the culture within the company. Solid progress has been made in promoting diversity, equal opportunities and inclusion. Events, training courses and a cultural team are intended to help rebuild the foundations.
“Finally, to our wonderful teams at Blizzard: Thank you. We are on a journey together to create an amazing culture that encourages and enables creative energy and fresh thinking. Together we’re bringing Blizzard back better than ever.”
“Take care of yourself this holiday season: spend time with loved ones, your favorite games, your favorite films and books, and take time for yourself. We will do the same,” Ybarra said, thanking the workforce.