Blizzard in 2022 is a considerably a different company from the one that so many became fans of in the 1990s and 2000s, partly because it’s now owned by Activision, but mostly because that was a long time ago and most of the people who made the games you love, gone!
Well, except for one. Chris Metzen, a key figure in Blizzard’s rise during this period and a man with a wild CV for the studio (He’s been an artist, writer, designer, creative director, and even a longtime voice actor at Diablo, star ship, WarCraft, Impressive and over watch), has just announced his return, six years after his departure.
As we reported at the timeMetzen not only left the studio during a turbulent time – amid the cancellation of titanium and the release of over watch– but also in his private life, having just become a father and having some serious health issues:
To titaniumMetzen intervened with the cancellation over watch Project. It was, in his words, “one last load on the wall”. He helped boost morale and finish the game. And it’s a goddamn excellent game.
In the process, however, Metzen suffered from constant anxiety. As he later learned, he experienced panic attacks while watching films with his wife. He felt like his lungs were going to stop, but when he consulted doctors there was nothing wrong with him. It was early 2016 and with the upcoming release of World of Warcraft
‘s legion, over watchhis animated shorts, the Blizzard movies and also a new baby, Metzen was crushed under the pressure to do everything.“I need a change in my life,” Metzen said.
Blizzard announced its return this morning:
CITIZEN OF AZEROTH,
It is with great pleasure that I announce that CHRIS METZEN has joined the Warcraft Leadership Team as a Creative Advisor. Chris’ focus will initially be on World of Warcraft, then his work will expand to other projects in this growing franchise.
Chris was one of the original team members working on the early days of the W Warcraft universe in 1994, and we’re thrilled to reunite him with the world he helped create.
John Height
General Manager, Warcraft
That “creative consultant” job title could mean anything, but the fact that Hight adds “his work will expand to other projects in this growing franchise” suggests it’s just one way to get him back in the studio , before letting him loose on more stuff .
You really can and should Check out Metzen’s full list of contributions to Blizzard games over the years to better understand why fans are so excited about this news.
