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Blizzard’s recent earnings report led to a revelation; both Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4 are being delayed. The news was revealed via a slide titled “Update on Our Pipeline”.
These are two of the most eagerly anticipated titles in the industry, and our teams have made great strides toward completion in recent quarters. But we believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years in the future.
The company stated that they previously anticipated a financial uplift from the launch of these two games, but that they no longer do post-delay.
While Overwatch 2 seems to be progressing despite the spate of troubles at the company, the same can’t necessarily be said of Diablo 4. It has since had a change of director following the the firing of previous director Luis Barriga amidst the continuing drama of the harassment lawsuit.
Normally, you’d expect that would be enough from one company for one random November day, but you’d be wrong. Because Blizzard’s co-leader Jen Oneal has decided to step down from her current role, with plans to leave the company at the end of the year.
Oneal served in this role for just under 3 months. Though she had been under the Activision umbrella for some time, previously at Vicarious Visions, which was recently brought under the Blizzard portion of the company and functionally dissolved. She explains her departure in this blog post.
I want you to hear from me personally that I have made the decision to step away from co-leading Blizzard Entertainment and will transition to a new position before departing ABK [Activision-Blizzard-King] at the end of the year. Effective immediately, Mike Ybarra will lead Blizzard. I am doing this not because I am without hope for Blizzard, quite the opposite–I’m inspired by the passion of everyone here, working towards meaningful, lasting change with their whole hearts. This energy has inspired me to step out and explore how I can do more to have games and diversity intersect, and hopefully make a broader industry impact that will benefit Blizzard (and other studios) as well. While I am not totally sure what form that will take, I am excited to embark on a new journey to find out.
Jen Oneal
ABK’s leadership is graciously offering their support for my decision and has worked with me on a plan to invest in the future of other women in the gaming industry, by agreeing to make a US $1 million grant to Women in Games International–a fantastic non-profit organization, where I am a board member, that cultivates and advances equality and diversity in the global games industry. This money will be used to fund skill-building and mentorship programs.
With my remaining time here, I will be transferring my responsibilities to Mike, and transitioning into a new role working closely with Activision Blizzard and WIGI to determine the first steps around how the grant will be utilized, and its structure. The partnership is full of potential and is another step in a long-term commitment to create better support, resources, and guidance to women in the gaming industry.
Blizzard’s COO Daniel Alegre also released a public email regarding the company’s future amid Oneal’s departure.
As a result of this announcement, Mike Ybarra will take over Jen’s current responsibilities at Blizzard. I have gotten to know Mike very well since he stepped into the Blizzard leadership role and have appreciated his compassion for the teams and his vision and aspirations for this next phase for Blizzard and its respective franchises. Mike and the rest of Blizzard’s leadership team are wholeheartedly committed to our people, and I have the utmost confidence they will ensure Blizzard will continue to create excellent games that connect the world while continuing to build a culture of respect and inclusiveness.
Daniel Alegre, Blizzard, COO
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