Blizzard Entertainment has a new president. Microsoft has decided that Johanna Faries assume the role that was left vacant last week after the departure of Mike Ybarra. The executive, who arrives from Activision, will take the position on February 5, although she already introduced herself to her future employees through an email released by the company.
Johanna Faries takes the reins of Blizzard after almost 6 years linked to Call of Duty on Activision. The aforementioned joined the company in 2018 as eSports commissioner for the first-person shooter game, and later became the general director of the franchise.
During her cover letter, Faries herself acknowledged that her appointment as president of Blizzard could be somewhat shocking. However, she stressed that his intention is to maintain the company’s distinctive culture when facing new projects.
It could be said that the executive opened the umbrella before it rained. Let us keep in mind that Blizzard Entertainment and the previous leadership of Activision Blizzard, led by Bobby Kotick, starred in multiple short circuits over the years.
The company’s former CEO used to be very critical of the development times with which Blizzard worked. While the firm used to defend itself tooth and nail against any attempt by Activision to interfere in its projects. That is why the election of Johanna Faries to take the presidency is presented as quite a bold decision by Microsoft.
“Activision, Blizzard and King are decidedly different companies with different games, cultures and communities. It’s important to note that the way they Call of Duty wakes up in the morning to meet players, can often differ from the impressive games of Blizzard’s kingdom: each with different gaming experiences, communities surrounding them and models of success required. “I have discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team, and I take on this role with sensitivity to those dynamics and a deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore how to take our universes to even greater heights.”
Johanna Faries, new president of Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment adds Johanna Faries as new president
Johanna Faries promised a quick visit to the Blizzard offices to be in direct contact with employees. Anyway, in her presentation she made no specific mention of What will be the pillars of your management? or its roadmap for 2024.
The executive has a somewhat peculiar work history. Prior to her arrival at Activision, she spent 12 years in the NFL, the American football league. Therefore, she is still a personality relatively new in the video game sectorand must assume command of an industry heavyweight.
Johanna Faries’ arrival at Blizzard Entertainment comes just days after Microsoft announced layoffs at Activision Blizzard, Bethesda and Xbox. In total, some 1,900 workers were affected, as was known at the end of last week.
In the specific case of Blizzard, the layoffs were accompanied by the departures of Mike Ybarrawho had assumed office in 2021, and Allen Adham, co-founder and chief designer of the company. In addition, it was decided to cancel a survival game that was still untitled, but had been in development for around 6 years. According to Microsoft, its intention was to relocate personnel linked to that title to other “promising projects,” but without providing further details.
“I am committed to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, with care and consideration for you and our games, each unique and special in their own right. I am optimistic about our ability to serve our existing gaming communities.” and future, and to further amplify the shared passion for greatness, polish and creative mastery that distinguishes Blizzard’s approach to creating games,” said Faries.