Johanna Faries Named President of Blizzard as Mike Ybarra Departs

Former Call of Duty general manager Johanna Faries has been appointed as the new president of Blizzard Entertainment, following the departure of Mike Ybarra amid a wave of layoffs at Activision Blizzard. The news was confirmed by Blizzard in a blog post after it was first reported by Bloomberg.

In her message to Blizzard employees, Faries acknowledged the distinct differences between Activision, Blizzard, and King as separate entities with their own games, cultures, and communities. She emphasized her commitment to helping Blizzard thrive, taking into consideration the uniqueness and significance of their games.

Faries’ appointment falls within the larger context of changing leadership roles within Microsoft Gaming. As Matt Booty now oversees Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media, and Activision Blizzard, each publisher retains its own leadership while receiving increased oversight for game development and project approval.

From an external perspective, Faries’ appointment seems like a positive decision for Blizzard Entertainment. The company has grappled with internal issues, including a „frat boy” culture that led to a lawsuit in 2021. Having a woman with experience in managing a major franchise like Call of Duty could bring a fresh perspective and guide the teams towards a new direction.

However, the announcement of Faries’ appointment comes in the wake of significant layoffs, with the majority of those affected being from Activision Blizzard. It remains to be seen how these changes will play out and whether the shake-up in leadership will ultimately be beneficial for the company.

As Blizzard Entertainment enters this new era with Johanna Faries at the helm, the future path for the company may still be unclear. Nevertheless, there is hope that these changes will lead to a more inclusive and successful future for Blizzard and its beloved games.

FAQ:

1. Who is the new president of Blizzard Entertainment?
The new president of Blizzard Entertainment is Johanna Faries, the former Call of Duty general manager.

2. When was Faries’ appointment confirmed?
Faries’ appointment was confirmed by Blizzard in a blog post after it was first reported by Bloomberg.

3. How did Faries address the differences between Activision, Blizzard, and King?
Faries acknowledged the distinct differences between the three entities, recognizing that they have their own games, cultures, and communities.

4. What is Faries’ commitment to Blizzard?
Faries is committed to helping Blizzard thrive and considering the uniqueness and significance of their games.

5. What other changes have occurred in leadership roles within Microsoft Gaming?
Matt Booty now oversees Xbox Game Studios, ZeniMax Media, and Activision Blizzard, with each publisher retaining its own leadership while receiving increased oversight for game development and project approval.

6. What are the possible benefits of Faries’ appointment for Blizzard Entertainment?
Having a woman with experience in managing a major franchise like Call of Duty could bring a fresh perspective and guide the teams towards a new direction.

7. What internal issues has Blizzard Entertainment faced?
Blizzard Entertainment has dealt with internal issues, including a „frat boy” culture that led to a lawsuit in 2021.

8. What has happened in terms of layoffs at Activision Blizzard?
There have been significant layoffs, with the majority of those affected being from Activision Blizzard.

9. How will the shake-up in leadership benefit the company?
The impact of the leadership changes and the benefits for the company are yet to be determined.

10. What is the hope for Blizzard Entertainment’s future?
There is hope that the changes in leadership will lead to a more inclusive and successful future for Blizzard and its beloved games.

Key Terms/Jargon:
1. Call of Duty: A popular first-person shooter video game franchise.
2. Activision Blizzard: A video game holding company that owns Blizzard Entertainment and other studios.
3. Bloomberg: A global business, financial information, and media company.

Suggested Related Links:
1. Blizzard Entertainment

The source of the article is from the blog elblog.pl