„Blizzard’s core foundational level is making world class games.” New CEO explains what gamers can expect from legendary dev

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The CEO of Blizzard Entertainment envisions a future beyond just Blizzard Gaming, encompassing world-class competitions and high-stakes ventures, a year after taking over from Mike Ybarra.

Johanna Faries, who grew up playing video games (referred to herself as a “Nintendo kid” from age 5), surprisingly transitioned into a career within the NFL league before eventually joining Activision Blizzard at the age of 17. It wasn’t until 2017 that she found her way back to the gaming world, becoming one of the Call of Duty series managers for Activision Blizzard, as she believed this move aligned with their strategies for the e-sports scene.

Swiftly ascending through her company’s ranks, she found herself on the Variety500 list in both 2022 and 2023. Exactly a year ago, she assumed leadership at Blizzard Entertainment.

Old fans and new audiences

In a chat with Jez Corden from Windows Central, Johanna Faries was questioned about her insights following her first year as Blizzard Entertainment’s head. The interviewer was intrigued to know how Johanna navigated the competitive landscape of the industry, with Blizzard’s flagship titles facing challenges from games like Marvel Rivals, Path of Exile 2, and potential successors to World of Warcraft.

She talked about the fast-paced nature of the video game industry, where many companies that were once market leaders are struggling to adapt – even giants like Blizzard Entertainment. One major challenge they face is dealing with generational shifts in their player base. They must cater to longtime fans who have been loyal to Blizzard for over two decades, while also meeting the unique expectations of a new generation of players.

You aim to keep the players who’ve been loyal to you for almost two decades. They have particular tastes and preferences. For instance, in a game like World of Warcraft, it wouldn’t be wise to make every expansion so drastically different that it feels alienating to your dedicated fanbase.

Simultaneously, there’s an ongoing discussion that I find genuinely enlightening – about staying true to our essence while expanding our perspective at the same time.

In the case of World of Warcraft, it’s evident that they cater to veterans with both regular servers and “classic” options. At the same time, developers are innovating the game mechanics, leading to novel features such as Delves from The War Within, which are particularly enjoyed by Faries who generally prefer solo games.

Absolutely, this encompasses developers who specialize in “content” as well, and since they have distinct preferences, the discussion among developers, not just fairies, is ongoing regarding how to strike a balance between staying faithful to our dedicated fanbase and expanding into new markets, while catering to both hardcore players and casual gamers, as well as those with influence. At a minimum, we strive to minimize complaints from any of these groups.

Expectation bar reinvented

It’s worth mentioning that when it comes to Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games, Blizzard’s World of Warcraft continues to hold the crown. While other games do have dedicated fan bases or are rapidly growing in popularity, none has managed to significantly challenge World of Warcraft’s dominance for the past 20 years.

Other Blizzard games, such as Overwatch and Diablo, do face strong rivals in their respective genres. In fact, it’s accurate to assert that the markets for these types of games are largely controlled by their competition.

On the gaming platform Steam, the games Marvel Rivals and Path of Exile 2 have surpassed Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV in terms of player count. It’s worth noting that players using Battle.net and any potential issues with the second Overwatch version shouldn’t overshadow this fact. Regardless, these highly competitive titles are unquestionably the top dogs when it comes to hero shooters (like Overwatch) and hack-and-slash games (such as Diablo).

Blizzard’s response is highlighted by several aspects, including the resumption of its games in China after a challenging separation with NetEase. Additionally, it emphasizes the drive and potential of its skilled workforce who are not just capable of setting new standards but also of transforming them. The need for transformation and surprising players even by fulfilling their long-standing requests, which were previously disregarded by the developers, is also underlined.

Indeed, houses in Azeroth or benefits in Overwatch 2 are merely the outcome of decisions made within the studio itself. Upon assuming leadership at Blizzard, Fairies sought to prioritize open dialogues that were both fair, strategic, and cross-disciplinary. This would provide an opportunity for the top-tier software developers globally to contribute their ideas.

Blizzard Entertainment, not Blizzard Gaming

The gatherings, supposedly attended by everyone within the organization, have been linked to the recent daring adjustments in Blizzard’s games. These modifications have generally received praise from fans, although there are concerns about aspects like rewards in Overwatch 2 and Seasons in Diablo 4. Furthermore, during these meetings, J. Allen Brack (Faries) hinted at future, unmentioned decisions or “risky” company ventures.

In response to Corden’s query regarding specific projects like reviving StarCraft or ongoing work on Heroes of the Storm, Faries declined to disclose any details. Similarly, she was vague about the overall future direction of the studio, but emphasized that her company is Blizzard Entertainment, not “Blizzard Games.” Essentially, Blizzard might consider exploring other forms of media, with Faries noting that not all ideas will be suitable and the key factor will be how well these projects are carried out.

However, she swiftly pointed out that building “top-tier games” serves as the cornerstone for Blizzard.

The brief response is, we’re examining all aspects of our operations, and I’m emphasizing this deliberately – unfortunately, I can’t disclose any particular details at this time. However, I can confirm that we had a discussion as recently as yesterday, reaffirming our collective conviction that we are not just Blizzard Games or Blizzard Gaming, but the entirety of Blizzard Entertainment.

It’s crucial that we carefully manage our unique intellectual properties, considering their potential to evolve in various engaging and dynamic ways. We must be mindful about our roles as caretakers of these franchises, ensuring they resonate with the widest audience possible. Not every idea will work, but execution is key. We strive to contribute positively to the entertainment industry, aiming for Blizzard to remain a source of enchantment and joy in its creative endeavors.

At the heart of Blizzard lies the commitment to creating top-tier games, yet this company has the power to transform lives. For some attendees at BlizzCon, it’s more than just a gaming event; they might find their soulmate there. Others may reunite with old friends and reminisce about the classic Warcraft film.

As a game enthusiast, I get that staying on top of trends and contributing my own spin to them is all about being immersed in the gaming world. Definitely, this is the perspective we’re adopting here.

Actions, not words

It’s clear that Blizzard’s recent alterations in their games have, to some extent, enhanced their public perception. However, it’s important to note that there are still a multitude of criticisms lingering. These criticisms aren’t solely focused on the changes themselves or their rollout (particularly in Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2), but more so on the delay in implementing these changes.

Some critics suggest that the developers of Diablo and Overwatch 2 may have been reluctant to make the changes desired by their fans until they faced strong competition, which prompted them to take what some fans consider as “risky” decisions.

Consequently, many find the interview with Johanna Faries laden with corporate jargon and lacking in concrete commitments. Despite her appearing more trustworthy compared to some of Blizzard’s past CEOs, gamers yearn for more than just ambiguous and non-specific statements. Although fans are hopeful, they are currently restraining their excitement.

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2025-03-13 15:33