After all of the problems Blizzard faced against in the past couple of weeks, a change was inevitable. A change towards the better good, a somewhat mandatory change in the rows of Blizzard Entertainment. In a recent press release, Blizzard has announced the change of leadership, with J. Allen Brack stepping down as a studio leader, leaving room for two new faces co-leading Blizzard in the future.
Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra are the two new faces that will co-lead Blizzard on its future endeavors. Jen is the former head of Vicarious Visions, while Mike has gathered his experience after many years in XBOX, for later to join Blizzard in 2019 as the executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology.
In the latest press release by Blizzard Entertainment:
To all members of the Blizzard Community,
We want to let you know about an important leadership change at Blizzard Entertainment.
Starting today, J. Allen Brack will be stepping down as the leader of the studio, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will co-lead Blizzard moving forward.
Jen joined Blizzard in January as executive vice president of development, where she’s been providing senior development leadership and support to the Diablo and Overwatch franchises. Jen is the former head of Vicarious Visions (which is now part of Blizzard Entertainment).
After many years at XBOX, Mike joined the company in 2019 as the executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology, where he’s been overseeing the evolution of Battle.net and our development services organization.
Jen and Mike have more than three decades of gaming industry experience between them. Moving forward, they will share responsibilities over game development and company operations.
Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust. With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon.
The following is a message from J. Allen Brack:
“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and will accelerate the pace of change. I anticipate they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special.”
Finally, thank you all for being a part of the Blizzard community, and for your passion and determination for safety and equality for all.
After this leadership change, the hopes for recovery are quite high. Blizzard will most likely gain its reputation back, sooner or later. Having two new smart individuals sharing the chair could be the perfect way to balance and tolerate indifferences and other minor difficulties within.
