Blizzard's new president is an Activision executive who oversaw Call of Duty
Jan. 29, 2024Johanna Faries will lead Blizzard while acknowledging “different gameplay experiences” from Activision’s games
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Blizzard Entertainmenthas announced former Call of Duty GM Johanna Faries is its new president, replacing outgoing leader Mike Ybarra.
In anews release, Faries is quick to acknowledge themass layoffs at Blizzardthat accompanied Ybarra’s departure from the company and preceded her apointment as president.
“Today also brings some mixed emotions,” Faries says. “The loss of talented teammates in recent days is hard to hold side-by-side with the immense excitement I feel about joining Blizzard – and building on the momentum you’ve created for Blizzard’s next chapter.”
“The news of my appointment may no doubt bring up a range of reactions, questions, even concerns,” she says.
“Activision, Blizzard, and King are decidedly different companies with distinct games, cultures, and communities. It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm: each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success.
“I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team and I’m walking into this role with sensitivity to those dynamics, and deep respect for Blizzard, as we begin to explore taking our universes to even higher heights.”
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Faries will officially start work as Blizzard’s new president on Monday, February 5. Her near-term and broader plans for the company have yet to be revealed, but this is nonetheless a major shakeup that’s sure to have an impact across the studio’s many enduring IPs.
A newly canceled Blizzard survival game was in development for 6 years.
After scoring a degree in English from ASU, I worked as a copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. Now, as GamesRadar’s west coast Staff Writer, I’m responsible for managing the site’s western regional executive branch, AKA my apartment, and writing about whatever horror game I’m too afraid to finish.
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