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|bodystyle = width: 23em; |
|bodystyle = width: 23em; |
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|above = Blizzard Entertainment |
|above = Blizzard Entertainment |
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− | |image = [[File:Blizzard Entertainment logo. |
+ | |image = [[File:Blizzard Entertainment 2015 logo.svg|250px]] |
− | |caption = |
+ | |caption = 2015 logo<br>''Video game developer and publisher'' |
|label1 = Formerly called |
|label1 = Formerly called |
||
− | |data1 = Silicon & Synapse<br |
+ | |data1 = Silicon & Synapse<br>(1991–1994)<br>Chaos Studios, Inc.<br>(1994) |
|label2 = Type |
|label2 = Type |
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|data2 = Subsidiary |
|data2 = Subsidiary |
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Line 13: | Line 13: | ||
|data4 = February 8, 1991 |
|data4 = February 8, 1991 |
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|label5 = Founders |
|label5 = Founders |
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− | |data5 = [[Allen Adham]]<br |
+ | |data5 = [[Allen Adham]]<br>[[Michael Morhaime]]<br>[[Frank Pearce]] |
|label6 = President |
|label6 = President |
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− | |data6 = [[J. Allen Brack]]<br> |
+ | |data6 = [[J. Allen Brack]]<br>(formerly [[Mike Morhaime]]) |
|label7 = Headquarters |
|label7 = Headquarters |
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|data7 = {{wp|Irvine}}, {{wp|California}}, {{wp|United States|U.S.}} |
|data7 = {{wp|Irvine}}, {{wp|California}}, {{wp|United States|U.S.}} |
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Line 21: | Line 21: | ||
|data8 = 9 (studios and offices) |
|data8 = 9 (studios and offices) |
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|label9 = Products |
|label9 = Products |
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− | |data9 = ''[[Diablo franchise|Diablo]]'' |
+ | |data9 = ''[[Diablo franchise|Diablo]]'' franchise<br>''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''<br>''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''<br>''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' franchise<br>''[[StarCraft franchise|StarCraft]]'' franchise<br>''[[Warcraft universe|Warcraft]]'' franchise |
|label10 = Parent |
|label10 = Parent |
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− | |data10 = [[Activision Blizzard]] |
+ | |data10 = {{wp|Davidson & Associates}}<br>(1994-1998)<br>{{wp|Vivendi Games}}<br>(1998-2008)<br>[[Activision Blizzard]]<br>(2008-present) |
|label11 = Website |
|label11 = Website |
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|data11 = [https://www.blizzard.com blizzard.com] |
|data11 = [https://www.blizzard.com blizzard.com] |
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Line 29: | Line 29: | ||
[[File:Blizzard'sFancyOrcOnWolfStatue.jpg|thumb|A statue of an [[Orc Statue|orc riding a wolf]], located outside Blizzard's office.]] |
[[File:Blizzard'sFancyOrcOnWolfStatue.jpg|thumb|A statue of an [[Orc Statue|orc riding a wolf]], located outside Blizzard's office.]] |
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− | '''Blizzard Entertainment'''® (often shortened to "'''Blizzard'''" or "'''Blizz'''") is a video game developer & publisher that is responsible for the ''[[Warcraft franchise|Warcraft]]'', ''[[StarCraft franchise|StarCraft]]'', ''[[Diablo franchise|Diablo]]'', and ''[[Overwatch]]'' franchises. The company originally concentrated primarily on the creation of game ports for other studios before beginning development of their own program with the development of games like ''Rock n' Roll Racing'' & ''The Lost Vikings''. |
+ | '''Blizzard Entertainment'''® (often shortened to "'''Blizzard'''" or "'''Blizz'''") is a video game developer & publisher that is responsible for the ''[[Warcraft franchise|Warcraft]]'', ''[[StarCraft franchise|StarCraft]]'', ''[[Diablo franchise|Diablo]]'', and ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' franchises. The company originally concentrated primarily on the creation of game ports for other studios before beginning development of their own program with the development of games like ''Rock n' Roll Racing'' & ''The Lost Vikings''. |
In July 2008, Blizzard's parent company, Vivendi, merged their Vivendi Games subsidiary with Activision to create a new holding company called [[Activision Blizzard]].<ref>http://www.activisionblizzard.com/pressReleases/pr120207.php</ref><ref name="Eurogamer">{{ref web|date=2008-06-30|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=163814|title=Eurogamer: Blizzard Worldwide Invertational|author=Rob Purchese|accessdate=2008-01-07}}</ref> Five years later, in July 2013, Vivendi sold off most of its shares in Activision Blizzard, which now exists as an independent company.<ref>{{ref web|date=2013-07-26|url=http://variety.com/2013/biz/global/vivendi-sells-majority-stakes-in-activision-blizzard-for-8-2-billion-1200568494/|title=Vivendi Sells Majority Stake in Activision Blizzard for $8.2 Billion|author=Elsa Keslassy|accessdate=2014-05-07}}</ref> As of October 2014, the company employs over 3,900 individuals.<ref name = "BlizzardLives">{{ref web|url = http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/10/3/6901193/blizzard-entertainment-three-lives|title=The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2014-10-04|author=Phillip Kolar|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> |
In July 2008, Blizzard's parent company, Vivendi, merged their Vivendi Games subsidiary with Activision to create a new holding company called [[Activision Blizzard]].<ref>http://www.activisionblizzard.com/pressReleases/pr120207.php</ref><ref name="Eurogamer">{{ref web|date=2008-06-30|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=163814|title=Eurogamer: Blizzard Worldwide Invertational|author=Rob Purchese|accessdate=2008-01-07}}</ref> Five years later, in July 2013, Vivendi sold off most of its shares in Activision Blizzard, which now exists as an independent company.<ref>{{ref web|date=2013-07-26|url=http://variety.com/2013/biz/global/vivendi-sells-majority-stakes-in-activision-blizzard-for-8-2-billion-1200568494/|title=Vivendi Sells Majority Stake in Activision Blizzard for $8.2 Billion|author=Elsa Keslassy|accessdate=2014-05-07}}</ref> As of October 2014, the company employs over 3,900 individuals.<ref name = "BlizzardLives">{{ref web|url = http://www.polygon.com/features/2014/10/3/6901193/blizzard-entertainment-three-lives|title=The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2014-10-04|author=Phillip Kolar|publisher=Polygon}}</ref> |
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==Core values== |
==Core values== |
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Blizzard Entertainment lists its eight core values on their mission statement page: |
Blizzard Entertainment lists its eight core values on their mission statement page: |
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− | |||
# Gameplay first |
# Gameplay first |
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# Commit to quality |
# Commit to quality |
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[[File:Silicon and Synapse logo.png|thumb|Silicon & Synapse logo]] |
[[File:Silicon and Synapse logo.png|thumb|Silicon & Synapse logo]] |
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Originally under the name ''Silicon & Synapse'', the company was founded on February 8, 1991<ref name="DidYouKnow">http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/</ref><ref name=OriginalInfo>http://web.archive.org/web/19991012192528/http://blizzard.com:80/info.shtml</ref> by three graduates of the {{wplink|University of California, Los Angeles}}:<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/newsroom/featured-news/archive/2006/november/ucla-engineering-celebrates-accomplishments-at-annual-awards-dinner|title=UCLA Engineering Celebrates Accomplishments at Annual Awards Dinner|publisher=UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science|author=M. Abraham|date=2006-11-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716201249/http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/newsroom/featured-news/archive/2006/november/ucla-engineering-celebrates-accomplishments-at-annual-awards-dinner|archivedate=2011-07-16|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref> [[Allen Adham]] and [[Michael Morhaime]]. {{wplink|Brian Fargo}}, the CEO and founder of ''Interplay Entertainment'', was granted a share in the company to improve the prospects of working jointly for the young studio.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25264|title=GDC Austin: How Fantastic Contraption Became A Fantastic Hit|publisher=Gamasutra|author=Carless, Simon|date=2009-09-15|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2848761.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B2|title=GameSpot Interview with Brian Fargo|publisher=Gamespot|author=Trey Walker|date=2002-02-9|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref> [[Frank Pearce]] also joined the studio upon inception as the first employee.<ref name="Moby">http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc</ref> |
Originally under the name ''Silicon & Synapse'', the company was founded on February 8, 1991<ref name="DidYouKnow">http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/</ref><ref name=OriginalInfo>http://web.archive.org/web/19991012192528/http://blizzard.com:80/info.shtml</ref> by three graduates of the {{wplink|University of California, Los Angeles}}:<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/newsroom/featured-news/archive/2006/november/ucla-engineering-celebrates-accomplishments-at-annual-awards-dinner|title=UCLA Engineering Celebrates Accomplishments at Annual Awards Dinner|publisher=UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science|author=M. Abraham|date=2006-11-06|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716201249/http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/newsroom/featured-news/archive/2006/november/ucla-engineering-celebrates-accomplishments-at-annual-awards-dinner|archivedate=2011-07-16|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref> [[Allen Adham]] and [[Michael Morhaime]]. {{wplink|Brian Fargo}}, the CEO and founder of ''Interplay Entertainment'', was granted a share in the company to improve the prospects of working jointly for the young studio.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25264|title=GDC Austin: How Fantastic Contraption Became A Fantastic Hit|publisher=Gamasutra|author=Carless, Simon|date=2009-09-15|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2848761.html?tag=result%3Btitle%3B2|title=GameSpot Interview with Brian Fargo|publisher=Gamespot|author=Trey Walker|date=2002-02-9|accessdate=2018-03-04}}</ref> [[Frank Pearce]] also joined the studio upon inception as the first employee.<ref name="Moby">http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc</ref> |
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+ | |||
[[File:Chaos Studios.jpg|thumb|Chaos Studios logo]] |
[[File:Chaos Studios.jpg|thumb|Chaos Studios logo]] |
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The small company initially did many "ports", converting games from one platform operating system to another, including board games (Battle Chess, Lexicross), strategy games (Castles), sports games (Amiga Baseball), and others (Dvorak Teaches Typing), though the company did become the first American developer to release a Super Nintendo title with RPM Racing, which became one of the first ten launch titles for the platform in North America.<ref name="Moby" /> |
The small company initially did many "ports", converting games from one platform operating system to another, including board games (Battle Chess, Lexicross), strategy games (Castles), sports games (Amiga Baseball), and others (Dvorak Teaches Typing), though the company did become the first American developer to release a Super Nintendo title with RPM Racing, which became one of the first ten launch titles for the platform in North America.<ref name="Moby" /> |
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− | It was not until ''Interplay Entertainment'' and ''Silicon & Synapse'' collaborated on the SNES side-scroller ''The Lost Vikings'' that |
+ | It was not until ''Interplay Entertainment'' and ''Silicon & Synapse'' collaborated on the SNES side-scroller ''The Lost Vikings'' that its critical — though not commercial — breakthrough came. With some acclaim, the game hit the shelves in 1993. The game's release, along with Rock & Roll Racking (also 1993) led Nintendo to name the studio its "Developer of the Year". Tragically, the release of the two games coincided with the death of the 16-bit console market, and neither title sold well.<ref name="Moby" /> |
In August 1995, the company moved from a 3,600 sq. ft. office in Costa Mesa to a 14,000 sq. ft. office in Irvine, CA.<ref name="DidYouKnow" /> |
In August 1995, the company moved from a 3,600 sq. ft. office in Costa Mesa to a 14,000 sq. ft. office in Irvine, CA.<ref name="DidYouKnow" /> |
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On October 3, 2018, [[Activision Blizzard]] announced [[J. Allen Brack]] as the new president of Blizzard Entertainment succeeding [[Mike Morhaime]].<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181003005928/en/Activision-Blizzard-Names-World-Warcraft%C2%AE-Executive-Producer|title=Activision Blizzard Names ''World of Warcraft''® Executive Producer J. Allen Brack As New President of Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=Business Wire|date=2018-10-03}}</ref> In February 2019, Blizzard underwent a round of layoffs, though announced that it would be expanding its development staff. Teams for some of its IPs, including ''[[Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', will be expanded.<ref>{{ref web |url=https://blizzardwatch.com/2019/02/12/activision-blizzard-record-profits-cutting-8-staff/ |title=Activision Blizzard has record profits, so it’s cutting 8% of its staff |date=2019-02-12 |author=Elizabeth Harper |accessdate=2019-03-13}}</ref> |
On October 3, 2018, [[Activision Blizzard]] announced [[J. Allen Brack]] as the new president of Blizzard Entertainment succeeding [[Mike Morhaime]].<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181003005928/en/Activision-Blizzard-Names-World-Warcraft%C2%AE-Executive-Producer|title=Activision Blizzard Names ''World of Warcraft''® Executive Producer J. Allen Brack As New President of Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=Business Wire|date=2018-10-03}}</ref> In February 2019, Blizzard underwent a round of layoffs, though announced that it would be expanding its development staff. Teams for some of its IPs, including ''[[Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'', will be expanded.<ref>{{ref web |url=https://blizzardwatch.com/2019/02/12/activision-blizzard-record-profits-cutting-8-staff/ |title=Activision Blizzard has record profits, so it’s cutting 8% of its staff |date=2019-02-12 |author=Elizabeth Harper |accessdate=2019-03-13}}</ref> |
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+ | |||
+ | On March 7, 2019, Blizzard and {{wp|GOG.com}} partnered to release the classic ''[[Diablo]]'' on GOG.com's platform<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://us.diablo3.com/en/blog/22887361/diablo-now-available-on-gogcom-3-7-2019|title=Diablo Now Available on GOG.COM|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2019-03-07|accessdate=2019-06-05}}</ref> as well as ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' and ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]'' by March 28.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://worldofwarcraft.com/en-us/news/22940764/warcraft-orcs-humans-and-warcraft-ii-battle-net-edition-now-available-on-gog-com|title=Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II Battle.net Edition Now Available on GOG.COM|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2019-03-28|accessdate=2019-06-05}}</ref> On June 5, 2019, Blizzard gave the OK to GOG.com to add the authorized non-canoncial expansion {{diablo|Diablo: Hellfire|Hellfire}} which was developed by {{wp|Synergistic Software}} to ''Diablo'' as a free add-on, due to popular demand.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gog.com/news/release_bhellfire_expansion_to_the_original_diablob|title=Release: Hellfire expansion to the original Diablo|publisher=GOG.com|date=2019-06-05|accessdate=2019-06-05}}</ref> |
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+ | |||
+ | On January 22, 2021, {{wp|Vicarious Visions}} is now a subsidiary of Blizzard Entertainment, from {{wp|Activision}}.<ref name="VicariousVisionsRef1">{{Ref web|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2021-01-23-vicarious-visions-reportedly-working-on-a-diablo-2-remake-at-blizzard|title=Vicarious Visions reportedly working on a Diablo 2 remake at Blizzard|author=Wesley Yin-Poole|publisher=Eurogamer|date=2021-01-23|accessdate=2021-01-25}}</ref><ref name="VicariousVisionsRef2">{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-01-22-vicarious-visions-merged-into-blizzard|title=Vicarious Visions merged into Blizzard|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|author=Brendan Sinclair|date=2021-01-22|accessdate=2021-01-25}}</ref> Blizzard turned 30 years old in 2021 and celebrated it at [[BlizzConline]] with the release of ''[[Blizzard Arcade Collection]]''. |
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===Blizzard North=== |
===Blizzard North=== |
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:Main: {{Gamepedia|diablo|Blizzard_North|Blizzard North}} |
:Main: {{Gamepedia|diablo|Blizzard_North|Blizzard North}} |
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− | '''Blizzard North''' was originally founded in 1993 as Condor Inc. by David Brevik, Erich Schaefer, and Max Schaefer. ''Blizzard North'' came out in January of 1995 with an idea pitched with Allen for Diablo.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/blizznorth.shtml|title=Blizzard North: Condor and Diablo|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2017-11-21|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020222115131/http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/blizznorth.shtml|archivedate=2002-02-22}}</ref> The company was purchased and renamed later in March of 1996<ref name=OriginalInfo/> and was the Bay Area division of ''Blizzard Entertainment'', known for its ''[[Diablo]]'' series. The studio was originally based in Redwood City, California, before being moved a short distance away to San Mateo, California, with Blizzard proper being based in Irvine, southern California. On August 1, 2005, Blizzard Entertainment announced the closure of Blizzard North with a key reason for the closure was Blizzard's North poor development of what was to be ''Diablo III'', which didn't meet Vivendi's expectations. There |
+ | '''Blizzard North''' was originally founded in 1993 as Condor Inc. by David Brevik, Erich Schaefer, and Max Schaefer. ''Blizzard North'' came out in January of 1995 with an idea pitched with Allen for Diablo.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/blizznorth.shtml|title=Blizzard North: Condor and Diablo|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2017-11-21|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20020222115131/http://www.blizzard.com:80/blizz-anniversary/blizznorth.shtml|archivedate=2002-02-22}}</ref> The company was purchased and renamed later in March of 1996<ref name=OriginalInfo/> and was the Bay Area division of ''Blizzard Entertainment'', known for its ''[[Diablo]]'' series. The studio was originally based in Redwood City, California, before being moved a short distance away to San Mateo, California, with Blizzard proper being based in Irvine, southern California. On August 1, 2005, Blizzard Entertainment announced the closure of Blizzard North with a key reason for the closure was Blizzard's North poor development of what was to be ''Diablo III'', which didn't meet Vivendi's expectations. There were also a couple of mentions of '''Blizzard South''', which was known for the ''[[StarCraft]]'' and the ''[[Warcraft]]'' series. However, the name wasn't mentioned as much but it was used to keep confusion from ''Blizzard North'' as Blizzard South is based in Irvine, California, Blizzard's main location. |
;As Condor |
;As Condor |
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===TeSPA partnership=== |
===TeSPA partnership=== |
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− | {{Main|Blizzard |
+ | {{Main|Blizzard Esports}} |
In 2013, Blizzard announced an official partnership with {{wp|Tespa|TeSPA}} to provide licensed ''[[StarCraft]]'', ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'' and ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' in-game rewards to college gaming clubs.<ref>{{ref web|title=TeSPA and Blizzard Entertainment Unveil the Membership Milestone Program|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140207005166/en/TeSPA-Blizzard-Entertainment-Unveil-Membership-Milestone-Program|publisher=Bussiness Wire|date=2014-02-07|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|title=Blizzard and TeSPA Partner to Support College Gaming Groups|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/blizzard-and-the-esports-association-partner-to-support-college-gaming-groups|publisher=IGN|author=Steve Watts|date=2014-02-06|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|title=Blizzard esports initiative will support your college gaming club|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-esports-initiative-will-support-your-college-gaming-club/1100-6417615/|publisher=Gamespot|author=Emanuel Maiberg|date=2014-02-08|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref> In early 2014, TeSPA and Blizzard Entertainment hosted the $5,000 ''North American Collegiate Hearthstone Open'' series, culminating in a live grand finals event at the {{Wp|Twitch.tv}} stage at PAX East and PAX Prime.<ref>{{ref web|title=North American Collegiate Hearthstone™ Open 2|url=http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/14963900/north-american-collegiate-hearthstone%E2%84%A2-open-2-7-29-2014|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|author={{Blizz|Zeriyah}}|date=2014-07-29|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref> |
In 2013, Blizzard announced an official partnership with {{wp|Tespa|TeSPA}} to provide licensed ''[[StarCraft]]'', ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'' and ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' in-game rewards to college gaming clubs.<ref>{{ref web|title=TeSPA and Blizzard Entertainment Unveil the Membership Milestone Program|url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140207005166/en/TeSPA-Blizzard-Entertainment-Unveil-Membership-Milestone-Program|publisher=Bussiness Wire|date=2014-02-07|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|title=Blizzard and TeSPA Partner to Support College Gaming Groups|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/02/06/blizzard-and-the-esports-association-partner-to-support-college-gaming-groups|publisher=IGN|author=Steve Watts|date=2014-02-06|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|title=Blizzard esports initiative will support your college gaming club|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-esports-initiative-will-support-your-college-gaming-club/1100-6417615/|publisher=Gamespot|author=Emanuel Maiberg|date=2014-02-08|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref> In early 2014, TeSPA and Blizzard Entertainment hosted the $5,000 ''North American Collegiate Hearthstone Open'' series, culminating in a live grand finals event at the {{Wp|Twitch.tv}} stage at PAX East and PAX Prime.<ref>{{ref web|title=North American Collegiate Hearthstone™ Open 2|url=http://us.battle.net/hearthstone/en/blog/14963900/north-american-collegiate-hearthstone%E2%84%A2-open-2-7-29-2014|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|author={{Blizz|Zeriyah}}|date=2014-07-29|accessdate=2018-08-11}}</ref> |
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In addition to the numerically designated teams, "strike teams" were formed, as a result of [[Chris Metzen]]'s desire to keep the company's original culture intact. These teams are not assigned to any one project, but give feedback on separate projects. A "design council" also exists, a gathering of all of the game directors and lead designers throughout the company.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> As of August 2017, most of Blizzard's development focus is on supporting its existing IPs, but is working on new IPs as well.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-multiple-new-ips-incubating-but-wont-/1100-6452270/|title=Blizzard Has Multiple New IPs Incubating But Won't Rush Them Out|publisher=GameSpot|author=Eddie Makuch|date=2017-08-04|accessdate=2017-08-05}}</ref> As of November 2018, Blizzard's current development model is to effectively have one team per IP and support indefinitely. As a team grows and reaches a certain size, elements of the team will be spun off to work on a new IP. Each team consists of around 100–300 people.<ref name="AdhamInterview">{{Ref web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/blizzcon2018/2018/11/08/our-full-blizzcon-interview-with-blizzard-co-founder-allen-adham|title=Our Full BlizzCon Interview With Blizzard Co-Founder Allen Adham|date=2018-11-08|publisher=Game Informer|author=Daniel Tack|accessdate=2018-11-19}}</ref> |
In addition to the numerically designated teams, "strike teams" were formed, as a result of [[Chris Metzen]]'s desire to keep the company's original culture intact. These teams are not assigned to any one project, but give feedback on separate projects. A "design council" also exists, a gathering of all of the game directors and lead designers throughout the company.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> As of August 2017, most of Blizzard's development focus is on supporting its existing IPs, but is working on new IPs as well.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-multiple-new-ips-incubating-but-wont-/1100-6452270/|title=Blizzard Has Multiple New IPs Incubating But Won't Rush Them Out|publisher=GameSpot|author=Eddie Makuch|date=2017-08-04|accessdate=2017-08-05}}</ref> As of November 2018, Blizzard's current development model is to effectively have one team per IP and support indefinitely. As a team grows and reaches a certain size, elements of the team will be spun off to work on a new IP. Each team consists of around 100–300 people.<ref name="AdhamInterview">{{Ref web|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/blizzcon2018/2018/11/08/our-full-blizzcon-interview-with-blizzard-co-founder-allen-adham|title=Our Full BlizzCon Interview With Blizzard Co-Founder Allen Adham|date=2018-11-08|publisher=Game Informer|author=Daniel Tack|accessdate=2018-11-19}}</ref> |
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− | The list of teams |
+ | The list of teams of current and past include: |
− | *[[Team 1]] |
+ | *[[Team 1]] |
− | **This team previously worked on titles including ''[[StarCraft]]'', ''[[Warcraft III]]'' |
+ | **This team previously worked on titles including ''[[StarCraft]]'', ''[[Warcraft III]]'', ''[[StarCraft II]]'', and ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]''. |
*[[Team 2]] - ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' |
*[[Team 2]] - ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' |
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**Formed after the release of ''World of Warcraft'' to continue development of the game.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
**Formed after the release of ''World of Warcraft'' to continue development of the game.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
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**There is a separate team working on ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]''.<ref>[[BlizzCon 2017]] - World of Warcraft What's Next panel</ref> |
**There is a separate team working on ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]''.<ref>[[BlizzCon 2017]] - World of Warcraft What's Next panel</ref> |
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*[[Team 3]] - ''[[Diablo]]'' franchise<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
*[[Team 3]] - ''[[Diablo]]'' franchise<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
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− | * |
+ | **''[[Diablo IV]]'' team |
+ | **''[[Diablo Immortal]]'' team |
||
− | **Formed in the "mid-2000s" to begin work on ''Titan'', the company's big new IP, doomed to be scrapped in 2014.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> The team's current focus is ''[[Overwatch]]''. |
||
+ | **[[Diablo Legacy]]<ref name="diablolegacyteam">{{Ref web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Diablo/comments/j9zdsm/former_diablo_iii_cm_vaeflare_returns_to_the/g8narnv/|title=Former Diablo III CM Vaeflare returns to the Diablo Legacy team as a 3D artist|author={{Blizz|PezRadar}}|date=2020-10-12|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20201017223124/https://old.reddit.com/r/Diablo/comments/j9zdsm/former_diablo_iii_cm_vaeflare_returns_to_the/g8narnv/|archivedate=2020-10-17}}</ref> - ''[[Diablo III]]'' and ''Diablo II: Resurrected'' (''Diablo II'' remaster) |
||
+ | *[[Team 4]] - ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' |
||
+ | **Formed in the "mid-2000s" to begin work on ''Titan'', the company's big new IP, doomed to be scrapped in 2014.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> The team's current focus is ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]''. |
||
*[[Team 5]] - ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
*[[Team 5]] - ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
||
** Formed in 2008 for the express purpose of creating ''Hearthstone'', Team 5 was designed as a "small and nimble" team, comprising only 15 members for most of the game's initial development.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
** Formed in 2008 for the express purpose of creating ''Hearthstone'', Team 5 was designed as a "small and nimble" team, comprising only 15 members for most of the game's initial development.<ref name="BlizzardLives" /> |
||
Line 101: | Line 108: | ||
*[[Incubation]] |
*[[Incubation]] |
||
**Formed in 2016 to cultivate new projects. Currently focusing on mobile games.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2018-rhykker-interviews-allen-adham-pc-and-console-games-in-development|title=BlizzCon 2018: Rhykker interviews Allen Adham – PC and Console Games in Development|date=2018-11-17|publisher=Blizzplanet|accessdate=2018-11-21}}</ref> |
**Formed in 2016 to cultivate new projects. Currently focusing on mobile games.<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://diablo.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzcon-2018-rhykker-interviews-allen-adham-pc-and-console-games-in-development|title=BlizzCon 2018: Rhykker interviews Allen Adham – PC and Console Games in Development|date=2018-11-17|publisher=Blizzplanet|accessdate=2018-11-21}}</ref> |
||
+ | *[[Blizzard Cinematics team|Cinematics team]] |
||
+ | *[[Blizzard Headhunter|Headhunter]] |
||
+ | *[[Vicarious Visions]] - ''Diablo II: Resurrected'' (''Diablo II'' remaster) |
||
+ | **Moved from Activision to Blizzard as a subsidiary in early 2021.<ref name="VicariousVisionsRef1" /><ref name="VicariousVisionsRef2" /> |
||
==Culture== |
==Culture== |
||
Line 115: | Line 126: | ||
==Published games and applications== |
==Published games and applications== |
||
===Non-franchise games=== |
===Non-franchise games=== |
||
− | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible |
+ | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center;" |
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="col"| Company |
! scope="col"| Company |
||
Line 124: | Line 135: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | as Silicon & Synapse |
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | as Silicon & Synapse |
||
− | | ''{{ |
+ | | ''{{wp|RPM Racing}}'' |
| 1991 |
| 1991 |
||
− | | {{ |
+ | | {{wp|Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES}} |
− | | |
+ | | Racing game |
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[The Lost Vikings franchise|The Lost Vikings]]'' |
| ''[[The Lost Vikings franchise|The Lost Vikings]]'' |
||
| 1992 |
| 1992 |
||
− | | Amiga, {{wp|Amiga CD32}}, {{wp|Game Boy Advance|GBA}}, {{wp|MS-DOS}}, {{wp|Sega Genesis|Genesis}}, SNES |
+ | | {{wp|Amiga}}, {{wp|Amiga CD32}}, {{wp|Game Boy Advance|GBA}}, {{wp|MS-DOS}}, {{wp|Sega Genesis|Genesis}}, SNES, {{wp|Windows}} (2014) |
+ | | Puzzle platform game |
||
− | | {{wplink|Side-scrolling video game}} |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''[[Blizzard Classic Arcade#Rock n' Roll Racing|Rock n' Roll Racing]]'' |
| 1993 |
| 1993 |
||
− | | SNES, Genesis, GBA |
+ | | SNES, Genesis, GBA, {{wp|Windows}} (2014) |
| Racing video game |
| Racing video game |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! rowspan="6" scope="row" | as Blizzard Entertainment |
! rowspan="6" scope="row" | as Blizzard Entertainment |
||
− | | ''{{ |
+ | | ''{{wp|The Death and Return of Superman}}'' |
+ | | 1994 |
||
+ | | SNES, Genesis |
||
+ | | {{wp|Beat 'em up}} |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[Blizzard Classic Arcade#Blackthorne|Blackthorne]]'' |
||
| 1994 |
| 1994 |
||
| SNES, {{wp|Sega 32X}}, MS-DOS, GBA, {{wp|Mac OS}}, {{wp|Windows}} (2013) |
| SNES, {{wp|Sega 32X}}, MS-DOS, GBA, {{wp|Mac OS}}, {{wp|Windows}} (2013) |
||
+ | | Cinematic platformer |
||
− | | {{wp|Platform game}} |
||
− | |- |
||
− | | ''{{wplink|The Death and Return of Superman}}'' |
||
− | | rowspan="2" | 1995 |
||
− | | rowspan="2" | SNES, Genesis |
||
− | | Side-scrolling video game |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{wp|Justice League Task Force (video game)|Justice League Task Force}}'' |
| ''{{wp|Justice League Task Force (video game)|Justice League Task Force}}'' |
||
+ | | 1995 |
||
− | |||
+ | | SNES, Genesis |
||
− | | {{wp|Versus fighting game}} |
||
+ | | Fighting game |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[The Lost Vikings franchise|The Lost Vikings 2]]'' |
| ''[[The Lost Vikings franchise|The Lost Vikings 2]]'' |
||
| 1997 |
| 1997 |
||
| SNES, Saturn, PlayStation, Windows |
| SNES, Saturn, PlayStation, Windows |
||
− | | |
+ | | Puzzle platform game |
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' |
| ''[[Heroes of the Storm]]'' |
||
| 2015 |
| 2015 |
||
− | | Windows, |
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
| Team Brawler |
| Team Brawler |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | ''[[ |
+ | | ''[[Blizzard Arcade Collection]]'' |
− | | |
+ | | 2021 |
− | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, |
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One |
+ | | Racing, Cinematic platformer, Puzzle platformer |
||
− | | Team-based multiplayer shooter |
||
|} |
|} |
||
===Franchises=== |
===Franchises=== |
||
− | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible |
+ | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center;" |
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="col"| Universe |
! scope="col"| Universe |
||
Line 180: | Line 192: | ||
! scope="col"| Notes |
! scope="col"| Notes |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | ! rowspan=" |
+ | ! rowspan="45" scope="row" | [[Warcraft universe]] |
| ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]'' |
||
+ | | 1994 (original)<br/>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}}) |
||
− | | 1994 |
||
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, PC-98 |
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, PC-98 |
||
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | Port/remake (TBA)<ref name="Warcraft remake">{{ref web|date=2013-11-10|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2013/11/10/blizzard-working-on-bringing-warcraft-1-amp-2-to-modern-pcs.aspx|title=Blizzard Working On Bringing Warcraft & Warcraft II To Modern PCs|publisher=Gameinformer|author=Kyle Hilliard|accessdate=2014-01-03}}</ref><ref name="Youtube Warcraft Remake">[http://youtu.be/JL2v7WTXO9w?t=34m58s BlizzCon 2013 World of Warcraft Q&A Panel]</ref> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness]]'' |
||
Line 191: | Line 203: | ||
| MS-DOS, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows |
| MS-DOS, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows |
||
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | Port/remake (TBA)<ref name="Warcraft remake"/><ref name="Youtube Warcraft Remake"/> |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal]]'' |
||
| 1996 |
| 1996 |
||
| Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows |
| Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows |
||
+ | | RTS expansion pack |
||
− | | Real-time strategy |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 206: | Line 218: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]'' |
||
+ | | 1999 (original)<br/>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}}) |
||
− | | 1999 |
||
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows |
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows |
||
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
Line 213: | Line 225: | ||
| ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos]]'' |
||
| 2002 |
| 2002 |
||
− | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS |
+ | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS |
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 219: | Line 231: | ||
| ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'' |
| ''[[Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne]]'' |
||
| 2003 |
| 2003 |
||
− | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS |
+ | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS |
+ | | RTS expansion |
||
− | | Real-time strategy |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' |
||
| 2004 |
| 2004 |
||
− | + | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, (Linux via Wine or Cedega) |
|
| MMORPG |
| MMORPG |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 231: | Line 243: | ||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]'' |
||
| 2007 |
| 2007 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | Expansion pack |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King]]'' |
||
| 2008 |
| 2008 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="3" | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
||
− | | Expansion |
+ | | Expansion |
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]'' |
||
| 2010 |
| 2010 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="2" | Expansion pack |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]'' |
||
| 2012 |
| 2012 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]'' |
| ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]'' |
||
− | + | | 2014 |
|
− | + | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, Android, iPhone |
|
| CCG |
| CCG |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Curse of Naxxramas|Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas}}'' |
+ | | 2014 |
||
− | | CCG Adventure pack |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Adventure |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor]]'' |
||
+ | | 2014 |
||
− | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
||
− | | Expansion pack |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
− | |- |
||
− | | ''[[Hearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes|Goblins vs Gnomes]]'' |
||
− | | rowspan="6" | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, Android, iPhone (current) |
||
− | | CCG Expansion pack |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Goblins vs Gnomes|Hearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes}}'' |
+ | | 2014 |
||
− | | rowspan="3" | 2015 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | CCG Adventure pack |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Blackrock Mountain|Hearthstone: Blackrock Mountain}}'' |
+ | | 2015 |
||
− | | CCG Expansion pack |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Adventure |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|The Grand Tournament|Hearthstone: The Grand Tournament}}'' |
||
− | | ''[[Hearthstone: The League of Explorers|The League of Explorers]]'' |
||
+ | | 2015 |
||
− | | CCG Adventure pack |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|The League of Explorers|Hearthstone: The League of Explorers}}'' |
||
− | | ''[[Hearthstone: Whispers of the Old Gods|Whispers of the Old Gods]]'' |
||
+ | | 2015 |
||
− | | rowspan="4" | 2016 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="2" | CCG Expansion pack |
||
+ | | CCG Adventure |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Whispers of the Old Gods|Hearthstone: Whispers of the Old Gods}}'' |
||
− | | ''[[Hearthstone: One Night in Karazhan|One Night in Karazhan]]'' |
||
+ | | 2016 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|One Night in Karazhan|Hearthstone: One Night in Karazhan}}'' |
||
+ | | 2016 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion]]'' |
||
+ | | 2016 |
||
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
||
− | | Expansion |
+ | | Expansion |
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Mean Streets of Gadgetzan|Hearthstone: Mean Streets of Gadgetzan}}'' |
+ | | 2016 |
||
− | | rowspan="4" | Microsoft Windows, macOS, iPad, Android, iPhone (current) |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="4" | CCG Expansion pack |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Journey to Un'Goro|Hearthstone: Journey to Un'Goro}}'' |
− | + | | 2017 |
|
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Knights of the Frozen Throne|Hearthstone: Knights of the Frozen Throne}}'' |
+ | | 2017 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Kobolds & Catacombs|Hearthstone: Kobolds & Catacombs}}'' |
+ | | 2017 |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]'' |
||
− | + | | 2018 |
|
− | + | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
|
− | | Expansion |
+ | | Expansion |
− | | |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|The Witchwood|Hearthstone: The Witchwood}}'' |
+ | | 2018 |
||
− | | CCG Expansion pack |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|The Boomsday Project|Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project}}'' |
+ | | 2018 |
||
− | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, iPad, Android, iPhone (current) |
||
− | | CCG Expansion pack |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | | '' |
+ | | ''{{hs|Rastakhan's Rumble|Hearthstone: Rastakhan's Rumble}}'' |
| 2018 |
| 2018 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | CCG Expansion pack |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Rise of Shadows|Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows}}'' |
||
+ | | 2019 |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Saviors of Uldum|Hearthstone: Saviors of Uldum}}'' |
||
+ | | 2019 |
||
| |
| |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Tombs of Terror|Hearthstone: Tombs of Terror}}'' |
||
+ | | 2019 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Adventure |
||
+ | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]'' |
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]'' |
||
Line 339: | Line 397: | ||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Descent of Dragons|Hearthstone: Descent of Dragons}}'' |
||
− | | ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]'' |
||
| 2019 |
| 2019 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Galakrond's Awakening|Hearthstone: Galakrond's Awakening}}'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Adventure |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
| Microsoft Windows, macOS |
| Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
| Remaster of ''[[Warcraft III]]'' |
| Remaster of ''[[Warcraft III]]'' |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Ashes of Outland|Hearthstone: Ashes of Outland}}'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Scholomance Academy|Hearthstone: Scholomance Academy}}'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Madness at the Darkmoon Faire|Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire}}'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]'' |
||
+ | | 2020 |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Darkmoon Races|Hearthstone: Darkmoon Races}}'' |
||
+ | | 2021 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG mini-set |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{hs|Forged in the Barrens|Hearthstone: Forged in the Barrens}}'' |
||
+ | | 2021 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | CCG Expansion |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic]]'' |
||
+ | | TBA 2021 |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
+ | | Server option |
||
+ | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''Untitled Warcraft mobile game<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://warcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzards-unannounced-warcraft-mobile-game|title=Blizzard’s Unannounced Warcraft Mobile Game|publisher=Blizzplanet|date=2017-06-16|accessdate=2017-06-19}}</ref> |
| ''Untitled Warcraft mobile game<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://warcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/blizzards-unannounced-warcraft-mobile-game|title=Blizzard’s Unannounced Warcraft Mobile Game|publisher=Blizzplanet|date=2017-06-16|accessdate=2017-06-19}}</ref> |
||
Line 350: | Line 462: | ||
| MMORTS<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/breaking-blizzard-unannounced-game-mmo-rts|title=Breaking: Blizzard Unannounced Game is a MMO RTS Mobile Game|publisher=Blizzplanet|date=2017-09-27|accessdate=2017-10-06}}</ref> |
| MMORTS<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://starcraft.blizzplanet.com/blog/comments/breaking-blizzard-unannounced-game-mmo-rts|title=Breaking: Blizzard Unannounced Game is a MMO RTS Mobile Game|publisher=Blizzplanet|date=2017-09-27|accessdate=2017-10-06}}</ref> |
||
| |
| |
||
− | |- |
||
− | | ''World of Warcraft'' eighth expansion<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/wows-next-expansions-already-planned/1100-6429583/|title=WoW's Next Expansions Already Planned|date=2015-08-07|accessdate=2015-08-09|publisher=GameSpot}}</ref> |
||
− | | TBA |
||
− | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
− | | Expansion pack |
||
− | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
! rowspan="9" scope="row" | [[StarCraft franchise]] |
! rowspan="9" scope="row" | [[StarCraft franchise]] |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft}}'' |
||
− | + | | 1998 |
|
− | | |
+ | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Brood War}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Brood War}}'' |
||
+ | | 1998 |
||
− | | Expansion pack |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 371: | Line 479: | ||
| 2000 |
| 2000 |
||
| Nintendo 64 |
| Nintendo 64 |
||
− | + | | Real-time strategy |
|
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
Line 377: | Line 485: | ||
| 2010 |
| 2010 |
||
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
||
+ | | Real-time strategy |
||
− | | |
||
+ | | |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm}}'' |
||
| 2013 |
| 2013 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="2" | Microsoft Windows, OS X |
||
− | + | | Expansion |
|
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}'' |
||
| 2015 |
| 2015 |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | | Expansion |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops}}'' |
||
| 2016 |
| 2016 |
||
+ | | |
||
− | | rowspan="3" | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
| Mission packs (1-3) |
| Mission packs (1-3) |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}'' |
||
− | + | | 2017 |
|
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
||
| Real-time strategy |
| Real-time strategy |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Free to Play}}'' |
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Free to Play}}'' |
||
− | | |
+ | | 2017 |
+ | | |
||
+ | | |
||
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
− | ! rowspan=" |
+ | ! rowspan="10" scope="row" | [[Diablo franchise]] |
− | | ''{{Diablo|Diablo |
+ | | ''{{Diablo|Diablo (Game)|Diablo}}'' |
+ | | 1996<br>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}}) |
||
− | | 1996 |
||
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation <small>(1998)</small> |
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation <small>(1998)</small> |
||
| Action role-playing, hack and slash, dark fantasy |
| Action role-playing, hack and slash, dark fantasy |
||
Line 413: | Line 527: | ||
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II}}'' |
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II}}'' |
||
| 2000 |
| 2000 |
||
− | + | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
|
| Action role-playing, hack and slash |
| Action role-playing, hack and slash |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 419: | Line 533: | ||
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Lord of Destruction}}'' |
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Lord of Destruction}}'' |
||
| 2001 |
| 2001 |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X |
||
| Expansion pack |
| Expansion pack |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 429: | Line 544: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Reaper of Souls}}'' |
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Reaper of Souls}}'' |
||
− | + | | 2014 |
|
| Microsoft Windows, OS X |
| Microsoft Windows, OS X |
||
− | | Expansion |
+ | | Expansion |
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition}}'' |
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition}}'' |
||
+ | | 2014 |
||
| PlaySation 3/4, Xbox 360/One |
| PlaySation 3/4, Xbox 360/One |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 441: | Line 557: | ||
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Eternal Collection}}''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5qdoYmcU44 Diablo III Nintendo Switch Trailer]</ref> |
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Eternal Collection}}''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5qdoYmcU44 Diablo III Nintendo Switch Trailer]</ref> |
||
| 2018 |
| 2018 |
||
− | | {{wp|Nintendo Switch}} |
+ | | Windows, macOS, {{wp|Nintendo Switch}}, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 |
| |
| |
||
| |
| |
||
Line 448: | Line 564: | ||
| TBA |
| TBA |
||
| {{wp|Android (operating system)|Android}}, {{wp|iOS}} |
| {{wp|Android (operating system)|Android}}, {{wp|iOS}} |
||
− | | |
+ | | MMOARPG |
| |
| |
||
|- |
|- |
||
+ | | ''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Resurrected}}'' |
||
− | | ''Multiple Diablo games''<ref>{{Ref web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/careers/posting.html?id=15000KB|title=Art Director, Unannounced Project|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2015-08-06}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonevangelho/2018/06/05/new-unannounced-diablo-game-confirmed-by-blizzard-job-listing/#e12d6466aae8|title=New Unannounced 'Diablo' Game Confirmed By Blizzard Job Listing|publisher=Forbes|author=Jason Evangelho|date=2018-06-05|accessdate=2018-06-06}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwVaqS_bd-8 The Future of Diablo]</ref> |
||
+ | | TBA 2021 |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles |
||
+ | | Action roleplaying, hack n' slash |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''{{Diablo|Diablo IV}}'' |
||
| TBA |
| TBA |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles |
||
+ | | Action roleplaying, hack n' slash |
||
| |
| |
||
− | | |
+ | |- |
+ | ! rowspan="2" scope="row" | [[Overwatch franchise]] |
||
− | | |
||
+ | | ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' |
||
+ | | 2016 |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, {{wp|Xbox One}}, {{wp|Playstation 4}} |
||
+ | | Team-based multiplayer shooter |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch 2]]'' |
||
+ | | TBA |
||
+ | | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles |
||
+ | | Team-based multiplayer shooter |
||
+ | | |
||
|} |
|} |
||
===Applications=== |
===Applications=== |
||
− | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible |
+ | {| class="darktable zebra sortable mw-collapsible" style="text-align:center;" |
|- |
|- |
||
! scope="col"| Title |
! scope="col"| Title |
||
Line 484: | Line 618: | ||
| |
| |
||
| Windows, Mac OS |
| Windows, Mac OS |
||
− | | |
+ | | Replaced with the desktop app |
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Blizzard Mobile Authenticator]]'' |
| ''[[Blizzard Mobile Authenticator]]'' |
||
Line 537: | Line 671: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| ''[[Blizzard Esports#Mobile|Blizzard Esports]]'' |
| ''[[Blizzard Esports#Mobile|Blizzard Esports]]'' |
||
+ | | 2018 |
||
+ | | iOS, Android |
||
+ | | |
||
+ | |- |
||
+ | | ''[[World of Warcraft: Companion App|WoW Companion App]]'' |
||
| 2018 |
| 2018 |
||
| iOS, Android |
| iOS, Android |
||
| |
| |
||
|} |
|} |
||
− | |||
:{{KIA}} Defunct |
:{{KIA}} Defunct |
||
Line 552: | Line 690: | ||
:**''[[BlizzCon Epic Armor Pack]]'' (Published: 2007) |
:**''[[BlizzCon Epic Armor Pack]]'' (Published: 2007) |
||
:**''[[The Burning Crusade (board game)|The Burning Crusade]]'' (Published: September 2007) |
:**''[[The Burning Crusade (board game)|The Burning Crusade]]'' (Published: September 2007) |
||
− | :**''[[World of Warcraft: The Board Game#Expansions|Scion of Darkness]]'' (Cancelled: 2008) |
||
− | |||
− | :''Related to StarCraft'' |
||
− | :*''[[Arcade Workshop]]'' (Published: 2014) |
||
===Rumored games=== |
===Rumored games=== |
||
'''Note:''' Blizzard has confirmed that they are NOT working on a ''StarCraft'' or ''Diablo'' [[MMORPG]].<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-freezes-non-wow-mmog-rumors/1100-6152718/|title=Blizzard freezes non-WOW MMOG rumors|publisher=GameSpot|date=2006-06-14|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> |
'''Note:''' Blizzard has confirmed that they are NOT working on a ''StarCraft'' or ''Diablo'' [[MMORPG]].<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-freezes-non-wow-mmog-rumors/1100-6152718/|title=Blizzard freezes non-WOW MMOG rumors|publisher=GameSpot|date=2006-06-14|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> |
||
− | *''Diablo IV''<ref>{{ref web|date=2013-05-21|url=http://www.mmorpg.com/blogs/selinnasback/052013/25142_Travis-Day-guaranteed-players-that-the-Diablo-4-will-Certainly-Come|title=Travis Day guaranteed players that the Diablo 4 will Certainly Come|publisher=MMORPG Champion|accessdate=2014-04-12}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-everything-we-know/|title=Is Blizzard making Diablo 4?|date=2018-02-14|accessdate=2019-03-01|publisher=PC Gamer|author=Tom Senior|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190215051448/https://www.pcgamer.com/diablo-4-everything-we-know/|archivedate=2019-02-15}}</ref> |
||
*''StarCraft III''<ref name = "SCWC">2015-08-12, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/08/12/gamescom-2015-blizzard-will-consider-warcraft-rts-once-starcraft-2-is-done GAMESCOM 2015: BLIZZARD WILL 'CONSIDER WARCRAFT' RTS ONCE STARCRAFT 2 IS DONE]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2015-08-12</ref> |
*''StarCraft III''<ref name = "SCWC">2015-08-12, [http://au.ign.com/articles/2015/08/12/gamescom-2015-blizzard-will-consider-warcraft-rts-once-starcraft-2-is-done GAMESCOM 2015: BLIZZARD WILL 'CONSIDER WARCRAFT' RTS ONCE STARCRAFT 2 IS DONE]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2015-08-12</ref> |
||
*''Untitled first-person game (TBA)<ref>November, 2016, [https://gamerant.com/blizzard-first-person-game-258/ Blizzard Working on New First Person Game]. ''Gamerant'', retrieved on 2016-12-01</ref> |
*''Untitled first-person game (TBA)<ref>November, 2016, [https://gamerant.com/blizzard-first-person-game-258/ Blizzard Working on New First Person Game]. ''Gamerant'', retrieved on 2016-12-01</ref> |
||
Line 566: | Line 699: | ||
===Unreleased/Cancelled games=== |
===Unreleased/Cancelled games=== |
||
− | About 50% of all Blizzard games have been |
+ | About 50% of all Blizzard games have been canceled during development.<ref name="AdhamInterview" /> |
+ | *''{{sc|Ares (game)|Project Ares}}'' (codename for a ''StarCraft'' first-person shooter, cancelled on June 6, 2019 to put more resources into ''Overwatch 2'' and ''Diablo 4'')<ref name="KotakuD4OW2">{{Ref web|url=https://kotaku.com/sources-blizzard-cancels-starcraft-first-person-shoote-1835285125|title=Sources: Blizzard Cancels StarCraft First-Person Shooter To Focus On Diablo 4 And Overwatch 2|publisher=Kotaku|author=Jason Schreier|date=2019-06-06|accessdate=2019-06-08}}</ref> |
||
*''Bloodlines'' (concepts later used for ''StarCraft'') |
*''Bloodlines'' (concepts later used for ''StarCraft'') |
||
*''Crixa'' (2D shooter)<ref>{{ref web|date=2014-09-23|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/23/6833039/blizzard-cancelled-unreleased-games|title=A brief history of Blizzard's cancelled and unreleased games|publisher=Polygon|accessdate=2014-09-24}}</ref> |
*''Crixa'' (2D shooter)<ref>{{ref web|date=2014-09-23|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/9/23/6833039/blizzard-cancelled-unreleased-games|title=A brief history of Blizzard's cancelled and unreleased games|publisher=Polygon|accessdate=2014-09-24}}</ref> |
||
Line 573: | Line 707: | ||
*''Denizen''<ref name = "DICE08">{{ref web|date=2008-02-07|url=http://au.gamespot.com/news/dice-08-blizzard-talks-about-blowing-up-6185736|title=D.I.C.E. '08: Blizzard talks about blowing up|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
*''Denizen''<ref name = "DICE08">{{ref web|date=2008-02-07|url=http://au.gamespot.com/news/dice-08-blizzard-talks-about-blowing-up-6185736|title=D.I.C.E. '08: Blizzard talks about blowing up|publisher=GameSpot|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
||
*''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Salvation}}'' (trademark patented in 2001) |
*''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Salvation}}'' (trademark patented in 2001) |
||
− | *''{{Diablo|Diablo III: The King in the North}}'' ( |
+ | *''{{Diablo|Diablo III: The King in the North}}'' (canceled second expansion for ''Diablo III'') |
*''{{Diablo|Diablo Junior}}'' (intended for the Gameboy Color, scrapped due to production costs)<ref>{{ref web|date=2012-10-12|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/blizzard-north-considered-making-diablo-junior-for-the-game-boy/|title=Blizzard North considered making Diablo Junior for the Game Boy Color|publisher=Joystiq|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
*''{{Diablo|Diablo Junior}}'' (intended for the Gameboy Color, scrapped due to production costs)<ref>{{ref web|date=2012-10-12|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/blizzard-north-considered-making-diablo-junior-for-the-game-boy/|title=Blizzard North considered making Diablo Junior for the Game Boy Color|publisher=Joystiq|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
||
*''{{Diablo|Diablo MMO}}'' (dropped concept) |
*''{{Diablo|Diablo MMO}}'' (dropped concept) |
||
*''Games People Play'' (crossword puzzles, boggle, and other word games)<ref name = "MobyBlizzard">{{ref web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc|title=Blizzard Entertainment Inc.|publisher=Moby Games|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
*''Games People Play'' (crossword puzzles, boggle, and other word games)<ref name = "MobyBlizzard">{{ref web|url=http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc|title=Blizzard Entertainment Inc.|publisher=Moby Games|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
||
− | *''{{Diablo|Project Hades|Hades}}'' ( |
+ | *''{{Diablo|Project Hades|Hades}}'' (first ''Diablo IV'' iteration, cancelled) |
*''[[World of Warcraft#Nomad|Nomad]]'' (cancelled in favor of ''World of Warcraft'')<ref name = "MobyBlizzard"/> |
*''[[World of Warcraft#Nomad|Nomad]]'' (cancelled in favor of ''World of Warcraft'')<ref name = "MobyBlizzard"/> |
||
*''Pax Imperia II'' (rights sold to THQ, later released as ''[[wikipedia:Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain|Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain]]'')<ref>{{ref web|publisher=JudgeHype|url=http://www.judgehype.com/hype17/|title=Pax Imperia II|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
*''Pax Imperia II'' (rights sold to THQ, later released as ''[[wikipedia:Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain|Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain]]'')<ref>{{ref web|publisher=JudgeHype|url=http://www.judgehype.com/hype17/|title=Pax Imperia II|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
||
*''Raiko''<ref name = "DICE08"/> |
*''Raiko''<ref name = "DICE08"/> |
||
*''Ronin''<ref>{{ref web|date=2013-02-04|url=http://insidetheboxreviews.com/review/the-art-of-blizzard-entertainment-book-review|title=The Art of Blizzard Entertainment (book) review…|publisher=Inside the Box|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
*''Ronin''<ref>{{ref web|date=2013-02-04|url=http://insidetheboxreviews.com/review/the-art-of-blizzard-entertainment-book-review|title=The Art of Blizzard Entertainment (book) review…|publisher=Inside the Box|accessdate=2013-05-28}}</ref> |
||
+ | *''RPM II'' (sequel to ''RPM Racing'', canceled in favor of ''Rock N' Roll Racing'')<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/blizzard/23622602/rock-n-roll-racing-s-unmistakable-influence-on-the-blizzard-style|title=ROCK N ROLL RACING'S UNMISTAKABLE INFLUENCE ON THE BLIZZARD STYLE|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2021-02-20|accessdate=2021-04-21}}</ref> |
||
*''{{StarCraft|StarCraft#Conception|Shattered Nations}}'' (cancelled in favor of ''StarCraft'')<ref name = "DICE08"/> |
*''{{StarCraft|StarCraft#Conception|Shattered Nations}}'' (cancelled in favor of ''StarCraft'')<ref name = "DICE08"/> |
||
*''{{Diablo|Starblo}}'' (ARPG in a sci-fi setting)<ref>{{ref web|date=2012-10-23|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/diablo-in-space-blizzard-actually-worked-on-starblo|title=Diablo in space? Blizzard actually worked on "Starblo"|publisher=Neowin.net|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
*''{{Diablo|Starblo}}'' (ARPG in a sci-fi setting)<ref>{{ref web|date=2012-10-23|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/diablo-in-space-blizzard-actually-worked-on-starblo|title=Diablo in space? Blizzard actually worked on "Starblo"|publisher=Neowin.net|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref> |
||
− | * |
+ | *''{{StarCraft|StarCraft: Ghost}}'' (indefinitely postponed on March 24, 2006)<ref>{{ref web|url=http://worthplaying.com/article/2006/3/24/news/32071/|title='StarCraft: Ghost' (PS2/Xbox) Cancelled But Goes Next-Gen|publisher=Worthplaying|date=2006-03-24|accessdate=2013-11-13}}</ref> |
*''{{StarCraft|StarCraft MMO}}'' (dropped concept) |
*''{{StarCraft|StarCraft MMO}}'' (dropped concept) |
||
− | *''Titan'' was the project name for a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that was being developed as a new IP. In September 2014, Blizzard co-founder and CEO, [[Mike Morhaime]], confirmed with Polygon that the project had been |
+ | *''{{Overwatch|Project Titan|Titan}}'' was the project name for a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that was being developed as a new IP. In September 2014, Blizzard co-founder and CEO, [[Mike Morhaime]], confirmed with Polygon that the project had been canceled.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.theverge.com/2014/9/23/6833563/blizzard-cancels-its-world-of-warcraft-successor|date=2014-09-23|author=Ross Miller|publisher=The Verge|title=Blizzard cancels its 'World of Warcraft' successor}}</ref> Some of the concepts would later be reworked into the original pitch for ''Overwatch.'' |
+ | *''Untitled mobile game'' (cancelled in June, 2019)<ref name="KotakuD4OW2" /> |
||
*''Untitled pirate-themed ARPG'' (cancelled after a year of development)<ref>2016-01-09, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQsiAnJ4PVo& Marvel Heroes 2015 (January 8 2016)]. ''YouTube'', retrieved on 2016-01-11</ref> |
*''Untitled pirate-themed ARPG'' (cancelled after a year of development)<ref>2016-01-09, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQsiAnJ4PVo& Marvel Heroes 2015 (January 8 2016)]. ''YouTube'', retrieved on 2016-01-11</ref> |
||
*''Untitled project by Mike Booth'' (abandoned in June, 2015)<ref>2015-07-31, [http://blizzpro.com/2015/07/31/the-unsolved-mystery-of-mike-booth/ THE UNSOLVED MYSTERY OF MIKE BOOTH]. ''Blizzpro'', retrieved on 2015-08-01</ref> |
*''Untitled project by Mike Booth'' (abandoned in June, 2015)<ref>2015-07-31, [http://blizzpro.com/2015/07/31/the-unsolved-mystery-of-mike-booth/ THE UNSOLVED MYSTERY OF MIKE BOOTH]. ''Blizzpro'', retrieved on 2015-08-01</ref> |
||
− | *''[[Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans]]'' ( |
+ | *''[[Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans]]'' (canceled on May 22, 1998) |
− | *''[[Warcraft Legends (game)|Warcraft Legends]]'' ( |
+ | *''[[Warcraft Legends (game)|Warcraft Legends]]'' (canceled RPG, elements re-used in ''Warcraft III'') |
+ | *''[[World of Warcraft: The Board Game#Expansions|World of Warcraft: The Board Game - Scion of Darkness]]'' (canceled in 2008) |
||
==Awards== |
==Awards== |
||
Line 596: | Line 733: | ||
==Employees== |
==Employees== |
||
− | {{Main|:Category:Blizzard Entertainment employees}} |
+ | {{Main|:Category:Blizzard Entertainment employees|label1=Category:Blizzard Entertainment employees}} |
===Notable=== |
===Notable=== |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[J. Allen Brack]] (president) |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[J. Allen Brack]] (president) |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Allen Adham]] (vice president and co-founder) |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Allen Adham]] (vice president and co-founder) |
||
+ | *{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Mike Ybarra]] (exe. vice president and GM)<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-former-xbox-exec-mike-ybarra-joins-blizzard-entertainment|title=Former Xbox exec Mike Ybarra joins Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=GamesIndustry.biz|author=Matthew Handrahan|date=2019-10-24|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20191024112147/https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2019-10-24-former-xbox-exec-mike-ybarra-joins-blizzard-entertainment|archivedate=2019-10-24}}</ref> |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Greg Canessa]] ([[Battle.net 2.0]] project coordinator)<ref name = "BnetPreview">{{ref web|author=Blizzard Entertainment staff, Greg Canessa|date=2010-02-09|url=http://www.starcraft2.com/features/misc/battlenet.xml|title=Battle.net Preview|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2010-02-09}}</ref> |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Greg Canessa]] ([[Battle.net 2.0]] project coordinator)<ref name = "BnetPreview">{{ref web|author=Blizzard Entertainment staff, Greg Canessa|date=2010-02-09|url=http://www.starcraft2.com/features/misc/battlenet.xml|title=Battle.net Preview|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2010-02-09}}</ref> |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Tom Chilton]] |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Tom Chilton]] |
||
Line 606: | Line 744: | ||
*[[File:Portrait Drawgoon.jpg|18px]] [[Peter Lee]] |
*[[File:Portrait Drawgoon.jpg|18px]] [[Peter Lee]] |
||
*[[File:Portrait RedKnuckle.jpg|18px]] [[Mark Gibbons]] |
*[[File:Portrait RedKnuckle.jpg|18px]] [[Mark Gibbons]] |
||
− | *{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Michael Morhaime]] (strategic advisor) |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Frank Pearce]] (vice president and co-founder) |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Frank Pearce]] (vice president and co-founder) |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Brian Holinka]] (''WoW'' senior game designer) |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Brian Holinka]] (''WoW'' senior game designer) |
||
Line 625: | Line 762: | ||
===Previous notable employees=== |
===Previous notable employees=== |
||
+ | *{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Michael Morhaime]] (strategic advisor) |
||
*[[File:Metzen.jpg|18px]] [[Chris Metzen]] (vice president of creative development) |
*[[File:Metzen.jpg|18px]] [[Chris Metzen]] (vice president of creative development) |
||
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Rob Pardo]] (vice president of game design) |
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Rob Pardo]] (vice president of game design) |
||
Line 639: | Line 777: | ||
**{{Alliance}} [[Team Alliance]] |
**{{Alliance}} [[Team Alliance]] |
||
**{{Horde}} [[Team Horde]] |
**{{Horde}} [[Team Horde]] |
||
− | |||
− | ==Parent companies== |
||
− | The company's ownership has shifted many times over the years, through mergers, name changes or acquisitions:<ref name=Moby/> |
||
− | *{{wplink|Davidson & Associates}} <small>(1994 - 1996)</small> |
||
− | *{{wplink|CUC International|CUC International}} <small>(1996 - 1997)</small> |
||
− | *{{wplink|Cendant Software|Cendant Software}} <small>(1997 - 1998)</small> |
||
− | *{{wplink|Havas|Havas}} <small>(1998)</small> |
||
− | *{{wplink|Vivendi|Vivendi}} <small>(1998 - 2007)</small> |
||
− | *[[Activision Blizzard]] <small>(2007 - ''present'')</small> |
||
==Notes and trivia== |
==Notes and trivia== |
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;Logos |
;Logos |
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<gallery mode=packed> |
<gallery mode=packed> |
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− | Blizzard Entertainment |
+ | Blizzard Entertainment Logo (1994).svg|First logo |
+ | Blizzard Entertainment Logo.svg |
||
+ | Blizzard Entertainment Logo (Gold).svg|Gold variant, used for ''Warcraft'' content |
||
+ | Blizzard Entertainment old logo.gif|Second logo |
||
Blizzard Entertainment logo.svg|SVG logo |
Blizzard Entertainment logo.svg|SVG logo |
||
− | Blizzard Entertainment |
+ | Blizzard Entertainment 2015 logo.svg|Current logo |
− | Blizzard Entertainment original.png|First logo |
||
Blizz Logo.jpg|A cinematic logo |
Blizz Logo.jpg|A cinematic logo |
||
Molten core blizzlogo.gif|[[World of Warcraft: The Molten Core|The Molten Core]] |
Molten core blizzlogo.gif|[[World of Warcraft: The Molten Core|The Molten Core]] |
||
− | Blizzard Entertainment logo Overwatch. |
+ | Blizzard Entertainment logo (Overwatch).svg|Logo used for ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' content |
Blizzard Entertainment logo Warcraft.gif|Logo used for ''[[Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'' content |
Blizzard Entertainment logo Warcraft.gif|Logo used for ''[[Warcraft]]'' and ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'' content |
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Blizzard Entertainment logo BfA.png|Logo used for ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'' content |
Blizzard Entertainment logo BfA.png|Logo used for ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'' content |
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Blizzard Entertainment logo StarCraft2.gif|Logo used for ''[[StarCraft]]'' content |
Blizzard Entertainment logo StarCraft2.gif|Logo used for ''[[StarCraft]]'' content |
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Blizzard Entertainment logo Destiny2.gif|Logo used for ''{{wp|Destiny 2}}'' and other generic content |
Blizzard Entertainment logo Destiny2.gif|Logo used for ''{{wp|Destiny 2}}'' and other generic content |
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− | Blizzard Entertainment logo BO4.gif|Logo used for ''{{wp|Call of Duty |
+ | Blizzard Entertainment logo BO4.gif|Logo used for ''{{wp|Call of Duty}}'' games and other generic content |
− | Blizzard Entertainment logo Gear.png|Old logo used for ''[[Blizzard Gear]]'' content |
||
Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art.jpg|The logo in the [[Warcraft (film)|''Warcraft'' film]] |
Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art.jpg|The logo in the [[Warcraft (film)|''Warcraft'' film]] |
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Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art2.jpg |
Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art2.jpg |
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</gallery> |
</gallery> |
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− | + | ==Videos== |
|
<vplayer /> |
<vplayer /> |
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{{#vlink:AHz2ky-jng8|Blizzard Retrospective}} |
{{#vlink:AHz2ky-jng8|Blizzard Retrospective}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
||
− | <!-- |
+ | <!-- Please read https://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. --> |
− | Links that do not conform to the rules will be DELETED. |
||
− | Repeat violations may result in a BAN. |
||
− | Have a nice day. :) --> |
||
*{{Elink|link=https://www.blizzard.com/|type=blizzard}} |
*{{Elink|link=https://www.blizzard.com/|type=blizzard}} |
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*{{Elink|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment|type=wikipedia}} |
*{{Elink|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment|type=wikipedia}} |
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− | |||
{{Blizzard Entertainment}} |
{{Blizzard Entertainment}} |
Revision as of 17:30, 21 April 2021
Blizzard Entertainment | |
---|---|
2015 logo Video game developer and publisher | |
Formerly called |
Silicon & Synapse (1991–1994) Chaos Studios, Inc. (1994) |
Type | Subsidiary |
Industry | Video game industry |
Founded | February 8, 1991 |
Founders |
Allen Adham Michael Morhaime Frank Pearce |
President |
J. Allen Brack (formerly Mike Morhaime) |
Headquarters | Irvine, California, U.S. |
Number of locations | 9 (studios and offices) |
Products |
Diablo franchise Hearthstone Heroes of the Storm Overwatch franchise StarCraft franchise Warcraft franchise |
Parent |
Davidson & Associates (1994-1998) Vivendi Games (1998-2008) Activision Blizzard (2008-present) |
Website | blizzard.com |
Blizzard Entertainment® (often shortened to "Blizzard" or "Blizz") is a video game developer & publisher that is responsible for the Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, and Overwatch franchises. The company originally concentrated primarily on the creation of game ports for other studios before beginning development of their own program with the development of games like Rock n' Roll Racing & The Lost Vikings.
In July 2008, Blizzard's parent company, Vivendi, merged their Vivendi Games subsidiary with Activision to create a new holding company called Activision Blizzard.[1][2] Five years later, in July 2013, Vivendi sold off most of its shares in Activision Blizzard, which now exists as an independent company.[3] As of October 2014, the company employs over 3,900 individuals.[4]
Core values
Blizzard Entertainment lists its eight core values on their mission statement page:
- Gameplay first
- Commit to quality
- Play nice; play fair
- Embrace your inner geek
- Every voice matters
- Think globally
- Lead responsibly
- Learn and grow[5]
History
Originally under the name Silicon & Synapse, the company was founded on February 8, 1991[6][7] by three graduates of the University of California, Los Angeles:[8] Allen Adham and Michael Morhaime. Brian Fargo, the CEO and founder of Interplay Entertainment, was granted a share in the company to improve the prospects of working jointly for the young studio.[9][10] Frank Pearce also joined the studio upon inception as the first employee.[11]
The small company initially did many "ports", converting games from one platform operating system to another, including board games (Battle Chess, Lexicross), strategy games (Castles), sports games (Amiga Baseball), and others (Dvorak Teaches Typing), though the company did become the first American developer to release a Super Nintendo title with RPM Racing, which became one of the first ten launch titles for the platform in North America.[11]
It was not until Interplay Entertainment and Silicon & Synapse collaborated on the SNES side-scroller The Lost Vikings that its critical — though not commercial — breakthrough came. With some acclaim, the game hit the shelves in 1993. The game's release, along with Rock & Roll Racking (also 1993) led Nintendo to name the studio its "Developer of the Year". Tragically, the release of the two games coincided with the death of the 16-bit console market, and neither title sold well.[11]
In August 1995, the company moved from a 3,600 sq. ft. office in Costa Mesa to a 14,000 sq. ft. office in Irvine, CA.[6]
Facing a lack of success in the console market, and not willing to bet solely on one market, the company continued developing several 16-bit console titles while branching out by starting development on two new games: Games People Play, a crossword/word-game that was never completed, and Warcraft: Orcs & Humans, whose development was led by its second employee and VP of Research & Development, Patrick Wyatt.[11]
The company temporarily re-branded itself as Chaos Studios and released the game Blackthorne under that studio name, but conflicts with an unregistered trademark for the name "Chaos" caused the company leadership to consider a new name. Upon acquisition by Davidson & Associates, then the #3 North American educational software publisher, in February 1994, the company changed its name to Blizzard Entertainment.[11]
Blizzard turned 20 years old in 2012. The history is recorded on a timeline on its own site here.[12] On February 8, 2016, Blizzard celebrated their 25th year anniversary with a video and continued to celebrate it along with the Diablo 20th anniversary at BlizzCon 2016.[13][14][15]
On October 3, 2018, Activision Blizzard announced J. Allen Brack as the new president of Blizzard Entertainment succeeding Mike Morhaime.[16] In February 2019, Blizzard underwent a round of layoffs, though announced that it would be expanding its development staff. Teams for some of its IPs, including Warcraft and Hearthstone, will be expanded.[17]
On March 7, 2019, Blizzard and GOG.com partnered to release the classic Diablo on GOG.com's platform[18] as well as Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition by March 28.[19] On June 5, 2019, Blizzard gave the OK to GOG.com to add the authorized non-canoncial expansion Hellfire which was developed by Synergistic Software to Diablo as a free add-on, due to popular demand.[20]
On January 22, 2021, Vicarious Visions is now a subsidiary of Blizzard Entertainment, from Activision.[21][22] Blizzard turned 30 years old in 2021 and celebrated it at BlizzConline with the release of Blizzard Arcade Collection.
Blizzard North
- Main: Blizzard North
Blizzard North was originally founded in 1993 as Condor Inc. by David Brevik, Erich Schaefer, and Max Schaefer. Blizzard North came out in January of 1995 with an idea pitched with Allen for Diablo.[23] The company was purchased and renamed later in March of 1996[7] and was the Bay Area division of Blizzard Entertainment, known for its Diablo series. The studio was originally based in Redwood City, California, before being moved a short distance away to San Mateo, California, with Blizzard proper being based in Irvine, southern California. On August 1, 2005, Blizzard Entertainment announced the closure of Blizzard North with a key reason for the closure was Blizzard's North poor development of what was to be Diablo III, which didn't meet Vivendi's expectations. There were also a couple of mentions of Blizzard South, which was known for the StarCraft and the Warcraft series. However, the name wasn't mentioned as much but it was used to keep confusion from Blizzard North as Blizzard South is based in Irvine, California, Blizzard's main location.
- As Condor
- Justice League Task Force (1995)
- As Blizzard North
- Diablo (1996) - action role-playing game
- Diablo II (2000) - action role-playing game
- Diablo II: Lord of Destruction (2001) - expansion pack
- Diablo III (in development 2000-2005 and later scrapped, remade from scratch by Blizzard Team 3) - originally was planned to be a massively multiplayer online role-playing game
TeSPA partnership
- Main article: Blizzard Esports
In 2013, Blizzard announced an official partnership with TeSPA to provide licensed StarCraft, Hearthstone and Heroes of the Storm in-game rewards to college gaming clubs.[24][25][26] In early 2014, TeSPA and Blizzard Entertainment hosted the $5,000 North American Collegiate Hearthstone Open series, culminating in a live grand finals event at the Twitch.tv stage at PAX East and PAX Prime.[27]
Teams
After the release of World of Warcraft, the company divided its development staff into numerically designated teams (e.g. Team 2 is the dev team for World of Warcraft), each team focusing on a specific project. While relatively small, each team is supported by a much larger cast of employees, as well as being overseen by other groups within the company.
In addition to the numerically designated teams, "strike teams" were formed, as a result of Chris Metzen's desire to keep the company's original culture intact. These teams are not assigned to any one project, but give feedback on separate projects. A "design council" also exists, a gathering of all of the game directors and lead designers throughout the company.[4] As of August 2017, most of Blizzard's development focus is on supporting its existing IPs, but is working on new IPs as well.[28] As of November 2018, Blizzard's current development model is to effectively have one team per IP and support indefinitely. As a team grows and reaches a certain size, elements of the team will be spun off to work on a new IP. Each team consists of around 100–300 people.[29]
The list of teams of current and past include:
- Team 1
- This team previously worked on titles including StarCraft, Warcraft III, StarCraft II, and Heroes of the Storm.
- Team 2 - World of Warcraft
- Formed after the release of World of Warcraft to continue development of the game.[4]
- There is a separate team working on World of Warcraft: Classic.[30]
- Team 3 - Diablo franchise[4]
- Diablo IV team
- Diablo Immortal team
- Diablo Legacy[31] - Diablo III and Diablo II: Resurrected (Diablo II remaster)
- Team 4 - Overwatch
- Team 5 - Hearthstone[4]
- Formed in 2008 for the express purpose of creating Hearthstone, Team 5 was designed as a "small and nimble" team, comprising only 15 members for most of the game's initial development.[4]
- Classic Games
- Formed c. 2015 to "restore" StarCraft, Warcraft III, and Diablo II.[32] Responsible for StarCraft: Remastered and Warcraft III: Reforged.
- Incubation
- Formed in 2016 to cultivate new projects. Currently focusing on mobile games.[33]
- Cinematics team
- Headhunter
- Vicarious Visions - Diablo II: Resurrected (Diablo II remaster)
Culture
- Main article: Service Awards
Relationship with Activision Blizzard
On December 2, 2007, Vivendi (Blizzard Entertainment's parent company) announced that their subsidiary Vivendi Games (of which Blizzard Entertainment was a part) would be merging with Activision to form Activision Blizzard. The deal was finalized on July 8, 2008. Vivendi later divested themselves of Activision Blizzard in July 2013, and it now exists as an independent holding company.
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. remains Blizzard's brand,[34] as it and Activision continue to exist as separate entities within the Activision Blizzard umbrella.[35]
Conferences
Blizzard Entertainment has conferences for Blizzard announcements and demonstrations, known as the Blizzard Entertainment World Wide Invitational and BlizzCon. The first WWI was held in Seoul, South Korea on May 19 and 20, 2007 when Blizzard officially announced StarCraft II. Paris, France hosted the second Invitational on June 28 and 29, 2008.[36]
Published games and applications
Non-franchise games
Company | Title | Year | Platform(s) | Genre |
---|---|---|---|---|
as Silicon & Synapse | RPM Racing | 1991 | SNES | Racing game |
The Lost Vikings | 1992 | Amiga, Amiga CD32, GBA, MS-DOS, Genesis, SNES, Windows (2014) | Puzzle platform game | |
Rock n' Roll Racing | 1993 | SNES, Genesis, GBA, Windows (2014) | Racing video game | |
as Blizzard Entertainment | The Death and Return of Superman | 1994 | SNES, Genesis | Beat 'em up |
Blackthorne | 1994 | SNES, Sega 32X, MS-DOS, GBA, Mac OS, Windows (2013) | Cinematic platformer | |
Justice League Task Force | 1995 | SNES, Genesis | Fighting game | |
The Lost Vikings 2 | 1997 | SNES, Saturn, PlayStation, Windows | Puzzle platform game | |
Heroes of the Storm | 2015 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Team Brawler | |
Blizzard Arcade Collection | 2021 | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One | Racing, Cinematic platformer, Puzzle platformer |
Franchises
Universe | Title | Year | Platform(s) | Genre | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Warcraft universe | Warcraft: Orcs & Humans | 1994 (original) 2019 (GOG.com) |
MS-DOS, Mac OS, PC-98 | Real-time strategy | |
Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness | 1995 | MS-DOS, Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows | Real-time strategy | ||
Warcraft II: Beyond the Dark Portal | 1996 | Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows | RTS expansion pack | ||
Warcraft II: The Dark Saga | 1997 | Sony PlayStation, Sega Saturn | Real-time strategy | ||
Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition | 1999 (original) 2019 (GOG.com) |
MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows | Real-time strategy | ||
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos | 2002 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS | Real-time strategy | ||
Warcraft III: The Frozen Throne | 2003 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS | RTS expansion | ||
World of Warcraft | 2004 | Microsoft Windows, macOS, (Linux via Wine or Cedega) | MMORPG | ||
World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade | 2007 | Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King | 2008 | Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Cataclysm | 2010 | Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria | 2012 | Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft | 2014 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, Android, iPhone | CCG | ||
Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas | 2014 | CCG Adventure | |||
World of Warcraft: Warlords of Draenor | 2014 | Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes | 2014 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Blackrock Mountain | 2015 | CCG Adventure | |||
Hearthstone: The Grand Tournament | 2015 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: The League of Explorers | 2015 | CCG Adventure | |||
Hearthstone: Whispers of the Old Gods | 2016 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: One Night in Karazhan | 2016 | CCG Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Legion | 2016 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X | Expansion | ||
Hearthstone: Mean Streets of Gadgetzan | 2016 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Journey to Un'Goro | 2017 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Knights of the Frozen Throne | 2017 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Kobolds & Catacombs | 2017 | CCG Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth | 2018 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Expansion | ||
Hearthstone: The Witchwood | 2018 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project | 2018 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Rastakhan's Rumble | 2018 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows | 2019 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Saviors of Uldum | 2019 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Tombs of Terror | 2019 | CCG Adventure | |||
World of Warcraft: Classic | 2019 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Server option | ||
Hearthstone: Descent of Dragons | 2019 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Galakrond's Awakening | 2020 | CCG Adventure | |||
Warcraft III: Reforged | 2020 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Real-time strategy | Remaster of Warcraft III | |
Hearthstone: Ashes of Outland | 2020 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Scholomance Academy | 2020 | CCG Expansion | |||
Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire | 2020 | CCG Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands | 2020 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Expansion | ||
Hearthstone: Darkmoon Races | 2021 | CCG mini-set | |||
Hearthstone: Forged in the Barrens | 2021 | CCG Expansion | |||
World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic | TBA 2021 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Server option | ||
Untitled Warcraft mobile game[37] | TBA | Mobile platforms | MMORTS[38] | ||
StarCraft franchise | StarCraft | 1998 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X | Real-time strategy | |
StarCraft: Brood War | 1998 | Expansion | |||
StarCraft 64 | 2000 | Nintendo 64 | Real-time strategy | ||
StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty | 2010 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X | Real-time strategy | ||
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm | 2013 | Expansion | |||
StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void | 2015 | Expansion | |||
StarCraft II: Nova Covert Ops | 2016 | Mission packs (1-3) | |||
StarCraft: Remastered | 2017 | Microsoft Windows, macOS | Real-time strategy | ||
StarCraft II: Free to Play | 2017 | ||||
Diablo franchise | Diablo | 1996 2019 (GOG.com) |
Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, PlayStation (1998) | Action role-playing, hack and slash, dark fantasy | |
Diablo II | 2000 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X | Action role-playing, hack and slash | ||
Diablo II: Lord of Destruction | 2001 | Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X | Expansion pack | ||
Diablo III | 2012 | Microsoft Windows, OS X, PlaySation 3/4 and Xbox 360/One (2013) | Action role-playing, hack and slash | ||
Diablo III: Reaper of Souls | 2014 | Microsoft Windows, OS X | Expansion | ||
Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition | 2014 | PlaySation 3/4, Xbox 360/One | |||
Diablo III: Eternal Collection[39] | 2018 | Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 | |||
Diablo Immortal | TBA | Android, iOS | MMOARPG | ||
Diablo II: Resurrected | TBA 2021 | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles | Action roleplaying, hack n' slash | ||
Diablo IV | TBA | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles | Action roleplaying, hack n' slash | ||
Overwatch franchise | Overwatch | 2016 | Microsoft Windows, macOS, Xbox One, Playstation 4 | Team-based multiplayer shooter | |
Overwatch 2 | TBA | Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles | Team-based multiplayer shooter |
Applications
Title | Release year | Platform(s) | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Blizzard Downloader † | Windows, Mac OS | Replaced / Defunct | |
Blizzard Launcher † | 2005 | Windows, Mac OS | Introduced with patch 1.8.3, replaced and no longer used since 6.0.2 |
Blizzard Repair † | Windows, Mac OS | Replaced with the desktop app | |
Blizzard Updater † | Windows, Mac OS | Replaced with the desktop app | |
Blizzard Mobile Authenticator | 2009 | iOS, Android Windows, † Blackberry † |
Originally named Battle.net Mobile Authenticator |
BlizzCon Mobile | 2011 | iOS, Android | Originally BlizzCon Guide |
WoW Mobile Armory † | 2009 | iOS, Android | |
StarCraft WCS | 2013 | iOS, Android | Originally Blizzard WCS |
Blizzard Battle.net desktop app | 2013 | Windows, macOS | Originally named Battle.net desktop app and Blizzard desktop app |
Blizzard AR Viewer † | 2014 | iOS, Android | Defunct on iOS |
WoW Legion Companion App † | 2016 | iOS, Android | |
Blizzard Battle.net Mobile app | 2017 | iOS, Android | |
Overwatch League Mobile App | 2018 | iOS, Android | |
BlizzCon TV | 2018 | Fire TV, Apple TV | |
Blizzard Esports | 2018 | iOS, Android | |
WoW Companion App | 2018 | iOS, Android |
- † Defunct
Other
- Related pen-and-paper RPG materials
- Warcraft: The Board Game (Published: 2003)
- Expansion Set (Published: 2004)
- World of Warcraft: The Board Game (Published: 2005)
- Shadow of War (Published: 2006)
- BlizzCon Epic Armor Pack (Published: 2007)
- The Burning Crusade (Published: September 2007)
- Warcraft: The Board Game (Published: 2003)
Rumored games
Note: Blizzard has confirmed that they are NOT working on a StarCraft or Diablo MMORPG.[40]
- StarCraft III[41]
- Untitled first-person game (TBA)[42]
- Warcraft IV[43][44][41]
- World of Warcraft 2[45]
Unreleased/Cancelled games
About 50% of all Blizzard games have been canceled during development.[29]
- Project Ares (codename for a StarCraft first-person shooter, cancelled on June 6, 2019 to put more resources into Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4)[46]
- Bloodlines (concepts later used for StarCraft)
- Crixa (2D shooter)[47]
- Crossroads (unused MMO concept)[48]
- Denizen[49]
- Diablo II: Salvation (trademark patented in 2001)
- Diablo III: The King in the North (canceled second expansion for Diablo III)
- Diablo Junior (intended for the Gameboy Color, scrapped due to production costs)[50]
- Diablo MMO (dropped concept)
- Games People Play (crossword puzzles, boggle, and other word games)[51]
- Hades (first Diablo IV iteration, cancelled)
- Nomad (cancelled in favor of World of Warcraft)[51]
- Pax Imperia II (rights sold to THQ, later released as Pax Imperia: Eminent Domain)[52]
- Raiko[49]
- Ronin[53]
- RPM II (sequel to RPM Racing, canceled in favor of Rock N' Roll Racing)[54]
- Shattered Nations (cancelled in favor of StarCraft)[49]
- Starblo (ARPG in a sci-fi setting)[55]
- StarCraft: Ghost (indefinitely postponed on March 24, 2006)[56]
- StarCraft MMO (dropped concept)
- Titan was the project name for a massively multiplayer online game (MMO) that was being developed as a new IP. In September 2014, Blizzard co-founder and CEO, Mike Morhaime, confirmed with Polygon that the project had been canceled.[57] Some of the concepts would later be reworked into the original pitch for Overwatch.
- Untitled mobile game (cancelled in June, 2019)[46]
- Untitled pirate-themed ARPG (cancelled after a year of development)[58]
- Untitled project by Mike Booth (abandoned in June, 2015)[59]
- Warcraft Adventures: Lord of the Clans (canceled on May 22, 1998)
- Warcraft Legends (canceled RPG, elements re-used in Warcraft III)
- World of Warcraft: The Board Game - Scion of Darkness (canceled in 2008)
Awards
Blizzard Entertainment/Awards
Employees
- Main article: Category:Blizzard Entertainment employees
Notable
- J. Allen Brack (president)
- Allen Adham (vice president and co-founder)
- Mike Ybarra (exe. vice president and GM)[60]
- Greg Canessa (Battle.net 2.0 project coordinator)[61]
- Tom Chilton
- Samwise Didier (art director)
- Peter Lee
- Mark Gibbons
- Frank Pearce (vice president and co-founder)
- Brian Holinka (WoW senior game designer)
- Chris Robinson (WoW senior art director)
- Ion Hazzikostas
- Glenn Rane
- Thammer
- Twincruiser (René Koiter and Michel Koiter)
- Dustin Browder (lead designer of StarCraft II)
- Brian Sousa (senior 3D artist for StarCraft II)
- Andy Chambers (creative director)
- Robert "the Voice" Simpson (esports coordinator)[62]
- David Kim (balance designer)
- Brian T. Kindregan (lead writer)
- Eric Dodds (Hearthstone lead game designer)
- Matt Samia (senior director of cinematics)
- Kevin Yu, aka Karune (battle.net representative)
Previous notable employees
- Michael Morhaime (strategic advisor)
- Chris Metzen (vice president of creative development)
- Rob Pardo (vice president of game design)
- Bill Roper
- Paul Sams (Chief Creative Officer)
- Greg Street
- Ben Brode (Hearthstone game director)
Organizations
Notes and trivia
- Since their beginnings as a North American company focusing primarily on the English-speaking market, Blizzard has gone on to become a "global business".[4] As of 2014, more than half of its players are in Asia.[4]
- According to Hearthstone's Senior Producer Yong Woo, Blizzard employees receive some of their bonus money in "Blizzard bucks", which can be spent on company products such as card packs.[63]
Gallery
- Logos
Logo used for Overwatch content
Logo used for Warcraft and Hearthstone content
Logo used for Battle for Azeroth content
Logo used for Heroes of the Storm content
Logo used for Diablo content
Logo used for StarCraft content
Logo used for Destiny 2 and other generic content
Logo used for Call of Duty games and other generic content
The logo in the Warcraft film
Videos
References
- ^ http://www.activisionblizzard.com/pressReleases/pr120207.php
- ^ Rob Purchese 2008-06-30. Eurogamer: Blizzard Worldwide Invertational. Retrieved on 2008-01-07.
- ^ Elsa Keslassy 2013-07-26. Vivendi Sells Majority Stake in Activision Blizzard for $8.2 Billion. Retrieved on 2014-05-07.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Phillip Kolar. The Three Lives of Blizzard Entertainment. Polygon. Retrieved on 2014-10-04.
- ^ Mission Statement. Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved on 2009-11-16.
- ^ a b http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/
- ^ a b http://web.archive.org/web/19991012192528/http://blizzard.com:80/info.shtml
- ^ M. Abraham 2006-11-06. UCLA Engineering Celebrates Accomplishments at Annual Awards Dinner. UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. Archived from the original on 2011-07-16. Retrieved on 2018-03-04.
- ^ Carless, Simon 2009-09-15. GDC Austin: How Fantastic Contraption Became A Fantastic Hit. Gamasutra. Retrieved on 2018-03-04.
- ^ Trey Walker 2002-02-09. GameSpot Interview with Brian Fargo. Gamespot. Retrieved on 2018-03-04.
- ^ a b c d e http://www.mobygames.com/company/blizzard-entertainment-inc
- ^ Blizzard Timeline. Blizzard Entertainment. Retrieved on 2012-07-05.
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