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|bodystyle = width: 23em;
  
|bodystyle = width: 23em;
 
|above = Blizzard Entertainment
  
|above = Blizzard Entertainment
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|image = [[File:Blizzard Entertainment logo.png|250px]]
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|image = [[File:Blizzard Entertainment 2015 logo.svg|250px]]
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|caption = 2017 logo<br>''Video game developer and publisher''
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|caption = 2015 logo<br>''Video game developer and publisher''
 
|label1 = Formerly called
  
|label1 = Formerly called
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|data1 = Silicon & Synapse<br>(1991–1994)<br>Chaos Studios, Inc.<br>(1994)
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|data1 = Silicon & Synapse<br>(1991–1993)<ref name="pcgamername" /><br>Chaos Studios, Inc.<br>(1993-1994)<ref name="pcgamername" />
 
|label2 = Type
  
|label2 = Type
 
|data2 = Subsidiary
  
|data2 = Subsidiary
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|data5 = [[Allen Adham]]<br>[[Michael Morhaime]]<br>[[Frank Pearce]]
  
|data5 = [[Allen Adham]]<br>[[Michael Morhaime]]<br>[[Frank Pearce]]
 
|label6 = President
  
|label6 = President
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|data6 = [[J. Allen Brack]]<br>(formerly [[Mike Morhaime]])
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|data6 = [[Mike Ybarra]] (2021–present)<br>Formerly:<br>Michael Morhaime<br>(1991–2018)<br>[[J. Allen Brack]]<br>(2018–2021)<br>[[Jennifer O'Neal]]<br>(2021)
 
|label7 = Headquarters
  
|label7 = Headquarters
 
|data7 = {{wp|Irvine}}, {{wp|California}}, {{wp|United States|U.S.}}
  
|data7 = {{wp|Irvine}}, {{wp|California}}, {{wp|United States|U.S.}}
 
|label8 = Number of locations
  
|label8 = Number of locations
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|data8 = 9 (studios and offices)
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|data8 = 10 (studios and offices)
 
|label9 = Products
  
|label9 = Products
 
|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
  
|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
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==History==
  
==History==
 
[[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>
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Originally under the name ''Silicon & Synapse'', the company was founded on 8 February 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>
   
 
[[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" />
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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" /> 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" />
   
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Sometime in 1993, co-founder Adham told the other executives that he did not like the name "Silicon & Synapse" anymore as the name was getting confused with the meaning of silicon the chemical element used in microchips. Late 1993, Adham changed the name to "Chaos Studios", reflecting on the haphazardness of their development processes. However, they would later be contacted by a Flordia company by the name of ''Chaos Technologies'' and would happily let them use "chaos" for $100,000. Instead of paying for the license, they decided on a rebrand again which lead to "Ogre Studios" but Jan Davidson, President of Davidson & Associates, stated that it may be too scary for the kids (as stated by Adham). The choice for "Blizzard" came down to Adham looking through the dictionary with a close contender being "Midnight Studios". The company would be renamed to Blizzard Entertainment on 24 May 1994.<ref name="pcgamername">{{Ref web|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/how-blizzard-got-its-name/|title=How Blizzard got its name|publisher=PC Gamer|author=Tom Marks|date=2016-12-07}}</ref>
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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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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''.<ref name="Moby" />
  
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''.<ref name="Moby" />
   
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Blizzard turned 20 years old in 2012. The history is recorded on a timeline on its own site [http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about/b20/timeline.html here].<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about/b20/timeline.html|title=Blizzard Timeline|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2012-07-05}}</ref>
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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''.<ref name="Moby" />
  
   
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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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Blizzard turned 20 years old in 2012. The history is recorded on a timeline on its own site [http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about/b20/timeline.html here].<ref>{{ref web|url=http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/company/about/b20/timeline.html|title=Blizzard Timeline|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment|accessdate=2012-07-05}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeA6rT5LaEQ|title=Blizzard 25th Anniversary Celebration|publisher=YouTube|author=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2016-02-08|accessdate=2017-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUgzmvBZ3I|title=Celebrate 25 Years with Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=YouTube|author=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2016-11-04|accessdate=2018-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://blizzcon.com/en-us/news/20318432/blizzard-25th-anniversary-and-diablo-20th-anniversary-party-at-blizzcon-2016|title=Blizzard 25th Anniversary and Siablo® 20th Anniversary Party at BlizzCon® 2016|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2016-11-06|accessdate=2017-11-06}}</ref>
  
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  ⚫
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]].<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeA6rT5LaEQ|title=Blizzard 25th Anniversary Celebration|publisher=YouTube|author=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2016-02-08|accessdate=2017-11-06}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phUgzmvBZ3I|title=Celebrate 25 Years with Blizzard Entertainment|publisher=YouTube|author=Blizzard Entertainment|date=2016-11-04|accessdate=2018-05-30}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=https://blizzcon.com/en-us/news/20318432/blizzard-25th-anniversary-and-diablo-20th-anniversary-party-at-blizzcon-2016|title=Blizzard 25th Anniversary and Siablo® 20th Anniversary Party at BlizzCon® 2016|publisher=[[Blizzard Entertainment]]|date=2016-11-06|accessdate=2017-11-06}}</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>
 
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>
  
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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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> Vicarious Visions was merged with Blizzard on 12 April 2022 and renamed to [[Blizzard Albany]] and would be fully dedicated to Blizzard games.<ref name="VicariousMerged">[https://twitter.com/vvisionsstudio/status/1513875152920100867 Vicarious Visions on Twitter]: "We've officially merged with Blizzard Entertainment. Our development team will remain in Albany, NY and fully dedicated to Blizzard games."</ref>
   
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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===
  
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: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 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.
  
   
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From the late 2010s to 2022, Blizzard experienced a round of departures, with many employees going on to form their own development studios.<ref name = "IndieExodus">2022-12-27, [https://www.ign.com/articles/after-blizzard-the-big-new-aaa-to-indie-exodus-is-in-full-swing After Blizzard: The Big New AAA-to-Indie Exodus Is in Full Swing]. ''IGN'', retrieved on 2022-12-30</ref>
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;As Condor
  
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*''{{wp|Justice League Task Force (video game)|Justice League Task Force}}'' (1995)
  
   
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Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase who had licensing agreements since 2008 to bring Blizzard games to China were unable to come to an agreement on the renewal terms for the license. The license expired on 24 January 2023, with games and software such as ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' and the [[Warcraft III Battle Platform]] shutting down until a new licensing agreement can be made with an another company.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://investor.activision.com/news-releases/news-release-details/blizzard-entertainment-and-netease-suspending-game-services|title=Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase Suspending Game Services in China|publisher=[[Activision Blizzard]]|date=2022-11-16}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/chinese-wow-servers-shut-down-after-14-years-following-expiration-of-netease-agreement/1100-6510829/|title=Chinese WoW Servers Shut Down After 14 Years Following Expiration Of NetEase Agreement|publisher=GameSpot|date=2023-01-24|author=Cameron Koch}}</ref>
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;As Blizzard North
  
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*''[[Diablo]]'' (1996) - action role-playing game
  
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*''[[Diablo II]]'' (2000) - action role-playing game
  
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*''[[Diablo II: Lord of Destruction]]'' (2001) - expansion pack
  
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*''[[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
  
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===TeSPA partnership===
  
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{{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>
  
   
 
==Teams==
  
==Teams==
Line 95: Line 86:
 
*[[Team 2]] - ''[[World of Warcraft]]''
  
*[[Team 2]] - ''[[World of Warcraft]]''
 
**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" />
−
**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 the [[Classic]]s, such as ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]''.<ref>[[BlizzCon 2017]] - World of Warcraft What's Next panel</ref>
  +
**[[Proletariat]] is another studio working alongside Team 2.
 
*[[Team 3]] - ''[[Diablo]]'' franchise<ref name="BlizzardLives" />
  
*[[Team 3]] - ''[[Diablo]]'' franchise<ref name="BlizzardLives" />
 
**''[[Diablo IV]]'' team
  
**''[[Diablo IV]]'' team
Line 104: Line 96:
 
*[[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" />
−
* [[Classic Games]]
 +
* [[Classic Games]] †
−
** Formed c. 2015 to "restore" ''StarCraft'', ''Warcraft III'', and ''Diablo II''.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-looking-to-revive-these-classic-games-upd/1100-6431991/|title=Blizzard Looking to Revive These Classic Games|date=2015-11-04|publisher=GameSpot|author=Eddie Makuch|accessdate=2017-04-01}}</ref> Responsible for ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}'' and ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''.
 +
** Formed c. 2015 to "restore" ''StarCraft'', ''Warcraft III'', and ''Diablo II''.<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-looking-to-revive-these-classic-games-upd/1100-6431991/|title=Blizzard Looking to Revive These Classic Games|date=2015-11-04|publisher=GameSpot|author=Eddie Makuch|accessdate=2017-04-01}}</ref> They were responsible for ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}'' and ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''. This team was dismantled in 2020.
 
*[[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 Cinematics team|Cinematics team]]
 
*[[Blizzard Headhunter|Headhunter]]
  
*[[Blizzard Headhunter|Headhunter]]
−
*[[Vicarious Visions]] - ''Diablo II: Resurrected'' (''Diablo II'' remaster)
 +
*[[Blizzard Albany]] - ''Diablo II: Resurrected'' (''Diablo II'' remaster) and ''Diablo IV''
−
**Moved from Activision to Blizzard as a subsidiary in early 2021.<ref name="VicariousVisionsRef1" /><ref name="VicariousVisionsRef2" />
 +
**Moved from Activision to Blizzard as a subsidiary in early 2021<ref name="VicariousVisionsRef1" /><ref name="VicariousVisionsRef2" /> and merged in 2022.<ref name="VicariousMerged" />
   
 
==Culture==
  
==Culture==
Line 150: Line 142:
 
| Racing video game
  
| Racing video game
 
|-
  
|-
−
! rowspan="6" scope="row" | as Blizzard Entertainment
 +
! rowspan="9" scope="row" | as Blizzard Entertainment
 
| ''{{wp|The Death and Return of Superman}}''
  
| ''{{wp|The Death and Return of Superman}}''
 
| 1994
  
| 1994
Line 180: Line 172:
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
 
| Racing, Cinematic platformer, Puzzle platformer
  
| Racing, Cinematic platformer, Puzzle platformer
  ⚫
|-
  +
| ''Odyssey''<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://news.blizzard.com/en-us/blizzard/23768911/create-a-new-universe-with-us|title=Create a new universe with us|date=2022-01-25|publisher=Blizzard Entertainment}}</ref>
  ⚫
| TBA
  +
| PC, console
  +
| Survival<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://wccftech.com/new-info-surrounding-blizzards-survival-game-codenamed-odyssey-has-appeared/|title=New Info Surrounding Blizzard’s Survival Game Codenamed Odyssey has Appeared|date=2022-08-22|publisher=WCCF Tech}}</ref>
  ⚫
|-
  +
| ''Untitled role-playing game<ref>2022-02-09, [https://segmentnext.com/blizzard-unannounced-rpg/ Blizzard’s Working On An Unannounced RPG Within An Established IP]. ''Segment Next'', retrieved on 2022-02-10</ref>
  +
|TBA
  +
|TBA
  +
| Roleplaying game
  ⚫
|-
  +
| ''Untitled FPS game''<ref>2022-04-26, [https://www.cbr.com/blizzard-is-developing-an-unannounced-fps-pvp-project/?msclkid=b74c0d4ccdcf11ec83a22a6bd3ad87cd Blizzard Is Developing an Unannounced FPS PVP Project]. ''CBR'', retrieved on 2022-05-08</ref>
  +
|TBA
  +
|TBA
  +
| First-person shooter
 
|}
  
|}
   
Line 192: Line 199:
 
! scope="col"| Notes
  
! scope="col"| Notes
 
|-
  
|-
−
! rowspan="45" scope="row" | [[Warcraft universe]]
 +
! rowspan="52" scope="row" | [[Warcraft universe|''Warcraft'' universe]]
 
| ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]''
  
| ''[[Warcraft: Orcs & Humans]]''
 
| 1994 (original)<br/>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}})
  
| 1994 (original)<br/>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}})
Line 208: Line 215:
 
| 1996
  
| 1996
 
| Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows
  
| Mac OS, MS-DOS, Microsoft Windows
  ⚫
| Expansion
−
| RTS expansion pack
 +
| Warcraft II expansion
⚫
|
 
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[Warcraft II: The Dark Saga]]''
  
| ''[[Warcraft II: The Dark Saga]]''
Line 218: Line 225:
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]''
  
| ''[[Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition]]''
−
| 1999 (original)<br/>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}})
 +
| 1999 (original)<br>2019 ({{wp|GOG.com}})
 
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
  
| MS-DOS, Mac OS, Microsoft Windows
 
| Real-time strategy
  
| Real-time strategy
Line 232: Line 239:
 
| 2003
  
| 2003
 
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
  
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS
  +
| Expansion
−
| RTS expansion
 +
| ''Warcraft III'' expansion
⚫
|
 
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft]]''
Line 243: Line 250:
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade]]''
 
| 2007
  
| 2007
−
|
 +
|
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 255: Line 262:
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Cataclysm]]''
 
| 2010
  
| 2010
−
|
 +
|
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 261: Line 268:
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria]]''
 
| 2012
  
| 2012
−
|
 +
|
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
 
|-
  
|-
−
| ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft]]''
 +
| ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]''
 
| 2014
  
| 2014
 
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, Android, iPhone
  
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, iPad, Android, iPhone
Line 273: Line 280:
 
| ''{{hs|Curse of Naxxramas|Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Curse of Naxxramas|Hearthstone: Curse of Naxxramas}}''
 
| 2014
  
| 2014
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Adventure
  
| CCG Adventure
 
|
 
|
Line 285: Line 292:
 
| ''{{hs|Goblins vs Gnomes|Hearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Goblins vs Gnomes|Hearthstone: Goblins vs Gnomes}}''
 
| 2014
  
| 2014
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 291: Line 298:
 
| ''{{hs|Blackrock Mountain|Hearthstone: Blackrock Mountain}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Blackrock Mountain|Hearthstone: Blackrock Mountain}}''
 
| 2015
  
| 2015
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Adventure
  
| CCG Adventure
 
|
 
|
Line 297: Line 304:
 
| ''{{hs|The Grand Tournament|Hearthstone: The Grand Tournament}}''
  
| ''{{hs|The Grand Tournament|Hearthstone: The Grand Tournament}}''
 
| 2015
  
| 2015
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 303: Line 310:
 
| ''{{hs|The League of Explorers|Hearthstone: The League of Explorers}}''
  
| ''{{hs|The League of Explorers|Hearthstone: The League of Explorers}}''
 
| 2015
  
| 2015
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Adventure
  
| CCG Adventure
 
|
 
|
Line 309: Line 316:
 
| ''{{hs|Whispers of the Old Gods|Hearthstone: Whispers of the Old Gods}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Whispers of the Old Gods|Hearthstone: Whispers of the Old Gods}}''
 
| 2016
  
| 2016
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 315: Line 322:
 
| ''{{hs|One Night in Karazhan|Hearthstone: One Night in Karazhan}}''
  
| ''{{hs|One Night in Karazhan|Hearthstone: One Night in Karazhan}}''
 
| 2016
  
| 2016
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Legion]]''
 
| 2016
  
| 2016
  ⚫
|
⚫
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
  
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 333: Line 340:
 
| ''{{hs|Journey to Un'Goro|Hearthstone: Journey to Un'Goro}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Journey to Un'Goro|Hearthstone: Journey to Un'Goro}}''
 
| 2017
  
| 2017
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 339: Line 346:
 
| ''{{hs|Knights of the Frozen Throne|Hearthstone: Knights of the Frozen Throne}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Knights of the Frozen Throne|Hearthstone: Knights of the Frozen Throne}}''
 
| 2017
  
| 2017
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 347: Line 354:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth]]''
 
| 2018
  
| 2018
  ⚫
|
−
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 357: Line 364:
 
| ''{{hs|The Witchwood|Hearthstone: The Witchwood}}''
  
| ''{{hs|The Witchwood|Hearthstone: The Witchwood}}''
 
| 2018
  
| 2018
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|The Boomsday Project|Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project}}''
  
| ''{{hs|The Boomsday Project|Hearthstone: The Boomsday Project}}''
 
| 2018
  
| 2018
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Rastakhan's Rumble|Hearthstone: Rastakhan's Rumble}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Rastakhan's Rumble|Hearthstone: Rastakhan's Rumble}}''
 
| 2018
  
| 2018
−
|
 +
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Rise of Shadows|Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Rise of Shadows|Hearthstone: Rise of Shadows}}''
Line 377: Line 384:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Saviors of Uldum|Hearthstone: Saviors of Uldum}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Saviors of Uldum|Hearthstone: Saviors of Uldum}}''
Line 383: Line 390:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Tombs of Terror|Hearthstone: Tombs of Terror}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Tombs of Terror|Hearthstone: Tombs of Terror}}''
Line 389: Line 396:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Adventure
  
| CCG Adventure
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Classic]]''
 
| 2019
  
| 2019
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  +
| MMORPG
−
| Server option
  
  +
| Server option for the vanilla ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' experience
⚫
|
 
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Descent of Dragons|Hearthstone: Descent of Dragons}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Descent of Dragons|Hearthstone: Descent of Dragons}}''
Line 401: Line 408:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Galakrond's Awakening|Hearthstone: Galakrond's Awakening}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Galakrond's Awakening|Hearthstone: Galakrond's Awakening}}''
Line 407: Line 414:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Adventure
  
| CCG Adventure
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''
  
| ''[[Warcraft III: Reforged]]''
Line 413: Line 420:
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
 
| Real-time strategy
  
| Real-time strategy
−
| Remaster of ''[[Warcraft III]]''
 +
| Remaster of the 2002 ''[[Warcraft III]]''
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Ashes of Outland|Hearthstone: Ashes of Outland}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Ashes of Outland|Hearthstone: Ashes of Outland}}''
Line 419: Line 426:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Scholomance Academy|Hearthstone: Scholomance Academy}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Scholomance Academy|Hearthstone: Scholomance Academy}}''
Line 425: Line 432:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Madness at the Darkmoon Faire|Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Madness at the Darkmoon Faire|Hearthstone: Madness at the Darkmoon Faire}}''
Line 431: Line 438:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Shadowlands]]''
 
| 2020
  
| 2020
  ⚫
|
−
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
  
|
Line 443: Line 450:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG mini-set
  
| CCG mini-set
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{hs|Forged in the Barrens|Hearthstone: Forged in the Barrens}}''
  
| ''{{hs|Forged in the Barrens|Hearthstone: Forged in the Barrens}}''
Line 449: Line 456:
 
|
 
|
 
| CCG Expansion
  
| CCG Expansion
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic]]''
  
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic]]''
−
| TBA 2021
 +
| 2021
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  +
| MMORPG
−
| Server option
  
  +
| Server option for {{expac|The Burning Crusade}} experience
  ⚫
|-
  +
| ''{{hs|United in Stormwind|Hearthstone: United in Stormwind}}''
  +
| 2021
  ⚫
|
  +
| CCG Expansion
 
|
 
|
 
|-
  
|-
  +
| ''{{hs|Voyage to the Sunken City|Hearthstone: Voyage to the Sunken City}}''
−
| ''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>
  
  +
| 2022
  +
|
  +
| CCG Expansion
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic]]''
  +
| 2022
  ⚫
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  +
| MMORPG
  +
| Server option for the {{expac|Wrath of the Lich King}} experience
  +
|-
  +
| ''{{hs|Murder at Castle Nathria|Hearthstone: Murder at Castle Nathria}}''
  +
| 2022
  +
|
  +
| CCG Expansion
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''[[World of Warcraft: Dragonflight]]''
  +
| 2022
  +
|
  +
| Expansion
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''{{hs|March of the Lich King|Hearthstone: March of the Lich King}}''
  +
| 2022
  +
|
  +
| CCG Expansion
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''[[Warcraft Rumble]]''
  +
| 2023
  +
| Android, iOS, iPadOS
  +
| Mobile action strategy
  +
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''Untitled mobile game''<ref>2022-08-08, [https://www.msn.com/en-us/entertainment/gaming/blizzard-looking-to-follow-up-diablo-immortal-with-mobile-warcraft-game/ar-AA10rjAW Blizzard Looking to Follow Up Diablo Immortal with Mobile Warcraft Game]. ''MSN'', accessed on 2022-08-10</ref>
 
| TBA
  
| TBA
  +
| Android, iOS, iPadOS
⚫
| Mobile platforms
  
  +
| TBA
−
| 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>
  
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
! rowspan="9" scope="row" | [[StarCraft franchise]]
  
! rowspan="9" scope="row" | [[StarCraft franchise]]
Line 472: Line 521:
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Brood War}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Brood War}}''
 
| 1998
  
| 1998
⚫
|
  
⚫
| Expansion
  
 
|
 
|
  +
| Expansion
  +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft 64}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft 64}}''
Line 486: Line 535:
 
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
  
| Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X
 
| Real-time strategy
  
| Real-time strategy
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm}}''
Line 496: Line 545:
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Legacy of the Void}}''
 
| 2015
  
| 2015
−
|
 +
|
 
| Expansion
  
| Expansion
 
|
 
|
Line 504: Line 553:
 
|
 
|
 
| Mission packs (1-3)
  
| Mission packs (1-3)
−
|
 +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft: Remastered}}''
Line 510: Line 559:
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS
 
| Real-time strategy
  
| Real-time strategy
  +
| Remaster of the 1998 ''StarCraft''
⚫
|
  
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Free to Play}}''
  
| ''{{sc|StarCraft II: Free to Play}}''
Line 551: Line 600:
 
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition}}''
  
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo III: Ultimate Evil Edition}}''
 
| 2014
  
| 2014
−
| PlaySation 3/4, Xbox 360/One
 +
| PlayStation 3/4, Xbox 360/One
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
Line 557: Line 606:
 
| ''{{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
−
| Windows, macOS, {{wp|Nintendo Switch}}, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
 +
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, {{wp|Nintendo Switch}}, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
  +
|
 
|
 
|
⚫
|
  
⚫
|-
  
⚫
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo Immortal}}''
  
⚫
| TBA
  
⚫
| {{wp|Android (operating system)|Android}}, {{wp|iOS}}
  
⚫
| MMOARPG
  
⚫
|
  
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Resurrected}}''
  
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo II: Resurrected}}''
−
| TBA 2021
 +
| 2021
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
 
| Action roleplaying, hack n' slash
  
| Action roleplaying, hack n' slash
  +
| Remaster of the 2000 ''Diablo II''
  +
|-
  ⚫
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo Immortal}}''
  +
| 2022
  ⚫
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, {{wp|Android (operating system)|Android}}, {{wp|iOS}}
  ⚫
| MMOARPG
  +
|
 
|-
  
|-
 
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo IV}}''
  
| ''{{Diablo|Diablo IV}}''
−
| TBA
 +
| 2023
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
 
| Action roleplaying, hack n' slash
  
| Action roleplaying, hack n' slash
 
|
 
|
 
|-
  
|-
−
! rowspan="2" scope="row" | [[Overwatch franchise]]
 +
! rowspan="3" scope="row" | [[Overwatch franchise]]
−
| ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]''
 +
| ''Overwatch''
 
| 2016
  
| 2016
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, {{wp|Xbox One}}, {{wp|Playstation 4}}
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, {{wp|Xbox One}}, {{wp|Playstation 4}}
Line 585: Line 635:
 
|
  
|
 
|-
  
|-
−
| ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch 2]]''
 +
| ''Overwatch 2''
−
| TBA
 +
| 2022
 
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
  
| Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles
 
| Team-based multiplayer shooter
  
| Team-based multiplayer shooter
 
|
  
|
  +
|-
  +
| ''Untitled mobile game''
  +
| TBA
  ⚫
| Mobile devices
  +
| TBA<ref>2021-11-16, [https://esportsgen.com/overwatch-mobile-may-be-released-on-2023-leaked-by-blizzard-job-offering/ Overwatch Mobile may be released on 2023 leaked by Blizzard job offering]. ''Esportsgen'', retrieved on 2022-05-14</ref>
  +
|
 
|}
  
|}
   
Line 695: Line 751:
 
*''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>
  +
*''Unannounced multiplayer game (TBA)''<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://gamerant.com/blizzard-entertainment-aaa-multiplayer-project-job-listing/|title=Blizzard Entertainment Hiring for Unannounced AAA Multiplayer Project|date=2021-12-24|author=Rory Young|publisher=Gamerant}}</ref>
 
*''Warcraft IV''<ref>{{ref web|date=2008|url=http://n4g.com/news/213547/warcraft-iv-confirmed-starcraft-ii-to-be-split-into-a-trilogy|title=Warcraft IV Confirmed, Starcraft II to be split into a Trilogy|publisher=NG4|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|date=2011-10-11|url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/18772-Warcraft_IV_somewhat_confirmed_at_BlizzCon|title=Warcraft IV somewhat confirmed at BlizzCon|publisher=SK Gaming|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref><ref name = "SCWC"/>
  
*''Warcraft IV''<ref>{{ref web|date=2008|url=http://n4g.com/news/213547/warcraft-iv-confirmed-starcraft-ii-to-be-split-into-a-trilogy|title=Warcraft IV Confirmed, Starcraft II to be split into a Trilogy|publisher=NG4|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref><ref>{{ref web|date=2011-10-11|url=http://www.sk-gaming.com/content/18772-Warcraft_IV_somewhat_confirmed_at_BlizzCon|title=Warcraft IV somewhat confirmed at BlizzCon|publisher=SK Gaming|accessdate=2013-05-29}}</ref><ref name = "SCWC"/>
 
*''World of Warcraft 2''<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-considered-wow-2-what-would-you-like-/1100-6421751/|title=Blizzard Has Considered WoW 2 -- What Would You Like to See?|date=2014-08-15|publisher=Gamespot|author=Eddie Makuch}}</ref>
  
*''World of Warcraft 2''<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/blizzard-has-considered-wow-2-what-would-you-like-/1100-6421751/|title=Blizzard Has Considered WoW 2 -- What Would You Like to See?|date=2014-08-15|publisher=Gamespot|author=Eddie Makuch}}</ref>
Line 712: Line 769:
 
*''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}}'' (first ''Diablo IV'' iteration, cancelled)
  
*''{{Diablo|Project Hades|Hades}}'' (first ''Diablo IV'' iteration, cancelled)
  +
*''[[Neptune]]'' (''Warcraft mobile MMO, cancelled)<ref name = "MobileScrapped">2022-08-04, [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-08-03/blizzard-netease-scrap-warcraft-game-after-financing-dispute Blizzard, NetEase Scrap Warcraft Mobile Game After Financing Dispute]. ''Bloomberg'', retrieved on 2022-08-04</ref>
 
*''[[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"/>
  +
*''[[Orbis]]'' (''Warcraft mobile ARG, cancelled)<ref name = "MobileScrapped"/>
 
*''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: 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: Frontiers}}'' (MMO, dropped concept)
 
*''{{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.''
  
*''{{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 mobile game'' (cancelled in June, 2019)<ref name="KotakuD4OW2" />
Line 727: Line 787:
 
*''[[Warcraft Legends (game)|Warcraft Legends]]'' (canceled RPG, elements re-used in ''Warcraft III'')
  
*''[[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)
  
*''[[World of Warcraft: The Board Game#Expansions|World of Warcraft: The Board Game - Scion of Darkness]]'' (canceled in 2008)
  +
*''[[World of Warcraft: Clash of Champions]]'' (a deck building game by Cryptozoic,<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011-12-01-cryptozoic-announces-world-of-warcraft-clash-of-champions-deckb.html|title=Cryptozoic announces World of Warcraft: Clash of Champions deckbuilding game|publisher=Engadget|date=2011-12-01|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20210716213915/https://www.engadget.com/2011-12-01-cryptozoic-announces-world-of-warcraft-clash-of-champions-deckb.html|archivedate=2021-07-16}}</ref><ref>{{Ref web|url=http://www.gamehead.com/article/1309/details-emerge-about-clash-champions-world-warcraft-deckbuilding-game-cryptozoic|title=Details emerge about Clash of Champions, a World of Warcraft deckbuilding game from Cryptozoic|publisher=GameHead|date=2011-10-24|archivedate=2012-01-26|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120126224614/http://www.gamehead.com/article/1309/details-emerge-about-clash-champions-world-warcraft-deckbuilding-game-cryptozoic}}</ref> game finished but never officially released by Blizzard)<ref>{{Ref web|url=https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/715768/officially-cancelled-cryptozoic-announces-wow-deck|title=(Officially cancelled) Cryptozoic announces WoW deck building game Clash of Champions|date=2014-03-14}}</ref>
−  
−
==Awards==
  
⚫
{{:Blizzard Entertainment/Awards}}
  
   
 
==Employees==
  
==Employees==
Line 735: Line 793:
   
 
===Notable===
  
===Notable===
−
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[J. Allen Brack]] (president)
 +
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Mike Ybarra]] (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 762: Line 819:
 
===Previous notable employees===
  
===Previous notable employees===
 
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Michael Morhaime]] (strategic advisor)
  
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[Michael Morhaime]] (strategic advisor)
  +
*{{RaceIcon|Human|Male}} [[J. Allen Brack]] (president)
 
*[[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 780: Line 838:
 
*Since their beginnings as a North American company focusing primarily on the English-speaking market, Blizzard has gone on to become a "global business".<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/> As of 2014, more than half of its players are in Asia.<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/>
  
*Since their beginnings as a North American company focusing primarily on the English-speaking market, Blizzard has gone on to become a "global business".<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/> As of 2014, more than half of its players are in Asia.<ref name = "BlizzardLives"/>
 
*According to ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'''s Senior Producer [[Yong Woo]], Blizzard employees receive some of their bonus money in "[[Blizzard Balance|Blizzard bucks]]", which can be spent on company products such as card packs.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.twitch.tv/cataclyst78|date=2014-12-13|title=Yong Woo, live on stream}}</ref>
  
*According to ''[[Hearthstone (game)|Hearthstone]]'''s Senior Producer [[Yong Woo]], Blizzard employees receive some of their bonus money in "[[Blizzard Balance|Blizzard bucks]]", which can be spent on company products such as card packs.<ref>{{ref web|url=http://www.twitch.tv/cataclyst78|date=2014-12-13|title=Yong Woo, live on stream}}</ref>
  +
*Blizzard's main location in Irvine, California was sometimes referred to as ''Blizzard South'' to not confuse it with [[Blizzard North]].
   
 
==Gallery==
  
==Gallery==
 
;Logos
  
;Logos
 
<gallery mode=packed>
  
<gallery mode=packed>
−
Blizzard Entertainment logo.png|Current logo
 +
Blizzard Entertainment Logo (1994).svg|First logo
−
Blizzard Entertainment logo.svg|SVG 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 old logo.gif|Second logo
−
Blizzard Entertainment original.png|First logo
 +
Blizzard Entertainment logo.svg|SVG logo
  ⚫
Blizzard Entertainment 2015 logo.svg|Current 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.gif|Logo used for ''[[Overwatch franchise|Overwatch]]'' content
 +
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
 
Blizzard Entertainment logo BfA.png|Logo used for ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'' content
  
Blizzard Entertainment logo BfA.png|Logo used for ''[[Battle for Azeroth]]'' content
Line 797: Line 858:
 
Blizzard Entertainment logo StarCraft2.gif|Logo used for ''[[StarCraft]]'' content
  
Blizzard Entertainment logo StarCraft2.gif|Logo used for ''[[StarCraft]]'' content
 
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
−
Blizzard Entertainment logo BO4.gif|Logo used for ''{{wp|Call of Duty: Black Ops 4}}'' and other generic content
 +
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]]
 
Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art2.jpg
  
Blizzard Frozen Logo Warcraft Movie Art2.jpg
Line 815: Line 875:
   
 
==External links==
  
==External links==
−
<!-- Please read https://wow.gamepedia.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. -->
 +
<!-- Please read https://wowpedia.fandom.com/Wowpedia:External_links_policy before adding new links. -->
 
*{{Elink|link=https://www.blizzard.com/|type=blizzard}}
  
*{{Elink|link=https://www.blizzard.com/|type=blizzard}}
 
*{{Elink|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment|type=wikipedia}}
  
*{{Elink|link=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blizzard_Entertainment|type=wikipedia}}

Latest revision as of 06:41, 4 October 2023

Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment 2015 logo
2015 logo
Video game developer and publisher
Formerly called Silicon & Synapse
(1991–1993)[1]
Chaos Studios, Inc.
(1993-1994)[1]
Type Subsidiary
Industry Video game industry
Founded February 8, 1991
Founders Allen Adham
Michael Morhaime
Frank Pearce
President Mike Ybarra (2021–present)
Formerly:
Michael Morhaime
(1991–2018)
J. Allen Brack
(2018–2021)
Jennifer O'Neal
(2021)
Headquarters Irvine, California, U.S.
Number of locations 10 (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'sFancyOrcOnWolfStatue

A statue of an orc riding a wolf, located outside Blizzard's office.

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.[2][3] Five years later, in July 2013, Vivendi sold off most of its shares in Activision Blizzard, which now exists as an independent company.[4] As of October 2014, the company employs over 3,900 individuals.[5]

Core values

Blizzard Entertainment lists its eight core values on their mission statement page:

  1. Gameplay first
  2. Commit to quality
  3. Play nice; play fair
  4. Embrace your inner geek
  5. Every voice matters
  6. Think globally
  7. Lead responsibly
  8. Learn and grow[6]

History

Silicon and Synapse logo

Silicon & Synapse logo

Originally under the name Silicon & Synapse, the company was founded on 8 February 1991[7][8] by three graduates of the University of California, Los Angeles:[9] 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.[10][11] Frank Pearce also joined the studio upon inception as the first employee.[12]

Chaos Studios

Chaos Studios logo

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.[12] 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.[12]

Sometime in 1993, co-founder Adham told the other executives that he did not like the name "Silicon & Synapse" anymore as the name was getting confused with the meaning of silicon the chemical element used in microchips. Late 1993, Adham changed the name to "Chaos Studios", reflecting on the haphazardness of their development processes. However, they would later be contacted by a Flordia company by the name of Chaos Technologies and would happily let them use "chaos" for $100,000. Instead of paying for the license, they decided on a rebrand again which lead to "Ogre Studios" but Jan Davidson, President of Davidson & Associates, stated that it may be too scary for the kids (as stated by Adham). The choice for "Blizzard" came down to Adham looking through the dictionary with a close contender being "Midnight Studios". The company would be renamed to Blizzard Entertainment on 24 May 1994.[1]

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.[7]

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.[12]

Blizzard turned 20 years old in 2012. The history is recorded on a timeline on its own site here.[13]

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.[14][15][16] 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.[17]

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.[18][19][20]

On October 3, 2018, Activision Blizzard announced J. Allen Brack as the new president of Blizzard Entertainment succeeding Mike Morhaime.[21] 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.[22]

On March 7, 2019, Blizzard and GOG.com partnered to release the classic Diablo on GOG.com's platform[23] as well as Warcraft: Orcs & Humans and Warcraft II: Battle.net Edition by March 28.[24] 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.[25]

On January 22, 2021, Vicarious Visions is now a subsidiary of Blizzard Entertainment, from Activision.[26][27] Vicarious Visions was merged with Blizzard on 12 April 2022 and renamed to Blizzard Albany and would be fully dedicated to Blizzard games.[28]

Blizzard turned 30 years old in 2021 and celebrated it at BlizzConline with the release of Blizzard Arcade Collection.

From the late 2010s to 2022, Blizzard experienced a round of departures, with many employees going on to form their own development studios.[29]

Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase who had licensing agreements since 2008 to bring Blizzard games to China were unable to come to an agreement on the renewal terms for the license. The license expired on 24 January 2023, with games and software such as World of Warcraft and the Warcraft III Battle Platform shutting down until a new licensing agreement can be made with an another company.[30][31]

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.[5] As of August 2017, most of Blizzard's development focus is on supporting its existing IPs, but is working on new IPs as well.[32] 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.[33]

The list of teams of current and past include:

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,[38] as it and Activision continue to exist as separate entities within the Activision Blizzard umbrella.[39]

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.[40]

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
Odyssey[41] TBA PC, console Survival[42]
Untitled role-playing game[43] TBA TBA Roleplaying game
Untitled FPS game[44] TBA TBA First-person shooter

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 Expansion Warcraft II expansion
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 Expansion Warcraft III 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 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 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 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 MMORPG Server option for the vanilla World of Warcraft experience
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 the 2002 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 Expansion
Hearthstone: Darkmoon Races 2021 CCG mini-set
Hearthstone: Forged in the Barrens 2021 CCG Expansion
World of Warcraft: Burning Crusade Classic 2021 Microsoft Windows, macOS MMORPG Server option for The Burning Crusade experience
Hearthstone: United in Stormwind 2021 CCG Expansion
Hearthstone: Voyage to the Sunken City 2022 CCG Expansion
World of Warcraft: Wrath of the Lich King Classic 2022 Microsoft Windows, macOS MMORPG Server option for the Wrath of the Lich King experience
Hearthstone: Murder at Castle Nathria 2022 CCG Expansion
World of Warcraft: Dragonflight 2022 Expansion
Hearthstone: March of the Lich King 2022 CCG Expansion
Warcraft Rumble 2023 Android, iOS, iPadOS Mobile action strategy
Untitled mobile game[45] TBA Android, iOS, iPadOS TBA
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 Remaster of the 1998 StarCraft
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 PlayStation 3/4, Xbox 360/One
Diablo III: Eternal Collection[46] 2018 Microsoft Windows, macOS, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PlayStation 4
Diablo II: Resurrected 2021 Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles Action roleplaying, hack n' slash Remaster of the 2000 Diablo II
Diablo Immortal 2022 Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS MMOARPG
Diablo IV 2023 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 2022 Microsoft Windows, macOS, consoles Team-based multiplayer shooter
Untitled mobile game TBA Mobile devices TBA[47]

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

Rumored games

Note: Blizzard has confirmed that they are NOT working on a StarCraft or Diablo MMORPG.[48]

  • StarCraft III[49]
  • Untitled first-person game (TBA)[50]
  • Unannounced multiplayer game (TBA)[51]
  • Warcraft IV[52][53][49]
  • World of Warcraft 2[54]

Unreleased/Cancelled games

About 50% of all Blizzard games have been canceled during development.[33]

Employees

Main article: Category:Blizzard Entertainment employees

Notable

Previous notable employees

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".[5] As of 2014, more than half of its players are in Asia.[5]
  • 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.[75]
  • Blizzard's main location in Irvine, California was sometimes referred to as Blizzard South to not confuse it with Blizzard North.

Gallery

Logos

Videos

Blizzard Retrospective

References

 
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  2. ^ http://www.activisionblizzard.com/pressReleases/pr120207.php
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  4. ^ Elsa Keslassy 2013-07-26. Vivendi Sells Majority Stake in Activision Blizzard for $8.2 Billion. Retrieved on 2014-05-07.
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