'Everything's on the table' β Blizzard President on new IP, using AI and the future of Diablo
Blizzard President Johanna Faries discusses the company's future, new IPs, and upcoming content for major titles in light of their 35th anniversary.
In an exclusive interview, Blizzard Entertainment President Johanna Faries shared insights on what lies ahead for the company as it marks 35 years in the gaming industry. With several highly anticipated announcements on the horizon, the conversation delved into the potential for new intellectual properties, the integration of AI technology in game development, and the enduring popularity of franchises such as Diablo. Faries emphasized that within Blizzard, 'everything's on the table' as the company seeks to innovate and expand its gaming portfolio.
Recent weeks have seen Blizzard unveil significant updates across its flagship titles, including new expansions for Diablo 4, Diablo Immortal, and even Diablo 2, marking a noteworthy revival of interest in the classic game. Additionally, the much-loved franchises like World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, and Overwatch are also experiencing exciting developments; particularly, Overwatch has been rebranded by dropping the '2' from its title. This flurry of activity is contributing to a reinvigorated anticipation among fans eager for fresh content.
Looking ahead, the return of BlizzCon signals a major engagement moment for fans and the company, following a hiatus since 2023. Faries' leadership and the new directions the company is exploring underline a commitment to both honoring its legacy and embracing future possibilities in the gaming landscape, establishing Blizzard as a strong contender as it revitalizes its offerings and adapts to changing player expectations and technological advancements.