Jeff Kaplan (Overwatch) abruptly quits Blizzard after 20 years at the club

“Hello everyone! This is Jeff from Team Overwatch” That’s a phrase Blizzard FPS fans won’t be able to hear anymore One and only Jeff Kaplan : Vice President, Blizzard Leaves Irvine StudioAnd he left his place as game manager to assist, Aaron Keeler.

at Overwatch blog postBlizzard announces Departure of the game director from Overwatch Who will take the opportunity to let go of that Quite short goodbye :

It was truly the honor of a lifetime to have the opportunity to create worlds and heroes for such a passionate audience. I would like to express my deep gratitude to everyone at Blizzard who supported our games, teams and players. But I would like to especially thank the awesome game developers who have shared my creative journey with me. Never accept the world as it seems, but always dare to see it as it can be. We hope you do the same. gg, Geoffrey Kaplan

Recruited as Designer Quest Wall World of Warcraft in 2002Jeff Kaplan has been a part of California studio furniture for 19 years, going through the position Associate Director at WoW Along with Tom Shelton and J Allen Braque, current CEO of Blizzard.

However, Kaplan was recently known to be the face – and what a beautiful face he is – The Overwatch Team From the early days of development at Blizzard. With Somewhat reassuring right inspection Certainly Overwatch 2 build website During February BlizzConline, This unexplained departure may seem completely surprising. It is difficult to imagine the historical leader of the project leaving the latter Without good reason, While much remains to be done.

When we search for an excuse, we can hardly set aside that it is judging Filthy ambiance at Blizzard for a few years. Activision management has a more pronounced grip on Irvine studio, forcing, say, the latter on Parting staffWhile you know the group Record profits. And again, nothing when the editor doesn’t do a fully functional studio solution. To better reduce Blizzard’s workforce. And therefore, Disagreement with the changing fund philosophy It cannot be ruled out.

Jeff Kaplan isn’t the studio’s first major character To end a blizzard Lately, it may not be the last. In a few months, he will make an announcement to indicate Join DreamhavenAnd the Founded by Mike and Amy Morhaieme, Who knows ?

In any case, Aaron Keeler’s letter describing Jeff Kaplan as a “great leader, mentor, and friend” is actually much longer than that of the previous game director. The assistant takes charge and now takes the leader’s place, indicating this The team remains dedicated and experienced :

• Speaking of Overwatch 2, development continues at a good pace. We have an exceptional vision to implement, and the reaction of many of you to the updates we’ve shared on BlizzConline has impressed us, and we have some exciting shows planned for this year and beyond as we prepare for the launch.
• We’ll share more frequent updates on Overwatch 2’s progress and new live game features very soon. Although there are no claims to fill Jeff’s shoes, I am excited to take on the role of game manager and continue to be part of a team that puts all of their heart, talent, and focus into the next iteration. We are honored to continue serving this wonderful community.

at the same time A complete overhaul of the multiplayer aspect in Overwatch And the wing that will provide ambitious narrative features for countering violent extremism, Overwatch 2 still doesn’t have a launch window. Blizzard claims The title won’t be ready this yearThis he says.