As we well know, Microsoft has completed the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company that produces some of the most popular video games in the world, such as Call of Duty, World of Warcraft and Overwatch. The operation, from 68.7 billion dollars, was the largest in the history of the gaming industry. However, it also entailed the dismissal of approximately 2,000 employeesamong which Mike Ybarrathe previous president by Blizzard Entertainmentnow replaced by Johanna Faries.
Johanna Faries at the helm of Blizzard
To replace Ybarra, Microsoft has chosen Johanna Faries, a manager with long experience in the sector. Faries began his career in NFL, the professional American football league, where he worked for over 10 years. Subsequently, she moved on to Activisionwhere he managed the franchise of Call of Duty, one of the most popular and profitable in the world. Now, Faries finds himself driving Blizzard Entertainmentone of Activision Blizzard’s most prestigious and creative divisions.
In a post on Blizzard’s official blog, Faries expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and his regret for his fired colleagues. He also emphasized his passion for Blizzard’s games and his desire to advance them with respect and innovation. Finally, he recognized the differences between the various entities that make up Activision Blizzard, stating that he wanted to enhance and integrate them.
Faries will take office on February 5, 2024. Below are his words, as reported on the Blizzard blog:
“The loss of talented colleagues in recent days is difficult to accept, particularly when you consider the immense excitement I have in joining Blizzard and contributing to the next chapter of its history. Activision, Blizzard and King are distinctly different entities, each with their own games, cultures and communities.”
