Recent events
Recent events tied to this brand in public sources.
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2022
Blizzard announces a new survival game
Blizzard Entertainment announced that it was working on a survival game set in a new universe for PC and console. The announcement described a game in development, not a released product.
2021
Blizzard president J. Allen Brack resigns as Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra become co-leads
Blizzard announced that J. Allen Brack resigned as president and head of the studio, with Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra taking over as co-leads. The article situates the leadership transition amid sexual-harassment allegations and a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard.
2021
Activision Blizzard employees stage walkout over leadership response to lawsuit
Hundreds of Activision Blizzard employees held a company-wide walkout in Irvine on July 28, protesting leadership's response to a California lawsuit alleging sexual harassment, pay disparities, and a “frat boy” culture. Employees also called for changes including ending mandatory arbitration clauses and adopting recruiting guidelines to improve representation.
2021
Activision Blizzard responded to California lawsuit
Activision Blizzard issued a statement criticizing the DFEH investigation and disputing its descriptions of Blizzard’s past. The company also said it had made workplace changes, expanded reporting channels, and introduced an Employee Relations team.
2021
California sued Activision Blizzard over alleged workplace harassment and discrimination
California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued Activision Blizzard, alleging a workplace culture involving sexual harassment and discrimination against women. The allegations are claims in the lawsuit, not findings established in the article.
2021
Overwatch launches 2021 Anniversary event
Blizzard Entertainment launched the 2021 Anniversary event in Overwatch on May 18, with returning game modes and seasonal cosmetics available during the event period through June 8.
2021
Funko announces Overwatch 2 Master Toy partnership
Funko and Blizzard Entertainment announced a Master Toy partnership for Overwatch 2, expanding their relationship to include action figures and other products.
2020
Blizzard announces StarCraft II 5.0 update
Blizzard Entertainment announced a major update for StarCraft II, including Galaxy Map Editor improvements, additional campaign achievements, and bug fixes.
2019
Blizzard president addresses Hong Kong controversy
Blizzard Entertainment president J. Allen Brack addressed the controversy involving Blitzchung and Hong Kong during BlizzCon’s opening ceremonies. He said Blizzard had failed to meet its standards and purpose, apologized, and accepted accountability.
2019
Blizzard CEO apologizes over handling of Hong Kong protest
At BlizzCon on November 1, Blizzard CEO J. Allen Brack apologized for the company’s handling of its punishment of a player who voiced support for the Hong Kong protests, saying the company had moved too quickly in its decision-making and too slowly in speaking with fans.
2019
Blizzard unveils Overwatch 2
Blizzard officially revealed Overwatch 2 at BlizzCon and showed an early look at gameplay. The game had no announced release date.
2019
Blizzard faces backlash over Hearthstone player ban
Blizzard faced public backlash after banning professional Hearthstone player Ng Wai Chung following his expression of support for the Hong Kong protests during a live interview. Fans called for a boycott, and Blizzard employees staged a walkout.
2019
Blizzard reinstates player’s prize money and reduces ban
Blizzard Entertainment President J. Allen Brack said Blizzard reinstated Ng Wai Chung’s prize money and reduced his ban to six months after the backlash over the original penalty.
2019
Blizzard faces backlash over Blitzchung ban
Blizzard faced backlash from gamers and politicians after Blitzchung received a 12-month ban for supporting a Hong Kong protest; calls for a boycott were reported.