Blizzard appoints former Call of Duty GM Johanna Faries as new president
Blizzard Entertainment has announced the appointment of Johanna Faries, the former general manager of Call of Duty, as its new president. Faries, who joined Activision in 2018 as head of Call of Duty esports, will replace outgoing studio boss Mike Ybarra.
In an internal memo sent to staff on Monday, Faries acknowledged the differences between the Activision, Blizzard, and King divisions. She stated, It is important to note that Call of Duty’s way of waking up in the morning to deliver for players can often differ from the stunning games in Blizzard’s realm: each with different gameplay experiences, communities that surround them, and requisite models of success.
Faries expressed her commitment to helping Blizzard thrive, ensuring care and consideration for their games and the dedicated player communities. She also conveyed her optimism about further amplifying Blizzard’s passion for greatness, polish, and creative mastery in game-making.
The appointment comes amid recent news of Microsoft’s plans to lay off 1,900 staff across Xbox, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard. Alongside this announcement, president Mike Ybarra and chief design officer Allen Adham parted ways with Blizzard, and the studio’s untitled survival game, which was announced in January 2022, was canceled.
Blizzard’s appointment of Johanna Faries as president indicates the company’s efforts to strengthen and navigate its distinct games, cultures, and communities. Faries’ experience in the highly successful Call of Duty franchise and her commitment to delivering exceptional gameplay experiences make her a valuable addition to the Blizzard leadership team.
As the new president, Faries will face the task of maintaining Blizzard’s reputation and satisfying the diverse player communities attached to their different game franchises. Her deep respect for Blizzard and willingness to explore new heights for the company’s universes indicate a positive direction for the future.
Blizzard enthusiasts and the wider gaming audience will be watching closely as Johanna Faries takes on her new role, eagerly anticipating what innovations and experiences she will bring to one of the industry’s most iconic game developers.
