Mike Ybarra left Blizzard last week following a wave of layoffs at the studio, his replacement has been announced on the official website. Johanna Ferries succeeds in this position, previously General Manager Call of Duty on Activision. Find all the first information below.
“Our commitment to Blizzard remains strong.”
“We are dedicated to helping the studio reach its full potential and we are confident that the teams will continue the current momentum to shape great games.”
Today, the following email was sent to all Blizzard employees by the new president of Blizzard Entertainment, Johanna Ferries.
Dear Snow,
Although my first official day with you will be February 5, I want to let you know right away that it will be an honor to join you next week in this new role. I do so humbly and with admiration for what Blizzard has stood for and delivered to the world for over thirty years. Today is also a day of mixed emotions. It’s hard to square the loss of talented teammates in recent days with the immense excitement I feel to join Blizzard – and continue the momentum you’ve built for the next chapter of Blizzard.
I want to thank Matt for the introduction, bring additional clarity to today’s announcement, and share more about how I see our future together at Blizzard. I understand this is a lot to consider. The news of my appointment will no doubt be a source of various reactions, questions and concerns.
Activision, Blizzard, and King are separate studios with specific games, cultures, and communities. It’s important to note that Call of Duty’s approach to player feedback can often differ from the great games in the Blizzard realm: each has different gameplay experiences, communities around them, and models of success. I’ve discussed this with the Blizzard leadership team, and I come to this role with a sensitivity to these dynamics and a deep respect for Blizzard as we begin to explore the evolution of our universe to even greater heights.
I am dedicated to doing everything I can to help Blizzard thrive, each in its own unique and special way, with care and consideration for you and your games. I am optimistic about our ability to serve our current and future gaming communities, and further expand the shared passion for greatness, refinement and creative mastery that is the hallmark of Blizzard’s approach to game creation.
I will be in Irvine next week and I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible. I’ll schedule informal (and completely optional) meetups, where I want to hear more from people in the studio. For those of you who cannot attend these meetings or are not located in Irvine, please feel free to contact me via email. We will also be planning a larger meeting in the near future.
Some facts about me: My number one job in life is raising two great boys. In addition to being a mom, a typical week includes finding time for yoga and prayer every day, and of course, playing video games ( Diablo IV here!). With that, the joy I find in games – and working with those who shape them – deepens.
I remain inspired by Blizzard’s iconic legacy and the role gaming has played in my life and the lives of others. I can’t wait to get started – listening, learning, strengthening and collaborating with each of you together for our bold and bright future. Together, let us create many legendary days to come.
Johanna
