In a major move within the gaming industry, Johanna Faries has been appointed as the head of Blizzard Entertainment. Prior to taking on this role, Faries was the chief of the Call of Duty franchise at Activision. She joined Activision to lead its esports division before progressing to manage Call of Duty. Her appointment as Blizzard boss follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion and comes amid significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division, which have affected Activision Blizzard and resulted in the cancellation of a survival game codenamed 'Odyssey'.

Faries is positioned to address Blizzard's ongoing struggles with talent retention and game quality, acknowledging Blizzard's distinct culture and the differences from Call of Duty. The underlying message in her note to staff indicates a respect for Blizzard's unique dynamics and a desire to elevate their game universes further. Meanwhile, Call of Duty will now be led by Matt Cox, who takes over as franchise head, signifying a major leadership shuffle within the industry.

Who is taking over as the new head of Blizzard Entertainment?

Johanna Faries, previously the chief of the Call of Duty franchise at Activision, is taking over as the new head of Blizzard Entertainment.

Blizzard Entertainment, founded in 1991, has been a major player in the gaming industry with iconic titles like 'World of Warcraft', 'Overwatch', and the 'Diablo' series. They have been known for their passionate community and high-quality games, but in recent years, Blizzard has faced various challenges including internal company issues, a loss of key staff members, and a declining reputation amongst gamers. Faries’ entry as the head of Blizzard represents a significant moment in the company's history as they navigate through these challenging times.