During the latest Activision Blizzard’s investor earnings report call, the company announced the delay in the launch of FPS Overwatch 2 and aRPG Diablo 4. While we had no strict release date or release window, both titles will now launch “later than originally envisaged”.
“We’ve made the decision to give the Diablo and Overwatch team the extra time to deliver the experience that their communities deserve and set the francizes up for maximum success over a multi-year period. We’re therefore currently not planning to include contributions from Overwatch 2 or Diablo in 2022. While this development will push out the financial outlook that we expect to see next year, we firmly believe that this is the right course of action for our people, for the longterm success of the franchises, and for our shareholders.”
Meanwhile, Diablo: Immortal is slated for release in the first half of 2022. The game just entered its closed beta testing phase and introduced a variety of new content, including the Necromancer class.
Additionally, Jen Oneal announced that she is stepping down from her role as Blizzard co-leader, making Mike Ybarra the sole leader of the company. The duo was initially appointed co-leaders of Blizzard in August, following J. Allen Brack’s departure.
You can find Jen’s message on the official site:
“I want you to hear from me personally that I have made the decision to step away from co-leading Blizzard Entertainment and will transition to a new position before departing ABK at the end of the year. Effective immediately, Mike Ybarra will lead Blizzard. I am doing this not because I am without hope for Blizzard, quite the opposite–I’m inspired by the passion of everyone here, working towards meaningful, lasting change with their whole hearts. This energy has inspired me to step out and explore how I can do more to have games and diversity intersect, and hopefully make a broader industry impact that will benefit Blizzard (and other studios) as well. While I am not totally sure what form that will take, I am excited to embark on a new journey to find out. “
