Chris Metzen retiring after 22 years at Blizzard

A Blizzard veteran has decided to lay down his tools and opt for a life away from the games industry.

Chris Metzen was just 20 years old when he joined Blizzard, working his way up over 22 years to the position of SVP for story and franchise development.

He has been instrumental in shaping the design and fiction behind the studio’s flagship franchises StarCraft and Warcraft – and even served as a voice actor on various titles.

Now Metzen has announced he is retiring via a lengthy, heartfelt post on the company’s official forums.

“I’ve come to a turn in the road,” he wrote. “A new, far quieter chapter in my life looms ahead. I am retiring.”

Metzen stressed that he is actually retiring from the industry, rather than heading to another company or starting up new projects of his own. Instead, he plans to focus on his family, raising his two young children and a new baby – and he leaves with no regrets.

“For nearly twenty-three years I’ve had the very distinct privilege of shaping worlds and building games with the brightest creative minds in entertainment.,” Metzen continued. “I’ve walked with giants (and stood on some giants’ shoulders, too). 

In short, I’ve had the time of my life. “

He went on to thank both his colleagues at Blizzard and the community around its games, celebrating some of the highlights of the past year: the launch of WoW: Legion and Overcraft, plus the Warcraft movie.

“I’ve never been more proud of Blizzard and the quality of its products than I am now.,” he wrote. “It’s remarkable that even after all these years we can still reach new heights and take the world for an amazing ride. I believe Blizzard’s future is brighter than ever. 

“I won’t lie – it’s going to be really hard stepping away from these worlds that I love. But I’m content that I’m leaving them in the hands of the most passionate, talented, and dedicated craftsmen ever assembled. 

“I can’t wait to see where Blizzard’s worlds go next—and to experience them first-hand like everyone else does. As a fan. As an adventurer.”