Blizzard President J. Allen Brack Steps Down to Pursue New Opportunities

The massive allegations against Blizzard Entertainment submitted by the state of California have been all over. With more employees coming out and older reports surfacing about Blizzard Entertainment's toxic and difficult working environment. Now Blizzard Entertainment president J. Allen Brack has stepped down from his position starting now.

Blizzard stated:

To all members of the Blizzard Community, 

 

We want to let you know about an important leadership change at Blizzard Entertainment. 

 

Starting today, J. Allen Brack will be stepping down as the leader of the studio, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will co-lead Blizzard moving forward. 

 

Jen joined Blizzard in January as executive vice president of development, where she’s been providing senior development leadership and support to the Diablo and Overwatch franchises. Jen is the former head of Vicarious Visions (which is now part of Blizzard Entertainment).

 

After many years at XBOX, Mike joined the company in 2019 as the executive vice president and general manager of platform and technology, where he’s been overseeing the evolution of Battle.net and our development services organization.

 

Jen and Mike have more than three decades of gaming industry experience between them. Moving forward, they will share responsibilities over game development and company operations. 

 

Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust. With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon. 

 

The following is a message from J. Allen Brack:

“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and will accelerate the pace of change. I anticipate they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special.”

Finally, thank you all for being a part of the Blizzard community, and for your passion and determination for safety and equality for all.

Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will share leadership over Blizzard starting now.

The timing for this is just too perfect as J. Allen Brack was reported by former Blizzard staff as doing very little to stop the harassment. With reports that former senior creative director of World of Warcraft Alex Afrasiabi would frequently harass female employees and when brought up to J. Allen Brack did little to resolve the issue.

At this moment Blizzard and Activision's reputation has been in free fall with stocks falling and gamers uninstalling games associated with the publisher.

Adam Siddiqui,
Managing Editor, NoobFeed
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