Blizzard Entertainment Senior Vice President of Story and Franchise Development Chris Metzen announced his retirement in a forum entry posted on his behalf on the company’s battle.net website.
Metzen began his career nearly 23 years ago, when Blizzard was still known as Chaos and the expansive Warcraft franchise was merely a twinkle in the company’s eye. Originally working on Justice League Task Force, Metzen contributed artwork, illustrations, and the documentation for Warcraft: Orcs and Humans. Later, he was given the creative reigns in 1995’s Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, and he influenced much of the game’s story, mission, and scenario designs.
Metzen is one of the creators of Blizzard’s second major franchise, Diablo and was the lead designer for Starcraft. He has also provided voices for many characters scattered throughout Blizzard’s extensive game universe. After a legendary career, Metzen is ending his tenure at Blizzard Entertainment.
“I am retiring. Yup. Hangin’ up my guns. Clockin’ out. Takin’ the last gryphon out of Stormwind. You get the picture.”
With Metzen officially gone, the future of Blizzard’s storied lore is in question. Fans are particularly guarded about where the Warcraft franchise will go from here, creatively.
