Blizzard president Mike Ybarra acknowledges that players have an insatiable thirst for new content and lack patience. In a conversation with The Verge, Ybarra outlined Blizzard's commitment to meeting player demands while ensuring a high standard of quality and considering the financial aspect of the business.
According to Ybarra, players constantly crave fresh experiences, expecting new content to be delivered on a daily or hourly basis. However, he emphasizes that maintaining Blizzard's reputation for excellence requires considerable resources and manpower.
Ybarra discussed Blizzard's dedication to ensuring players feel satisfied with the value they receive for their money. He emphasized the importance of creating a positive experience for customers, regardless of how much they spend. "My priority is for every player, regardless of the amount they invest, to feel a sense of satisfaction after engaging with Blizzard. How can we consistently uphold this principle?" he expressed.
Microsoft now owns Blizzard after the Xbox company acquired Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion. Ybarra, in an interview with Bloomberg, believes that Blizzard's decision-making process will be even faster under Microsoft's ownership. Ybarra stated that he can now approach Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer and ask for permission to proceed with ideas and projects, with Spencer encouraging him to lead his studio.
At the recent BlizzCon 2023, Blizzard announced several significant updates. One of the major announcements was the Worldsoul Saga for World of Warcraft, which will consist of three expansions. The first expansion, titled The War Within, is set to be released in Fall 2024.
Editor's P/S
As an enthusiastic fan of Blizzard games, I am thrilled to hear that the company is committed to meeting player demands for frequent updates and fresh content. Blizzard's dedication to ensuring players feel satisfied with the value they receive for their money is commendable, and I appreciate their efforts to create a positive experience for customers regardless of how much they spend.
The announcement of the Worldsoul Saga for World of Warcraft has me particularly excited, as I am a long-time fan of the franchise. The promise of three new expansions is sure to keep players engaged for years to come, and I can't wait to see what Blizzard has in store for us. Overall, I am optimistic about the future of Blizzard and believe that the company is headed in the right direction under the leadership of Mike Ybarra and the support of Microsoft.