As Xbox is experiencing large-scale layoffs, the outside world has also begun to worry about whether Blizzard will be affected after Microsoft completes its acquisition in 2023. For now, the developer of "World of Warcraft" and "Overwatch" has escaped large-scale layoffs, but an internal email shows that the company will announce more related changes in the coming months.
According to an internal email obtained by Windows Central, Blizzard president Johanna Faries issued a statement to all employees responding to concerns about the current situation.
She wrote in the email: "You will receive more details about today's events and what these changes mean for Blizzard in the future. But for now, I want to be the first to acknowledge that today is a difficult day and these changes affect many people in different ways."
Faries later added: "Please take care of yourself and those around you as much as possible. With today's news, I also want to thank all Blizzard employees for staying focused and creative in advancing the company's strategic priorities, and for continuing to support our huge player community and each other."
The layoffs are part of the company's "Reset" plan that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of game content Matt Booty have mentioned many times before, with the goal of driving Xbox to a more sustainable financial position.
At least for now, Blizzard has basically not been significantly affected, especially compared to other Xbox-owned studios. However, Microsoft has stated that it will continue to promote organizational structure adjustments in the next few months, so there are still variables in the future.
As the developer of classic IPs such as "Diablo", "Warcraft" and "StarCraft", Blizzard has certain particularities within the Microsoft system, so any reorganization or adjustment needs to be carried out more carefully.
In addition to the large active player base and long-term online service system of these series, Blizzard also needs to consider the annual BlizzCon (Blizzard Carnival). This major international event attracts tens of thousands of players every time it is held, so any major changes could have widespread ramifications.
As for what will happen in the coming months or even years, no one can predict accurately at this time.