With World of Warcraft , one of the key creators, Chris Metzen, is leaving.
Metzen is uniquely associated with Blizzard and the rise of the studio. He started out as a small kid and worked his way up over the years to become one of the chief creatives. He currently holds the position of “Senior Vice President of Story and Franchise Development.”
Metzen is one of Blizzard’s most important faces, regularly handling the major announcements at Blizzcon. He is by no means limited to World of Warcraft, but is also strongly connected with Blizzard’s other franchises. Over the years, he has been responsible for world building, character design, and many story elements of the various Blizzard universes, lending his distinctive voice to numerous Blizzard characters. Among others, he voiced Thrall and Varian Wrynn.
Chris Metzen takes the last griffon out of Stormwind
Just a few hours ago, Metzen announced his retirement after 23 years in a post on the Blizzard forum. In a moving post , Metzen expresses his love for Blizzard, the community, and the people there. Even after all these years, Blizzard is capable of reaching new heights. Things have never gone as well as they are now. This year alone, with the Warcraft movie, Overwatch, and Legion, has been absolutely fantastic. The company is full of energy, and he can leave with peace of mind knowing that all the worlds are in the best possible hands.
Metzen intends to completely retire from the business, take no new job, but start a quieter chapter in his life: He wants to focus primarily on his family. In addition to the two little ones they already have, a new baby has recently joined. Being at home with them, truly living, and loving his wife with everything he can give – that is now his new career, Metzen said.
Chris Metzen is 42 years old.
