Even pets are subject to strict guidelines at Blizzard. Without a paw print on the NDA, animals cannot enter the premises.
If you’ve played Blizzard games, you’ve likely felt the studio’s love for animals. In World of Warcraft, there are plenty of pets and even a dedicated combat and collection system for them.
This love for animal companions is no accident. Pets are also firmly integrated into the daily lives of Blizzard developers.
However, to ensure that things proceed at least somewhat smoothly (how that can happen with cats is a mystery to me), there are a few clear guidelines for all pets brought onto the company grounds.
All animals must be registered beforehand and can only be in environments appropriate for them. Additionally, animals may only be near employees who are comfortable with them. The kitchen areas and the café are also off-limits.
In total, there are more than 750 registered pets at Blizzard, and nearly half of them visit regularly. 700 of the animals are dogs, 36 are cats, 5 are rabbits, four aquariums with fish, and one turtle.
Pets Must Also Remain Discreet
Particularly amusing: Paw prints are also required on a Non Disclosure Agreement (NDA) from four-legged friends to ensure they don’t spill Blizzard secrets. Or bark. Or meow.
Additionally, pets receive a specific tag when they are registered – one can choose between Horde and Alliance. However, it seems that most developers prefer the Horde, as 462 have a Horde tag and only 289 pets have an Alliance tag.
Anyone wanting to see a whole series of photos of Blizzard pets can find the link in our sources.
