A filing to the Securities and Exchange Commission states that Mike Morhaime leaves Blizzard before the summer is up. Mr. Morhaime originally announced that he would be leaving his position as President and sticking on in an advisory role. That advisory role will be ending in just a few short months.
Mike Morhaime was one of the OG Blizzard folks, co-founding a company under an entirely different name: Silicon & Synapse. They cranked out a few titles, but the company really hit its stride with the release of Warcraft II. Since then, Mr. Morhaime has been an integral part of the company through several big game releases and acquisitions by larger companies like Vivendi and Activision. He announced that he was stepping down from his role as President in late 2018.
As part of his transition, Mr. Morhaime stayed on at the company in an advisory role while his successor J. Allen Brack got up to speed. Things seem to be going smoothly enough as a recent SEC filing has announced when Mike Morhaime leaves Blizzard: April 7, 2019.
"When we started Blizzard we just wanted to make great games. What we realized is that the games we create are really just a framework for communities and human interaction. When we look back, what we often find that’s most lasting and meaningful from our experiences in games are the relationships we create and foster. You have given me the inspiration and drive to pour my heart and life into what I do. I literally couldn’t have done any of it without you. We have created these worlds, but you have given them life, through your passion, fan art, cosplay, videos, and in so many other ways." -Mike Morhaime, Former President of Blizzard EntertainmentThe news that Mike Morhaim is leaving was announced via Form 8-K, a document that's often submitted to the SEC by companies. The purpose of the document is fairly broad. It's intended to inform investors of any significant goings-on that may affect the value of their shares. The departure of a high-ranking corporate executive is one such instance that would be covered by this form.
When Mike Morhaime leaves, a piece of Blizzard's legacy will leave with him. The company has had some rough times in recent weeks and months like with the Diablo Immortal controversy. Hopefully, they'll be able to maintain the core values that made so many of the Blizzard games we love. Mike Morhaime will depart from Blizzard Entertainment for good on April 7, 2019.
Do you think Blizzard Entertainment will be the same after Mike Morhaime leaves? What are your thoughts on J. Allen Brack's stewardship of the company so far? Let us know in the comments below!
