Blizzard's President Is Stepping Down

Blizzard's president, J. Allen Brack, is leaving the company after damning reports and employee protests over its culture of harassment, the company announced this morning.

"Starting today, J. Allen Brack will be stepping down as the leader of the studio, and Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will co-lead Blizzard moving forward," Blizzard said in its announcement. 

"Both leaders are deeply committed to all of our employees; to the work ahead to ensure Blizzard is the safest, most welcoming workplace possible for women, and people of any gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or background; to upholding and reinforcing our values; and to rebuilding your trust," Blizzard said. "With their many years of industry experience and deep commitment to integrity and inclusivity, Jen and Mike will lead Blizzard with care, compassion, and a dedication to excellence. You’ll hear more from Jen and Mike soon."

Blizzard’s announcement also included a message from Brack:

“I am confident that Jen Oneal and Mike Ybarra will provide the leadership Blizzard needs to realize its full potential and will accelerate the pace of change," he said. "I anticipate they will do so with passion and enthusiasm and that they can be trusted to lead with the highest levels of integrity and commitment to the components of our culture that make Blizzard so special.”

Late last month, the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing sued Activision Blizzard after a two-year investigation found that it discriminated against women at the company and fostered a "frat boy" culture that led to years of sexual harassment and abuse.

The news led many employees to speak to the press and detail further instances of harassment, as Waypoint has reported. On July 28, hundreds of Blizzard employees walked out of the developer's headquarters in Irvine, California.