A
post on the Blizzard Website from Jen Oneal announces she's leaving the
company, almost exactly three months after
becoming co-leader of the company.
She's stepping away as co-leader now, leaving Mike Ybarra in charge, and she
will depart the company entirely at the end of the year. Here's a bit:
I
want you to hear from me personally that I have made the decision to step away
from co-leading Blizzard Entertainment and will transition to a new position
before departing ABK at the end of the year. Effective immediately, Mike Ybarra
will lead Blizzard. I am doing this not because I am without hope for Blizzard,
quite the opposite--I’m inspired by the passion of everyone here, working
towards meaningful, lasting change with their whole hearts. This energy has
inspired me to step out and explore how I can do more to have games and
diversity intersect, and hopefully make a broader industry impact that will
benefit Blizzard (and other studios) as well. While I am not totally sure what
form that will take, I am excited to embark on a new journey to find out.
ABK’s leadership is graciously offering their support for my decision and has
worked with me on a plan to invest in the future of other women in the gaming
industry, by agreeing to make a US $1 million grant to Women in Games
International--a fantastic non-profit organization, where I am a board member,
that cultivates and advances equality and diversity in the global games
industry. This money will be used to fund skill-building and mentorship
programs.