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Mike Ybarra , former president of Blizzard Entertainment , announce his expiration from the company on Twitter today . This coincide with Microsoft ’s confirmation of workforce reductions within its gaming division . Ybarra ’s message thanked impacted employees and acknowledged their share to Blizzard , player , and their team .
He emphasized his on-going documentation and offer help with professional connections and good word . As seenin the tweet , Ybarra ’s departure marks the end of his tenure at Blizzard after leading the troupe through significant variety , including the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft . In his message , Ybarra described this time as an “ incredible laurels ” and expressed his pridefulness in shaping the team for the future . He cited his extensive history with Microsoft , exceeding 20 years , and the recent acquisition as contributing element to his decision to step down and become “ Blizzard ’s biggest fan from the outside . ”
I want to give thanks everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful donation to their teams , to Blizzard , and to player ’ lives . It ’s an incredibly toilsome 24-hour interval and my vigour and keep will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way of life a reflection …
A lot of people may don that he may have been part of the layoffswe reported on , but considering his high - level locating , we doubt it . While specific reason for Ybarra ’s departure have n’t been officially disclosed , his substance suggests a personal alternative regulate by the changing landscape painting at Blizzard following the Microsoft acquirement and the late workforce simplification . His future plans remain unclear , though his committedness to supporting former confrere and remaining engaged with the Blizzard community seems discernible .
“ As many of you know , Mike previously spent more than 20 twelvemonth at Microsoft . Now that he has see the learning through as Blizzard ’s President of the United States , he has determine to leave the society , ”
Ybarra ’s message also addressed the Blizzard community immediately , repeat his immense regard for the ontogeny teams and encouraging them to continue their dedication to player - centric decisions and keep up the company ’s signature identity . He reiterated his support for those impacted by the layoff and utter his heartfelt empathy for their state of affairs .
Ybarra ’s departure add another big executive to the leaning of those leaving during the on-going transition at Blizzard Entertainment within the larger linguistic context of Microsoft ’s integrating of Activision Blizzard . We ’ll have to await and see how this leadership change and the recent men simplification will impress the company ’s future direction and development .