Game Director, Ion Hazzikostas, and Executive Producer, Holly Longdale’s most recent interview with The Game Business has sparked a strong and largely critical response from the community.
Metzen Causing Mayhem
One moment from the interview has become the focal point for backlash. During the discussion, Holly Longdale spoke about Blizzard’s desire to make Warcraft more approachable to new audiences, explaining:
“Chris Metzen [Executive Creative Director], is sometimes like, ‘I wish we hadn’t called it Warcraft. It sounds intimidating.’”
Although Longdale immediately countered the idea by arguing that established fantasy brands don’t carry that kind of stigma once they’re widely understood, much of the community reaction latched onto Metzen’s comment.
Warcraft’s “Underutilised” IP
Paired with comments about Warcraft’s “underutilised” IP, Metzen’s remark became symbolic of a deeper anxiety within the community: a game made for everyone will ultimately appeal to no one.
That said, not everyone sees the interview as cause for alarm. Exploring standalone projects could let Blizzard grow the universe without compromise—provided the MMO’s identity remains intact.
What do you think—is Blizzard right to look beyond the MMO, or are these comments a worrying sign for Warcraft’s future?
