Overwatch Director Jeff Kaplan Leaves Activision-Blizzard

Activision-Blizzard might get a lot of well-deserved flack for being a terrible company, but it still employs a lot of talented, passionate people: and one of the most talented and passionate was Overwatch game director Jeff Kaplan, who was one of the main minds responsible for bringing one of the biggest and best team shooters to life. However, all good things must come to an end, and after nineteen years, Blizzard has announced that Jeff is stepping down from his role.

In departing, Jeff wrote this:

It was truly the honor of a lifetime to have the opportunity to create worlds and heroes for such a passionate audience. I want to express my deep appreciation to everyone at blizzard who supported our games, our game teams and our players. But I want to say a special thanks to the wonderful game developers that shared in the journey of creation with me.

Never accept the world as it appears to be. Always dare to see it for what it could be. I hope you do the same.

He’s to be replaced by another Blizzard veteran and Overwatch founder, Aaron Keller, who had this to say:

Jeff’s been a great leader, mentor, and friend, and he knows how much we’re going to miss him. I’ve been lucky to work alongside him and the rest of the Overwatch team for many years in building something that continues to inspire people all around the world, and I’m honored to carry the torch forward…

…While I have no pretenses about filling Jeff’s shoes, I’m excited to step into the game director role and continue to be part of a team that’s putting all of its heart, talent, and focus into the next iteration of Overwatch, and I’m honored to continue serving this incredible community.

Best of luck to you, Jeff, wherever your road takes you.