Xbox has had a tough time lately, just as Microsoft has broadly struggled with public perception, facing criticism over its heavy AI push and what many see as half-baked updates to Windows.
Since acquiring Activision Blizzard and King in 2023, many have wondered how that shift has affected studios like Blizzard. Now, thanks to an exclusive interview by our own Jennifer Young with Blizzard president Johanna Faries, we have a clearer picture of how things are working behind the scenes.
How Blizzard works with Xbox behind the scenes
As many will be relieved to hear, Xbox has not become some all-seeing overlord of Blizzard. Instead, Johanna Faries makes it clear that Xbox’s day-to-day approach is framed around support, often asking, “How can we help?”
There’s also this focus on communication. Let’s just share. What are we learning together? What are we seeing? Are there places where we should connect dots? Are there places where we should be independent? But let’s make sure that we’re great communicators and collaborators, so that we’re all kind of rowing in the same direction.
Johanna Faries – Blizzard president
Xbox has often been praised, and sometimes criticized, for its hands-off approach with studios. Some believe it needs greater involvement, especially after several game cancellations last year and a perceived lack of updates for certain titles.
Here, though, the situation feels different. Blizzard appears to be firmly in control, and it is a long-standing studio that understands how to manage its own direction.
Recently, Overwatch, one of its flagship IPs, saw a major resurgence. It even surpassed 150,000 concurrent players on Steam alone, highlighting that Blizzard still knows how to drive engagement when it matters. You can read the full interview with juicy details, and I highly recommend you do.
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