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Activision Blizzard has delayed the releases of both Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4, two of Blizzard’s most anticipated releases. As announced in its latest quarterly earnings, the company said that both will launch later “than originally envisioned.”
“These are two of the most eagerly anticipated titles in the industry, and our teams have made great strides towards completion in recent quarters,” the statement said. “But we believe giving the teams some extra time to complete production and continue growing their creative resources to support the titles after launch will ensure that these releases delight and engage their communities for many years into the future.”
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The statement also noted that this will also delay an anticipated “financial uplift” for the company next year. “But we are confident that this is the right course of action for our people, our players, and the long-term success of our franchises.” No new release dates were announced, but given that Activision Blizzard anticipates that it won’t get a financial bump from them next year, they may not come until 2023–perhaps not until April 2023 due to the beginning of the financial year.
In another part of the investor presentation, Activision Blizzard noted that the Overwatch League will still play an early build of Overwatch 2 starting next spring.
In a separate note, Blizzard’s Jen Oneal announced she should be stepping down as co-lead of the company, a role she took on in August upon the departure of J. Allen Brack. That makes Mike Ybarra the sole lead of the company going forward. Oneal says she will be transitioning to a new position at Activision Blizzard, and then will leave the company entirely at the end of the year.
“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,” Oneal said. “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.”
As part of her departure, Activision Blizzard will be working with Oneal to contribute a $1 million grant to the non-profit Women in Games International.
