Overwatch 2 Executive Producer Leaves Blizzard

[Animous]

Blizzard has seen some dramatic changes in recent weeks, as the fallout of California’s Activision Blizzard lawsuit experiences twists and turns. Coupled with that news has been a series of high-level departures, often seeing senior management or executives exit the company. Now, Overwatch 2, one of Blizzard’s most notable upcoming titles, has lost a key executive overseeing its development.

Chacko Sonny, who is the executive producer for Overwatch 2, is officially leaving Blizzard, the company has confirmed. Sonny’s last day with the company will be Friday, however, he hasn’t given a specific reason for his departure. Sonny was considered a key player in the Overwatch franchise after longtime Blizzard icon Jeff Kaplan departed from the company, also leaving behind his role despite being the face of the game.

RELATED:Activision Blizzard Devs Speak Out Against Company's Response To Lawsuit

An email sent to Blizzard staff, obtained by Bloomberg, called Sonny a “thoughtful leader” and thanked him for his time spent with the company. The email reportedly comes from Mike Ybarra and Jen Oneal, who were appointed as co-leaders of Blizzard following the departure of J Allen Brack. Sonny did leave a note to his colleagues stating that it was an “absolute privilege” to work with Blizzard, though the note didn’t mention the ongoing legal trouble Activision Blizzard is facing.

Some news: Chacko Sonny, executive producer for Overwatch 2 and the multi-billion-dollar Overwatch franchise, is leaving Blizzard. He was widely respected and seen as an integral part of Overwatch's future after director Jeff Kaplan left earlier this year https://t.co/rrp4nUJDpK

— Jason Schreier (@jasonschreier) September 21, 2021

Activision Blizzard has seen a number of key departures in recent months, many coming from what remained of longtime, iconic Blizzard employees. A wave of stories detailing mismanagement, sexual harassment, and an all-around toxic workplace seem to be fueling the departures, though many have avoided naming a specific cause. Activision Blizzard’s response to the State of California’s lawsuit has mostly been one of denial, attempting to realign focus on its suite of upcoming games.

Meanwhile, the company’s operations have come under increased scrutiny, with the SEC reportedly investigating Activision Blizzard and its executives for their handling of harassment allegations. Activision Blizzard, CEO Bobby Kotick, and several other executives have been subpoenaed and will be forced to surrender documents pertaining to the investigation, like communications between Kotick and other executives regarding the harassment complaints.

With key departures and increased government scrutiny, Activision Blizzard’s situation seems to be devolving, rather than improving. It’s impossible to say exactly where the company will land when all is said and done, though, with the way things seem to be trending, it’s hard to keep a positive outlook. However, with the right moves and some penitence, the company may be able to gain back some of its image.

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