Johanna Faries
Reporting and statements that mention Johanna Faries.
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Blizzard Boss On Why Diablo Is Becoming A TV Show And How Involved The Studio Will Be
Blizzard Entertainment announced a partnership with Netflix for an animated Diablo TV show, aiming to engage fans who may not have time for the games. President Johanna Faries stated the studio will be "very involved" in the adaptation, which is part of an effort to meet fans where they are through new storytelling forms. While details on the show are scarce, this follows Blizzard's previous Hollywood venture with the 2016 Warcraft movie.
Blizzard says it announced some major games early in order to ‘convey confidence’ in its releases
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries explained that the company announced major upcoming games like StarCraft and Diablo V early to convey confidence in their releases and commitment to shipping on time. This strategy aims to reassure fans and employees amidst recent layoffs and create a healthier company environment.
Diablo 5, StarCraft Were Announced Early Because Blizzard Wants to “Ship Big, and Ship on Time”
Blizzard Entertainment announced Diablo 5 and a new StarCraft game early to demonstrate confidence in their ability to deliver large titles on time. President Johanna Faries stated this new approach aims to assure fans of the company's commitment to shipping major projects successfully. While Diablo 5 is slated for 2030 and the StarCraft shooter for 2029, Blizzard is also focusing on seasonal content for Diablo 4.
Blizzard announces single-player StarCraft and Diablo 5 but there's bad news
Blizzard announced new installments for StarCraft and Diablo at BlizzCon 2026, but with distant release dates. The new StarCraft will be an open-world shooter focusing on single-player, targeting a 2030 launch, while Diablo 5 is set for Spring 2029. The company president stated these early announcements aim to convey confidence in future projects, despite Blizzard's history of delays.
Blizzard explains why it's revealing StarCraft and Diablo 5 release dates so far away: "We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest bets"
Blizzard Entertainment has announced release dates for Diablo 5 (spring 2029) and a new StarCraft open-world shooter (2030), a departure from their usual 'done when it's done' approach. President Johanna Faries stated this is to "convey confidence in some of our biggest bets." The company also revealed World of Warcraft: Forever, a Diablo Netflix series, and other updates, amidst ongoing Microsoft layoffs.
After announcing StarCraft and Diablo 5 years in advance, Blizzard president promises "to ship, and ship big, and…
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries expressed confidence in the long-term development of StarCraft and Diablo 5, despite their distant release windows of 2030 and 2029 respectively. Faries stated the company's commitment to shipping games on time and emphasized preserving Blizzard's unique culture amidst Microsoft's ownership and recent layoffs.
Diablo 5 is coming spring 2029, and a Netflix show is in development
Blizzard has officially announced Diablo 5, slated for a spring 2029 release. The game will be set a century after Diablo 4, with Diablo having already triumphed. A new animated series set in the Diablo universe is also in development with Netflix.
Diablo 5 panel reveals first details: Plague Knight class, revamped loot, and more
Blizzard Entertainment revealed early details for Diablo 5 at BlizzCon 2026, including a new Plague Knight class, a revamped loot system inspired by Diablo 2, and a story where Diablo has conquered Sanctuary. The game is slated for a 2029 release, with regular updates planned starting in 2027. Diablo 4 will also receive updates and a Nintendo Switch version.
Why is Blizzard still announcing games years ahead of release? 'We want to convey confidence in some of our biggest…
Blizzard Entertainment's strategy of announcing games years before their release, exemplified by StarCraft and Diablo 5, is questioned as a potentially outdated marketing approach. President Johanna Faries stated the company wants to convey confidence in its major projects and ensure they ship on time, aiming to create a healthy Blizzard culture amidst potential future layoffs.
Blizzard announces animated Diablo show coming to Netflix
Blizzard has announced an animated series set in the Diablo universe is in development with Netflix. While few details were provided, Blizzard expressed excitement about telling stories beyond games and hinted at potential adaptations for Overwatch and Warcraft. The move follows the success of other animated video game adaptations like Cyberpunk: Edgerunners and Arcane.
Diablo is getting an animated Netflix series as Blizzard teases Overwatch and Warcraft adaptations
Blizzard Entertainment announced a Diablo animated series is coming to Netflix, with hints of similar adaptations for Overwatch and Warcraft. Blizzard president Johanna Faries expressed excitement for the Diablo project, emphasizing the company's focus on bringing its franchises to new media.
Diablo Animated Series Coming To Netflix, Other Blizzard Franchises Teased
Blizzard Entertainment announced a partnership with Netflix to create an animated Diablo series during BlizzCon 2026. Studio president Johanna Faries also teased potential adaptations for other Blizzard franchises like Overwatch and Warcraft, though no concrete details were provided.
Heroes of the Storm adds Xal'atath, the game's first new character since 2020
Blizzard Entertainment announced at Blizzcon 2026 that Heroes of the Storm will receive its first new character since 2020: Xal'atath from Warcraft. The character will be added to the MOBA on September 28, marking a revival for the title which had seen reduced development.
BlizzCon 2026 Opening Ceremony: All The Biggest Announcements And Games
BlizzCon 2026 kicked off with an opening ceremony revealing new content for Blizzard Entertainment's major franchises. Heroes of the Storm will receive its first new hero in six years, Xal'atath, while a Diablo animated series is in development at Netflix. StarCraft is also set to return with a new open-world shooter.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers ratify first union contract with Microsoft
Blizzard Entertainment employees, represented by newly formed unions, have ratified their first collective bargaining agreement with parent company Microsoft. The contract, lasting four to five years, includes protections for generative AI use, crediting, remote work, and layoffs, establishing a 60-day notice period for job cuts and 14 months of recall rights. Meanwhile, Activision's subsidiary King has rejected a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish trade unions.
Almost 1,900 Blizzard workers vote through a "historic" union contract securing protections against layoffs and gen-AI
Approximately 1,900 unionized workers at Blizzard Entertainment have ratified their first contract, securing protections against layoffs and mandating bargaining over the use of generative AI. This historic agreement provides enhanced severance and recall rights for employees across multiple game teams, including World of Warcraft, Overwatch, and Diablo.
What To Expect From BlizzCon 2026: StarCraft’s Return, A Whole Lot Of Warcraft
BlizzCon 2026, scheduled for September 12, is poised to be a major event for Blizzard Entertainment, with significant announcements expected across its key franchises. The convention will likely reveal more details about World of Warcraft's next expansion, The Last Titan, and potentially a new version of World of Warcraft Classic. StarCraft is set to make a substantial return, possibly with a new shooter title and a partnership with Nexon. Diablo will celebrate its 30th anniversary with news on Diablo 4 and potentially other franchise entries, while Overwatch will continue its momentum with new heroes and story developments.
Blizzard’s Record Revenue Year Makes Diablo 5 a Matter of When, Not If
Blizzard Entertainment has achieved its third-best fiscal year for revenue, largely driven by Diablo 4 and Overwatch. The company, now part of Microsoft's Xbox division, is reportedly the top-performing studio. This financial success, coupled with continued support for Diablo 4 through expansions, suggests that a Diablo 5 is highly probable in the future, though an announcement is not expected for several years.
Blizzard Is Reportedly Xbox’s New Top Studio
Blizzard Entertainment has reportedly been named Xbox's top-performing studio for the past fiscal year, according to internal emails from Blizzard president Johanna Faries. The studio achieved its third-highest revenue in history, driven by strong performance from Diablo 4 and Overwatch, and has seen consecutive years of growth since 2017. This news comes ahead of BlizzCon in September, where further announcements about Blizzard's future are expected.
HandyGames rebrands as THQ Nordic Mobile
HandyGames has rebranded as THQ Nordic Mobile, shifting its focus to bringing premium PC and console titles to mobile platforms, while its development studio continues as HandyGames. Separately, leaked emails reveal Blizzard Entertainment was Xbox's top-performing studio for FY26, driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch, marking its third highest fiscal year for revenue.
