Johanna Faries
Reporting and statements that mention Johanna Faries.
Latest coverage
With Minecraft and Diablo shows already on the way, Netflix reportedly offered Xbox $500m for a bigger film and TV deal
Netflix and Xbox reportedly failed to reach an agreement for a major film and TV adaptation deal, with Netflix offering $500 million and Xbox countering with $800 million. While this specific large-scale deal fell apart due to the price difference, both companies are still collaborating on other projects like animated series for Minecraft and Diablo, and a Gears of War film.
Diablo 5 Cinematic Director Confirms Shooting for Cutscenes Has Begun
Blizzard Entertainment has begun video shoots for Diablo 5's cinematics, as confirmed by cinematic director Neil David Carter. The company aims to deliver an ambitious campaign with three distinct narratives, building on its reputation for high-quality cutscenes in titles like StarCraft and Overwatch. Diablo 5 is slated for a 2029 launch.
Does Blizzard's revival of its classic games signal a return of the 'old Blizzard?'
This opinion piece discusses whether Blizzard Entertainment's recent announcements, including new content for Heroes of the Storm and Warcraft 3: Reforged, signal a return to its former glory. While acknowledging the positive reception for some legacy game updates, the author notes that the company's approach to games like Diablo 3 and the overall corporate shift suggest the 'old Blizzard' may not truly be back, though a core passion for games still exists.
Diablo 5 "won't be ready for spring 2029," Path of Exile co-creator says, and "Blizzard money"…
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson believes Diablo 5, targeting a spring 2029 release, is unlikely to meet its deadline. He estimates the game has only been a central priority for about five months, suggesting a three-year development window is tight for an RPG of its scope, even with Blizzard's resources. Wilson's analysis suggests delays are probable, a common occurrence in game development.
Blizzard layoffs are reportedly imminent, days after an exciting BlizzCon and a seemingly popular World of Warcraft: Forever beta
Reports indicate that Blizzard Entertainment is facing imminent layoffs, despite recent successes like a popular beta for World of Warcraft: Forever and announcements at BlizzCon 2026. These cuts are expected to affect the company as part of broader job reductions within the Xbox division.
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.
