The North American company has suffered the loss of other important figures in recent months, including its founders.
Michael Chu leaves Blizzard Entertainment. The Overwatch main screenwriter has been with the company for two decades, but he has decided to step aside and say goodbye to the company to embark on new professional adventures. The writer has left his mark on the history of titles such as Diablo 3 or World of Warcraft, as well as on Overwatch and in the future Overwatch 2. Chu is also the author of several important stories, since in his short story Bastet and in the Comic book Reflections revealed the sexual identities of Soldier 76 and Tracer, as they recall in Polygon.
The writer has published a note on his blog in order to explain the situation. Under the title "20 years", Chu has recalled his professional career: "Now that I pass through the doors of Blizzard for the last time, I have new dreams: to continue telling stories and building worlds that unite people through games; help create inclusive universes in which people want to share stories that reflect their experiences. I hope that one day we can build them together. ”
Twenty years after first walking through the doors at Blizzard, I'm moving on to new adventures! Overwatch has been an amazing experience and one that I will treasure forever. Thank you to everyone for your support over the years! https://t.co/rG4zPe9SGC
– Michael Chu (@westofhouse) March 11, 2020
Different worlds with representation
According to Michael Chu, when he started his career at Blizzard, his goal was to help make video games, so he spent many hours playing. “I was fortunate enough to tell stories in those wonderful universes and help bring them to life. And I had the enormous fortune to meet and interact with a passionate, global community that played our titles. ”
The developer points out that all the meetings, trips, and wishes to embrace the world's diversity made him see the "different stories that needed to be told" about places and people traditionally not seen in games. "As an Asian-American, I wanted to experience narratives that portray people like me, and see those characters among the heroes." At Overwatch, he had the opportunity to reflect that more inclusive vision. "I think a game can show the power of diversity and that a single kiss can change the world, even a little bit."
According to Chu, Overwatch has been a turning point in his life for him. "I've always thought that the games and stories they tell have a unique ability to bring people together" and to generate empathy, as the player puts himself in the shoes of the characters. “I have heard stories of people learning a new language after listening to a dialogue; people who set out to travel to a new place after 'visiting' it in the game or people who stay with teammates regardless of language and borders to try to make the world a better place. ” And again, "human beings empathizing with a story of someone who is not oneself," he concludes.
Overwatch 2 is in development for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. At the moment, there is no information about the departure date.
