Blizzard Veteran Chris Metzen Returns as Executive Creative Director for World of Warcraft

In a stunning turn of events for the World of Warcraft community, Blizzard Entertainment has welcomed back a legendary figure in the gaming world.

VGC reports that Chris Metzen, a veteran of the company with an illustrious career spanning 23 years, has reclaimed his role within Blizzard as the Executive Creative Director for the Warcraft universe.

This announcement has sent ripples of excitement and curiosity throughout the gaming community, as Metzen's legacy is deeply intertwined with the very fabric of Warcraft.

An Exciting Homecoming

Metzen's journey with Blizzard began in the early '90s, a time when the gaming industry was still finding its footing. In 1994, Metzen contributed his talents to the groundbreaking title "Warcraft: Orcs and Humans," shaping the very inception of the Warcraft universe.

Little did anyone know that this modest beginning would lead to the creation of one of the most beloved and enduring MMOs of all time.

Fast forward to 2022, when Metzen re-entered the Blizzard universe, albeit in an advisory role. This advisory role was significant, but it now pales in comparison to his new responsibilities as the Executive Creative Director for Warcraft.

His official return was heralded with an announcement on the World of Warcraft's Twitter account, stating that his "main focus is supporting our World of Warcraft leadership in crafting the next generation of adventures."

Metzen: A Creative Force

Metzen's influence on Warcraft is nothing short of legendary. TechRadar notes that his fingerprints are all over the franchise, from the very concept art and illustrations that breathed life into the early games to his profound involvement in Warcraft 3: Reign of Chaos.

His creative genius even extended to World of Warcraft itself, where he lent his talents to scriptwriting, artwork, and voice work. One cannot discuss Warcraft without mentioning his iconic portrayal of Thrall, an orc who became a central figure in Warcraft.

What's Next?

The announcement also came with an exciting tidbit for Blizzard enthusiasts - Metzen will make a grand return to BlizzCon, the company's annual convention, scheduled for November 3-4, 2023, at the Anaheim Convention Center in California.

This marks BlizzCon's first in-person event since 2019, making it an even more eagerly awaited occasion.

At BlizzCon, Metzen and the team are expected to share their vision for the future of Warcraft. Could this signal the next expansion or a game-changing update for World of Warcraft?

Dragonflight and Beyond

This monumental announcement comes on the heels of "World of Warcraft: Dragonflight," the latest expansion to the long-running MMO, which was released in November 2022.