Jason Schreier Reveals Blizzard's Hidden History in New Book

Jason Schreier's upcoming book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," offers an in-depth examination of Blizzard's tumultuous journey over the last three decades. Addressing the company's storied franchises such as Warcraft, StarCraft, Diablo, Overwatch, World of Warcraft, and Hearthstone, the book compiles insights from over 300 interviews with current and former employees, revealing both celebratory victories and serious challenges, including cultural clashes within the company and lawsuits over workplace misconduct. As Blizzard heads into a new era following its acquisition by Microsoft, "Play Nice" asserts that the studio's past has a significant impact on its present and future, touching upon both creative and business decisions that shaped the company’s legacy.

In "Play Nice," Schreier delves into themes such as corporate culture, the impacts of Activision's acquisition, the intricacies of Blizzard's creative processes, and the evolution of its internal dynamics, particularly regarding the significant cultural issues that emerged alongside its legendary titles.

Blizzard Entertainment, founded in 1991, is known for pioneering iconic game franchises that have become household names. The company gained immense popularity with titles like World of Warcraft, which transformed the MMORPG genre, and Overwatch, a frontier in team-based multiplayer gameplay. However, in recent years, Blizzard has faced scrutiny due to internal cultural issues, high-profile departures of key figures, and its controversial relationship with Activision. The forthcoming book promises to shed light on the inner workings of one of gaming’s most influential studios, taking readers through its highs and lows.