Activision Blizzard, the company behind popular game Hearthstone, has confirmed it has laid off ten staff members from its Hearthstone team. The news was initially revealed via a LinkedIn post from one of the dismissed employees, who had been with the company for over eighteen years. Activision Blizzard has called this a part of "organizational changes," rendering a few positions redundant.


The gaming industry has observed a significant number of layoffs recently, including rumored layoffs at Team17. Last week, it was reported that Epic Games is letting go about 16% of its staff, approximately 830 employees. CD Projekt Red too had announced earlier this year that they would be firing about 10% of its workforce. Other major companies, such as Microsoft, Ubisoft, Bioware, and Crystal Dynamics, are also undergoing layoff rounds this year.


In another related development, Chris Metzen, a veteran of the original Warcraft: Orcs and Humans team, has been announced as the new Executive Creative Director of the Warcraft franchise. Metzen, who provided artwork and voiceovers for several characters in Blizzard games, had left the company in 2016 but was rehired as an advisor to the Warcraft franchise last year. His new role indicates a broader influence over the franchise.


More details about the World of Warcraft team's projects will be unveiled at Blizzcon, scheduled for November 3rd and 4th at the Anaheim Convention Center, California.