Chris Metzen, the illustrious name synonymous with iconic game series such as Warcraft, StarCraft, and Diablo, has re-embraced his creative roots. This return isn't just a fleeting consultation; it's a full-time commitment to his erstwhile creative playground, now as the executive creative director of World of Warcraft.
Metzen, whose impact on the gaming world is virtually immeasurable, stepped away from the limelight in 2016, desiring to spend more time with his family and explore new creative avenues. Even in his hiatus, the pull of a creative endeavor saw him delve into the realm of board game development, notably with a 2021 project named Auroboros: Coils of the Serpent. His interim journey also witnessed him founding the tabletop game company, Warchief, in 2018, which brought forth a fantasy setting for Dungeons & Dragons 5E. However, the whisper of Azeroth wasn't easily silenced, leading to his brief return as a creative advisor to the Warcraft series in 2022.
Blizzard's proclamation of Metzen's return isn't just nostalgic move; it's a sign of rejuvenation. In his new role, Metzen will focus his efforts on sculpting the next echelon of adventures, particularly for World of Warcraft. This return brings a multitude of possibilities, not only in the direction of existing pillars like World of Warcraft but possibly in the birth of entirely new entities within the franchise. With Metzen at the creative helm, the phrase "next generation of adventures" doesn't just hint at more expansions; it resonates with the promise of innovative realms waiting to be explored.