Phil Spencer made sure that he addressed his newest subjects as he opened BlizzCon 2023.
The CEO of Microsoft Gaming was kind enough to grace everyone with his presence, marking his first appearance at the event, which is also the first of its kind to be held following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
In an authoritative and passion-filled speech, Spencer celebrated Blizzard Entertainment’s illustrious history, signaling a bright future under Xbox’s stewardship.
Spencer’s speech paid homage to the legacy of Blizzard, acknowledging the monumental role it has played in shaping an ever-evolving industry. From the advent of action RPGs with Diablo to the pioneering of eSports with StarCraft, the significance of Blizzard was the highlight. The mention of StarCraft, a game that laid the groundwork for what eSports would eventually become, elicited a particularly rousing response from the audience. Spencer’s acknowledgment of the latest entry in the RTS franchise, StarCraft 2, as a major catalyst for the evolution of games as live entertainment highlighted the game’s enduring significance.
Beyond its gaming achievements, Blizzard’s influence on online communities through World of Warcraft and the push for inclusive representation in Overwatch were also lauded. Spencer’s appreciation for these milestones was evident as he emphasized Blizzard’s indelible impact on the industry.
The transition under Microsoft’s massive umbrella was painted in optimistic strokes, with Spencer assuring audiences of Xbox’s commitment to nurturing Blizzard’s essence. His statement echoes a vision of empowerment, trust, inclusion, as well as collaboration, promising that Xbox would enable Blizzard to continue its tradition of redefining genres and the creation of groundbreaking experiences.
Previously, Spencer shared in an official Xbox podcast that he’s excited at the prospect of working on a new StarCraft entry while also speaking of the importance of the company to step up as a conscientious custodian of the rich portfolio of franchises now under Xbox’s purview.
While no groundbreaking announcements were made during Spencer’s address, his presence was a statement in itself. The commitment to uphold and foster Blizzard’s unique culture was clear, setting a tone of positive transformation that follows a tumultuous period marked by allegations of abuse and sexual harassment at Activision Blizzard. Microsoft’s approach, characterized by allowing unionization efforts and the departure of Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick, signaled a shift towards a healthier and more inclusive work environment.
However, challenges loom on the horizon. Despite Spencer’s status as a fan favourite, Microsoft has struggled to deliver a definitive hit in recent years under his stewardship. The Halo franchise, once a beacon of Xbox’s success, has waned in its allure, raising questions about the handling of legacy IPs. Starfield, which he admits he is an avid fan of, has been a commercial success but it’s divisive, at best. Naturally, this skepticism has extended to the future of StarCraft, with concerns that its potential revival may not meet the lofty expectations of its passionate fanbase.
Ultimately, fans shouldn’t expect StarCraft to return to the mainstream spotlight anytime soon. Unless Blizzard has laid the groundwork for a new entry in secret, which is highly unlikely, most will need to temper expectations. The closest we’ll hear about StarCraft aside from the occasional name drop, just like what happened, is probably when it inevitably arrives on Steam, joining Diablo 4 and Overwatch 2.
Nevertheless, Spencer’s remarks have sparked hope among fans, with some interpreting his words as a sign of greater autonomy for Blizzard under Xbox’s umbrella.
BlizzCon 2023 is off to a good start. Aside from Spencer’s welcoming remarks, the popular video game event also saw the announcement of a trio of upcoming World of Warcraft expansions as well as the first Diablo 4 expansion.
