Chris Metzen has come home to Warcraft. Blizzard announced that Metzen, one of the original leads on the Warcraft franchise, will return as Creative Advisor to the franchise, starting with work on World of Warcraft.
While Metzen’s return (from his official retirement in 2016) begins with focusing on WoW, this is going to “expand to other projects across this growing franchise”. With Metzen on board, back at a franchise that he helped develop, including with the creation of some of the iconic races. And, of course, by serving as the voice of Thrall.
The announcement was a brief one, but we’ll undoubtedly be hearing more.
“Citizens of Azeroth,
It is with great joy that I announce Chris Metzen has joined the Warcraft Leadership Team as Creative Advisor. Chris’s focus initially will be on World of Warcraft, then his work will expand to other projects across this growing franchise.
Chris was one of the original team members working on the Warcraft universe back when it began in 1994, and we are so happy to be reuniting him with the world he helped create.
John Hight
General Manager, Warcraft”
This return that brings him back into the fold is interesting in its mystery, especially about those “other projects”. We’ll certainly get to learn more down the line, but his return to Blizzard to help with World of Warcraft is notable enough on its own.
With Dragonflight out now, and Blizzard having already made moves, like buying studio Proletariat to help them meet WoW development goals, this is a homecoming that feels likely to have Metzen’s contributions make their mark sooner rather than later.
