Samwise Didier is leaving Blizzard after nearly 32 years with the studio
In a message just posted on Twitter, Samwise Didier indicated his departure from Blizzard after nearly 32 years with the studio. A long-time senior art director, he has worked on numerous Blizzard titles, e.g Warcraft III, World of Warcraft or Heroesand recently worked On the game of survival in development. We wish him an excellent continuation of the rest of his projects!
Update 9:32 p.m.: Added a message from Mike Ybarra.
Update 09:32: Added a message from Chris Metzen.
A message from Samwise Didier
Hello, Blizzard family and friends.
Today is a big day for me and I wanted to share the news with all of you. I’m retiring from Blizzard Entertainment, and today is my last day. Most kids I know leave home when they’re eighteen (maybe older these days). For me, it took almost twice that! It’s inspiring and terrifying at the same time.
Blizzard wasn’t just a job for me. I joined the studio in 1991 and it immediately became my second home. I found out I had a family I didn’t know. I grew up here. I learned almost everything I know about art here. I learned how to use a computer (I only knew the Atari 2600 and Nintendo), I learned how to use Photoshop, I learned how to create an interface and create thousands of buttons. I learned how to create 3D models of my products, how to make textures and animations, and even how to make them throw fireballs or lasers. I saw my art come to life. I even joined the first Blizzard group. On top of that, you’ve worked on some of the greatest games the world has ever seen. Thanks, Blizzard, for everything.
If I had to leave a piece of advice to the venerable Blizzard Entertainment, it would be this:
Blizzard family
Always draw large shoulder pads
ABC, my friends
Message from Mike Ybarra
Message from Chris Metzen
“Incurable web evangelist. Hipster-friendly gamer. Award-winning entrepreneur. Falls down a lot.”