Overwatch 2 gets new boss with credits on League of Legends, Destiny 2

Blizzard announced the hiring of a senior manager to supervise Overwatch development. Overwatch 2After a rough start, the ship settles down.

Jared Neuss has previously worked with Destiny 2And League of LegendsStepping into the vice-presidential role as executive producer Overwatch 2. Neuss reports directly to Walter Kong who is the general manager of the entire Overwatch universe. Aaron Keller continues as the game director.

Neuss has a lot of experience in producing live games. He worked at Riot Games on League, Tactical Teamfighting and the studio’s secret, in-development massively multiplayer game. He was the lead producer of Destiny 2Bungie’s senior producer is working on the online features Halo 5: GuardiansAt 343 Industries. To mix it up, he helped to create the casual puzzle game. Peggle 2PopCap.

It’s not clear if Neuss is replacing anyone in particular at Blizzard, although Chacko Sonny left as executive producer for OverwatchSept. 2021. Sonny’s exit came after the departure of fan-favorite game director Jeff Kaplan earlier that year, and amid a spate of resignations of senior Blizzard staff following allegations of sexual harassment and a toxic workplace culture. Bloomberg reports that Sonny was respected by Blizzard staff and that no accusations had been levelled against him.

Announcing his appointment on LinkedIn, Neuss said: “I’ve been obsessed with Blizzard’s titles since I first played World of Warcraft2005 2005. Overwatch When it was first announced, I fell in love with the optimistic outlook and diverse heroes. When I finally got to try it out, it was an instant favorite of mine.

“To have the opportunity to support this incredibly talented team, and this legendary studio, as they transition into a new, brighter future is a dream come true for me,” said Neuss. Note the tacit acknowledgement of Blizzard’s recent troubles in the last line there.

He arrives shortly after, however. Overwatch 2’s launch, Neuss’ in-tray will be full. Overwatch’s transition to a free-to-play model seems to have attracted a lot of players, but has been beset by server woes, a U-turn on a security requirement for phone numbers, some embarrassing bugs, and controversy over store prices.