Blizzard boss Ybarra says rebuilding trust is "top priority"

pcgamesinsider.biz:

The boss of Blizzard, Mike Ybarra, has said that the company's top priority is rebuilding consumer trust.

In a post on the firm's website, the exec said that management at the Overwatch giant will not be rewarded on their ability to create a "safe, inclusive and creative working environment." Ybarra also said that staff will now be able to evaluate management with a new "upward feedback program" and that Blizzard had also bolstered its HR team with a "culture leader" and had tripled the number of compliance and investigation teams.

"2021 was challenging for all of us," Ybarra wrote. "As individuals, we care about treating everyone around us with respect and dignity. As professionals, we care deeply about our crafts, and we want to work in the most supportive and safe environment possible.

"Our top priority—now and into the future—is the work we are doing to rebuild your trust in Blizzard.

"Watching Blizzard work as creatively and diligently as we have throughout this challenging time (on top of an ongoing pandemic) has been inspiring. Navigating these challenges, evolving our development processes, and being introspective and looking at how we can improve our culture shows incredible strength and commitment to one another, our work, and to the player communities."

Ybarra is now the sole leader of Blizzard after his co-head, Jen Oneal departed in November. It has since been reported that Oneal was only offered the same pay as Ybarra after she handed in her resignation letter.