Blizzard developers say mandatory return-to-office policy has 'cost us some amazing people'
Activision Blizzard's mandatory return-to-office policy is causing an unnecessary loss of talent, to the point where it could affect development of major titles like World of Warcraft and Diablo 4, according to some Blizzard developers.
As reported by Kotaku, the company mandated that Activision employees return to the office for three days a week on April 10 this year, while Blizzard workers would be expected to follow suit on July 10. But several developers have spoken out about the ramifications this has had for employment.
«Being loud about it because I've lost yet *another* person this week,» game producer Adam «Glaxigrav» tweeted in April. «Blizzard is losing amazing talent because someone in power doesn't listen to the game directors who make his products.» Adam further stated that «We are creating crisis maps of what we can or cannot ship. THAT is the loss of capacity we're facing.»
Being loud about it because I've lost yet *another* person this week. Blizzard is losing amazing talent because someone in power doesn't listen to the game directors who make his products. DE&I also means diversity of thought, especially when it's backed by data and financials.April 18, 2023
Other Blizzard employees added their own thoughts to Adam's tweet. «Forced RTO has cost us some amazing people and will continue to cost us more in the coming months», wrote senior designer Allison Steele. «It is a terrible, shortsighted, self-destructive policy that is only weakening our ability to deliver the kind of game we want to make.» An example of the effect ABK's policy is having can be found in the replies to Steele's tweet. «I've received a job offer for Blizzard, and the move to Irvine was mandatory…which is a no-go for me» wrote
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