Blizzard Is "Proud" Of Mike Ybarra's Leadership After Controversial Comments
Earlier today, several reports and disgruntled employees alluded to a disastrous company-wide Q&A session held by Blizzard head Mike Ybarra. It's claimed that the executive made several comments that didn't land well with employees, including controversial statements on executive bonus pay, return to office plans, and the relocation of remote workers. Several former and current employees have aired their grievances on social media since the meeting, explaing that they're "embarrased" by leadership and were made to feel "extremely unimportant and unsupported."
Blizzard has since confirmed that a Q&A meeting did take place on Thursday, but explained that Ybarra was treating employees "with his usual trust and candor" in a statement to TheGamer received from a Blizzard spokesperson. In a separate statement to Game Developer, Blizzard has also claimed that it is "proud of Mike's leadership in tough moments," something that is unlikely to comfort any employees feeling disheartened by the meeting.
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Blizzard has also clarified some of the comments that Ybarra reportedly made during the meeting, including some of the more controversial. One of these comments was in regard to employees returning to offices, in which Ybarra stated that "if people are not happy here they should ask themselves if they want to be here," which many took as a subtle way of telling disgruntled employees to quit.
Blizzard has now clarified this statement to TheGamer, explaining that Ybarra has also said that he will listen to feedback on the studio's return to office plans, but will balance it with "what’s best for our business and
Read more on thegamer.com
