Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier stated that Blizzard is facing imminent layoffs, describing the adjustments as "inevitable." However, he denied that BlizzCon 2026's concentrated reveal of multiple games was a response to layoffs, noting that the event's content had been in preparation for some time.
This news emerged one week after the conclusion of BlizzCon 2026 and just days after the launch of the World of Warcraft: Infinite test. Schreier, who previously wrote a book on the company's history based on numerous insider sources at Blizzard, directly addressed questions about Blizzard's current situation on the 8-4 Play podcast.
Projects revealed at this year's BlizzCon include Diablo V, scheduled for release in spring 2029; an open-world shooter set in the StarCraft universe, expected in 2030; World of Warcraft: Infinite, which adopts a direction similar to Classic+; and a new campaign for Warcraft III.
Schreier denied that these announcements were related to layoffs. He stated that Blizzard typically plans BlizzCon content about a year in advance, and the decision to announce the new StarCraft title predated Asha Shirai's appointment. Blizzard President Johanna Faries has significant autonomy in such decisions, and BlizzCon arrangements are not directly determined by Microsoft.
Schreier also explained why Blizzard announced release dates several years apart. Blizzard has historically developed internal plans covering multiple years but did not publicly disclose these timelines. Following repeated delays for Diablo IV and Overwatch 2, which led to cost-cutting measures and other issues, he believes that clarifying dates in advance may be Blizzard's attempt to strengthen project discipline.
According to Schreier, the relevant layoffs began in July, with employees notified in June, while BlizzCon content had already entered the preparation phase before then. Therefore, he does not believe that the upcoming personnel adjustments prompted Blizzard to hastily add game announcements.
Rumors of Blizzard layoffs coincided with reports that Xbox might conduct a second round of layoffs this week. Earlier this year, Microsoft planned to cut 3,200 positions in its gaming division; 1,600 employees left in the first round, with another 1,600 positions slated for subsequent handling. Blizzard was less affected in the initial round, but Schreier believes the company will struggle to avoid layoffs this time.