Blizzard Entertainment, once a titan in the video game industry, is set to have its history chronicled in a new book by veteran games journalist Jason Schreier. The book, titled “Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment,” aims to provide an in-depth look at the company’s 33-year-long journey, from its early days creating console games to its more recent controversies.
The studio behind iconic franchises such as Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo has faced a series of challenges in recent years, including sexual misconduct scandals and rocky game launches that have tarnished its once-stellar reputation. Schreier’s book is said to feature interviews with over 300 current and former Blizzard team members, offering a comprehensive account of the company’s ups and downs.
“Play Nice” is slated for release on October 8, and it is already available for preorder. The hardcover edition is priced at $30 on Amazon, with a Kindle edition also available for $15. Preordering the book now guarantees buyers Amazon’s preorder price guarantee, ensuring that they will only be charged the lowest price and won’t have to pay until their order ships.
As a veteran games journalist, Jason Schreier is no stranger to delving into the inner workings of the video game industry. This will be his third book on the subject, following “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels,” which covered the development stories of popular titles, and “Press Reset,” which detailed the working conditions and labor issues prevalent in game development.
In addition to shedding light on Blizzard Entertainment’s history, “Play Nice” aims to offer readers a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the company. Whether it’s the early years creating lesser-known console games, the heyday of Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo, the company’s merger with Activision, or its recent acquisition by Microsoft, the book promises to provide a comprehensive look at the company’s evolution.
In a time when the video game industry is undergoing significant shifts and facing increased scrutiny, “Play Nice” could offer valuable insights into the inner workings of a company that has had a profound impact on the gaming world.
My Opinion:
As a long-time fan of Blizzard’s games, I have been disheartened by the recent controversies surrounding the company. However, I am also eager to gain a deeper understanding of the factors that have led to these challenges and the impact they have had on the company. Jason Schreier’s upcoming book, “Play Nice,” seems like a timely and essential piece of literature that could provide valuable context and insights into Blizzard Entertainment’s history and the video game industry as a whole.
As someone who is deeply interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of game development, I believe that “Play Nice” has the potential to offer a well-rounded and impartial account of Blizzard’s journey, shedding light on both the highs and lows. I am hopeful that this book will contribute to a more informed and nuanced discussion about the challenges faced by game developers and the broader industry landscape.
Overall, I look forward to reading “Play Nice” and hope that it will provide a balanced and enlightening perspective on Blizzard Entertainment’s legacy.