Entertainment · Gaming · 3 hrs ago
Jeff Kaplan says he has avoided Overwatch since leaving Blizzard
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan says he has not played the game since April 2021.
He left Blizzard in 2021 and now runs an independent studio developing the action-survival game The Legend of California.
Kaplan says he avoids Overwatch forums, videos and searches about the game to protect his well-being.
His experience leaving World of Warcraft, which he said had been closely tied to his identity, helped him prepare to step away from Overwatch.
He says the game now belongs to its current developers and players, rather than to him.
Kaplan remains proud of the work he and his former colleagues did on Overwatch, even as he chooses not to follow its development.
He is focused on his new studio and game, and he has not said he plans to return to Overwatch.
Jeff Kaplan says he has not played Overwatch since April 2021, when he left Blizzard.
He said he avoids Overwatch-related subreddits, videos and online searches to maintain distance from the game.
Kaplan described leaving Overwatch as less painful than leaving World of Warcraft, which had been central to his identity.
He said he remains proud of the game and the people at Blizzard who made it.
Kaplan is now working on The Legend of California through his independent studio, Kintsugiyama.
- Who
- Jeff Kaplan, former Overwatch director.
- What
- He says he has avoided playing and engaging with Overwatch since leaving Blizzard.
- When
- He says he last played in April 2021.
- Where
- Not stated
- Why
- He said he maintains distance from the game for his own well-being and to make a healthy separation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Kaplan says he last played Overwatch, with Echo as the last hero added during his time on the game.
Kaplan left Blizzard.
Kaplan founded the independent studio Kintsugiyama and began working on The Legend of California.
- Last played
- April 2021
- Former role
- Overwatch director
- Former employer
- Blizzard
- Studio
- Kintsugiyama
- Current project
- The Legend of California
3 sources
Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan says he hasn’t played or searched for it since leaving Blizzard five years ago
'I Just Sort of Disconnect' — Jeff Kaplan is Avoiding Overwatch at all Costs
Jeff Kaplan Doesn’t Engage With Overwatch After Leaving Blizzard: ‘I’ve Literally Not Played The Game Since April 2021’
What people are saying
I’ve literally not played the game since April 2021.
I don’t, for my own psyche, I don’t read the subreddits.
I sort of just disconnect.
I’m so immensely proud of everything that everybody at Blizzard, not just Team 4, did to make Overwatch a great game.