Blizzard loses global esports director amid ’low morale’ claims

Kim Phan has left her role as Activision Blizzard’s global esports director, reportedly amid low morale at the company.

In a TeamLiquid.net forum post, Phan said she had moved on after 13 years at the company in order to pursue new opportunities in the games industry.

Phan joined Blizzard in 2008 in a development role focused on online technologies like Battle.net, then moved into business intelligence to work on security measures for the company, before joining Blizzard’s esports unit.

“What a complete honor and privilege it has been to serve this amazing community,” she wrote. “I will always remember the moments we created together, the blood, sweat, and tears we all poured in, and the late night hours we spent cheering on our favorite teams and players.”

“Going forward,” she added, “I will be pursuing a new endeavor within the gaming industry. My last day with Blizzard was Friday, June 14th. As I hang up my sword and shield, I look forward to a bright future and wish all my Blizzard friends and family the very best.”

Phan’s departure comes hot on the heels of former Overwatch League commissioner Nate Nanzer leaving Activision Blizzard to oversee Fortnite esports at Epic Games.

His role was filled by Activision Blizzard esports president and CEO Pete Vlastelica, the former Fox Sports executive VP who also oversees the Call of Duty World League and other Blizzard esports programmes.

At the start of June, sources informed Dexerto that “several high profile and experienced staff” were due to leave Activision Blizzard in the following weeks, including Phan.

“People are really getting tired of working for Pete Vlastelica,” one source claimed. “The focus has become commercializing the esports titles instead of making good programs for the community. Many people internally are laying that on Pete, and it has crushed morale among the Call of Duty and Overwatch teams especially.”