Jason Schreier’s Upcoming Book Explores the Rise, Fall, and Prospects of Blizzard Entertainment
Blizzard Entertainment stands as a titan in the video game industry, renowned for crafting iconic franchises such as Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo. Yet, recent years have seen the company embroiled in controversies, from sexual misconduct scandals to tumultuous game launches, leaving a blemish on its once-impeccable reputation. For those eager to delve into the full narrative, veteran games journalist Jason Schreier offers a comprehensive account in his upcoming book, “Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard Entertainment.”
Drawing from interviews with over 300 past and present Blizzard team members spanning the company’s 33-year journey, “Play Nice” chronicles every era, from its humble beginnings in console game development to the zenith of Warcraft, Starcraft, and Diablo’s dominance in the ’90s and 2000s. The narrative extends to pivotal moments like the merger with Activision in 2008 and the recent acquisition by Microsoft, providing a holistic view of Blizzard’s evolution. The title itself nods to one of the company’s foundational principles, “Play Nice; Play Fair,” encapsulating its ethos amidst turbulent times.
Scheduled for release on October 8, “Play Nice” is available for preorder in hardcover format on Amazon for $30. Preordering secures Amazon’s price guarantee, ensuring customers are charged the lowest price available upon shipment. Additionally, a Kindle edition is offered at $15 for those preferring digital format.
Schreier’s distinguished career, spanning outlets like Kotaku and Bloomberg, lends credence to his exploration of Blizzard’s saga. “Play Nice” marks his third foray into the realm of gaming literature, following “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels,” which delved into game development narratives, and “Press Reset,” which spotlighted labor issues in the industry. While both titles offer valuable insights, “Blood, Sweat, and Pixels” is currently part of Amazon’s buy one, get one 50% off promotion, alongside other notable works such as Lost In Cult’s “A Handheld History,” “Ask Iwata” edited by Hobonichi, and “The Game Console 2.0” by Evan Amos, enriching readers’ understanding of gaming history.