Blizzard declares new survival recreation whereas nonetheless reeling from a number of controversies

Every week after the information Microsoft will purchase Activision Blizzard, and amidst information of alleged union-busting, labor strikes, unionization and the persevering with investigation of allegations of discrimination and abuse, Blizzard has introduced it’s engaged on a brand new IP.

The new recreation is the primary new universe from Blizzard since Overwatch in 2016; it’s additionally the studio’s first survival recreation. While it’s pretty widespread to announce video games early to recruit new expertise — Respawn Entertainment’s announcement of its new Star Wars recreation contained job listings — Blizzard is going through a very difficult time with regards to hiring. Talent acquisition and retention have been tough for the developer inflicting recreation delays as workers depart the developer on the coronary heart of Activision Blizzard’s authorized troubles for extra aggressive jobs elsewhere.

While bulletins like these are scheduled and made upfront, and there’s no actual solution to discern if the timing is deliberate or coincidental, the announcement of this new IP does resemble the choice to announce Overwatch 2 shortly after Blizzard drew sharp criticisms for banning after which unbanning a participant who publicly supported Hong Kong throughout a Hearthstone occasion.

In the game announcement on Blizzard’s web site, the studio says this new IP might be for PC and console. With Activision Blizzard’s sale to Microsoft pending, no phrase but on if “console” contains PlayStation or is Xbox-only.