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Another high profile departure is happening at Activision Blizzard, this time Overwatch’s Executive Producer Chacko Sonny. The developer is leaving the company Friday, Polygon (via Bloomberg) has reported, calling working for the company “an absolute privilege.”
The departure of Sonny is yet another high-profile developer to depart Blizzard in recent weeks, though the reason for the Overwatch 2 EP’s departure isn’t given. In a statement to Polygon, Activision Blizzard confirmed the departure of Sonny, stating that the developer is taking “some time off.” The statement doesn’t give a concrete reason as to why Sonny is leaving, however, nor does it address the ongoing legal issues the publishing giant is facing over its workplace culture.
“Chacko Sonny is leaving Blizzard to take some time off after 5 years of service,” the statement given to Polygon reads. It goes on to state that Overwatch 2 is in the “final stages of production,” with more information being shared at the Overwatch League Grand Finals, which takes place on Saturday, September 25th.
Sonny himself didn’t address why he was leaving either in an email to employees, as Bloomberg reports. In the email to employees reviewed by Bloomberg, Sonny states that the time spend working at Blizzard “has been an absolute privilege and one of the best experiences of my career.”
Blizzard has not stated who will be taking the place of Sonny when he departs. This is the second time just this year that the Overwatch franchise has seen the departure of an executive producer, with long-time Blizzard developer Jeff Kaplan leaving earlier this year.
Blizzard has seen multiple high-profile developers leave the company – or be forced out – amidst the ongoing legal battle the publisher is facing. Activision Blizzard is currently being sued by a California agency, alleging a toxic workplace culture, while yesterday it was reported that the SEC was now investigating the company. Multiple developers have been terminated in the wake of the allegations hitting in late July, including former Blizzard president J. Allen Brack, former Diablo IV game director Luis Barriga, and more. Yesterday, Blizzard chief legal officer Claire Hart announced her resignation from the company. Activision Blizzard addressed these investigations in a new press release today, stating that they are working with regulators at the different agencies and are committed to ensuring Activision Blizzard is one of the best places to work in the world.
