Irvine, California — Blizzard Entertainment has decided to halt the development of new content for its free-to-play mobile game, Warcraft Rumble, and shift its focus towards regular in-game events and bug fixes. This shift occurs amid significant changes within Microsoft, Blizzard’s parent company, as it prepares to lay off approximately 9,000 employees globally.
While Blizzard has not specified the reasons behind this decision, it is evident that Warcraft Rumble has not met the studio’s ambitions. The game has reportedly struggled to gain traction in a competitive market, prompting Blizzard to explore various strategies to enhance its performance in recent years. Despite some initial progress, the efforts were insufficient to create a sustainable future for the title.
Initially announced in 2019 as Warcraft Arclight Rumble, the game aimed to bring the beloved Warcraft franchise to mobile devices, akin to the success of Hearthstone. Warcraft Rumble incorporates gameplay reminiscent of Clash Royale, allowing players to engage in both player-versus-player and single-player challenges by strategically deploying miniature armies.
Sources indicate that the decision to wind down Warcraft Rumble is a direct consequence of the broader layoffs at Microsoft, affecting Blizzard’s operations. In a recent email to staff, Blizzard president Johanna Fairlees mentioned that while some team members will find new roles within the studio, others will face job losses. The official statement from Blizzard acknowledged the challenges but did not elaborate on specific layoffs, instead highlighting a commitment to supporting employees.
Currently, Warcraft Rumble will continue to operate, albeit with a reduced scope. However, the restructuring at Microsoft has had broader implications for its game development studios, leading to the cancellation of several anticipated titles, including Everwild and Perfect Dark.
The ongoing shakeup has also affected key personnel in the gaming industry, with Greg Mayles, known for his work on Donkey Kong Country and Sea of Thieves, departing from Rare. Additionally, ZeniMax Online Studios confirmed that director Matt Firor will leave following the cancellation of the studio’s upcoming MMO project.
As Blizzard navigates these transitions, the future of Warcraft Rumble remains uncertain, and the studio must now navigate both internal changes and external competition in the mobile gaming landscape.