Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson moves on to other Blizzard project

Diablo 3 director Jay Wilson is leaving his position to work on another project within Blizzard, he announced today.

Calling the development of Diablo 3 "one of the most challenging and rewarding periods of my life," Wilson said that after seven years on the game, he has "reached a point creatively where [he's] looking forward to working on something new." To that end, Wilson will be leaving Diablo 3 and "transitioning elsewhere within Blizzard" over the next several weeks. "This decision was not an easy one for me, and not one I made quickly, but ultimately it's what I feel is right," he said.

Wilson added that his departure from Diablo 3 "will not negatively impact [the studio's] ongoing support" of the game, and that he "won't be abandoning the team" during the transition period while Blizzard figures out who will replace him. According to Wilson, the company won't only be looking internally for a new game director; a job posting may go up in the near future.

Musing on his time as game director and the public face of Diablo 3, Wilson said he would miss the game's community even though the developers have disagreed at times with their fans. "My intent was always to provide a great gaming experience, and be as open and receptive as possible, while still sticking true to the vision the Diablo team has for the game."

"ultimately it's what I feel is right"

Although Wilson is leaving Diablo 3, he promised the community that its input will always be welcome at Blizzard. "With your help, we'll continue to play, debate, and improve Diablo 3, as we've done with every Blizzard game," said Wilson. "I'm leaving Diablo 3 in good hands, and my departure will not jeopardize the progress of the game as we continue to do what we do: listen, play, and improve."

Prior to joining Blizzard in January 2006, Wilson worked at Relic Entertainment. He served as the lead designer of the 2004 real-time strategy game Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War and the design director of the 2006 title Company of Heroes.