Blizzard Entertainment

What began in 1991 as a shared passion for video games among three UCLA graduates has evolved into one of the most iconic and influential entertainment companies in the world. Founded by Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham, and Frank Pearce, the company initially named Silicon & Synapse, and later Chaos Studios, embarked on a journey that would redefine the gaming landscape. With a humble beginning focused on creating ports of existing games, the trio's ambition quickly shifted towards crafting their own original titles. This pivotal decision led to the birth of Blizzard Entertainment in 1994, a name that would soon become synonymous with epic gaming experiences. The release of 'Warcraft: Orcs & Humans' in the same year marked a turning point, laying the foundation for a universe that would captivate millions for decades to come. This real-time strategy game was just the first step in building a legacy of immersive worlds and compelling narratives.

The late 1990s saw Blizzard solidify its reputation as a powerhouse of innovation with the launch of two more monumental franchises: 'Diablo' and 'StarCraft'. 'Diablo', a dark fantasy action RPG, introduced a generation of gamers to the addictive thrill of loot-hunting and dungeon-crawling. 'StarCraft', a science fiction real-time strategy game, not only became a massive commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon, particularly in South Korea, where it played a pivotal role in the birth of esports. The turn of the millennium brought the release of 'Diablo II', a sequel that expanded upon its predecessor in every way and is still celebrated by fans today. However, it was the 2004 launch of 'World of Warcraft' that catapulted Blizzard into a new stratosphere of success. This massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) created a vibrant, persistent online world that became a second home for millions of players, fostering communities and friendships that transcended the digital realm. The journey continued with the introduction of new beloved franchises like 'Hearthstone', 'Overwatch', and the continued expansion of their existing worlds, cementing Blizzard's legacy as a creator of genre-defining games and legendary entertainment experiences for players across the globe.