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Main milestonesMain milestonesPersonal RelationshipsPersonal RelationshipsBlizzard Entertainment Career - The Rise to ProminenceBlizzard Entertainment Career - The Rise to ProminenceEarly Life and InfluencesEarly Life and InfluencesWorld of Warcraft Era - A Defining LegacyWorld of Warcraft Era - A Defining LegacyRetirement and Personal LifeRetirement and Personal LifeCreative Roles and ContributionsCreative Roles and ContributionsReturn to BlizzardReturn to Blizzard
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Chris Metzen - American game designer, voice actor, author and artist

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03.04.25
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Overview

This timeline charts the life and career of Chris Metzen, a pivotal figure in the world of video game development. From his early artistic inclinations to his monumental contributions at Blizzard Entertainment, this document highlights key events and periods that shaped him into the acclaimed game designer, artist, voice actor, and author he is today. His visionary world-building and compelling narratives have left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape, influencing countless players and developers alike.
Main Milestones
Birth
November 22, 1973
Christopher Vincent Metzen is born in the United States. His early life fosters a love for art, fantasy, and science fiction, laying the foundation for his future career in creating immersive and engaging fictional worlds. He shows artistic inclination and love of stories from an early age.
Early Career at Blizzard Entertainment
Early 1990s
Metzen joins Blizzard Entertainment (then known as Silicon & Synapse) initially as an artist and animator. He quickly demonstrates his aptitude for game design and storytelling, contributing to titles like "Justice League Task Force" and "Blackthorne". This period marks his entry into the professional game development world and the beginning of his long and influential tenure at Blizzard.
Warcraft: Orcs & Humans - A World is Born
1994
Metzen plays a crucial role in the development of "Warcraft: Orcs & Humans", contributing to the game's art, manual, and narrative. This game marked the beginning of the Warcraft universe, which would become a cornerstone of Blizzard's success and Metzen's legacy. His early involvement in shaping Azeroth demonstrated his storytelling potential and his ability to craft memorable characters and conflicts.
Diablo - Darkness Rises
1996
Metzen contributes significantly to the lore and world-building of "Diablo", establishing the dark and gothic setting of Sanctuary. His involvement in shaping the narrative and characters of this franchise cements his reputation as a versatile storyteller capable of creating both epic fantasy and grim horror environments.
StarCraft - A New Era of Sci-Fi
1998
Metzen serves as a key creative force behind "StarCraft", developing its rich sci-fi universe, races (Terran, Zerg, and Protoss), and overarching narrative. His work on StarCraft solidified his status as a world-class game designer and storyteller. The game's compelling story and immersive universe resonated with players worldwide, establishing StarCraft as a defining title in the real-time strategy genre.
Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos - Expanding the Lore
2002
Metzen takes on a more prominent role in "Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos", further developing the Warcraft universe's complex narrative and characters. His work on this title significantly expanded the lore of Azeroth and set the stage for the massively multiplayer online role-playing game, World of Warcraft.
World of Warcraft - An Enduring Legacy
2004 - 2016
As Senior Vice President of Story and Franchise Development at Blizzard, Metzen oversees the ongoing development and expansion of the Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft universes, particularly focusing on "World of Warcraft". He directs the game's overall narrative direction, contributes to character development, and voices iconic characters like Thrall. This period represents the pinnacle of his influence at Blizzard, shaping the experiences of millions of players worldwide.
Retirement from Blizzard
September 12, 2016
Metzen announces his retirement from Blizzard Entertainment, citing a desire to spend more time with his family. His departure marks the end of an era for Blizzard, leaving a void in the company's creative leadership.
Warchief Gaming and Authoring
2018
Metzen co-founds Warchief Gaming with Mike Gilmartin and Ryan Collins, focusing on tabletop game design. He also begins his professional authoring career with a fantasy novel set in a new world.
Return to Blizzard
2022
Metzen rejoins Blizzard Entertainment as a creative advisor, signaling a return to the company where he made his name. This move rekindles excitement among fans who eagerly anticipate his future contributions to Blizzard's iconic franchises.
Executive Creative Director
2023 - Present
Metzen is promoted to Executive Creative Director for the Warcraft franchise. He is currently overseeing the creative direction and development of future Warcraft products.

Other Themed Timelines

Blizzard Entertainment Career - The Rise to ProminenceBlizzard Entertainment Career - The Rise to ProminenceCreative Roles and ContributionsCreative Roles and ContributionsEarly Life and InfluencesEarly Life and InfluencesPersonal RelationshipsPersonal RelationshipsRetirement and Personal LifeRetirement and Personal LifeReturn to BlizzardReturn to BlizzardWorld of Warcraft Era - A Defining LegacyWorld of Warcraft Era - A Defining Legacy