Overwatch GM Walter Kong steps up as SVP head of development, live games/mobile

Blizzard’s Walter Kong has been promoted to SVP, head of development, live games/mobile.

Announcing the news on LinkedIn, Kong – who joined Blizzard in 2011 and has most recently worked as general manager of Overwatch for almost four years – said he was “honored and grateful” for the opportunities presented to him over the years.

Despite the promotion, Kong says he will remain leading Overwatch’s “overall strategy” but will be expanding that remit to encompass Hearthstone, Diablo Immortal, and Warcraft Rumble, too.

“When I first walked onto the Blizzard campus as an employee in August 2011, I felt awestruck for most of my first day. It was hard to believe that I had a job working for Blizzard!” he wrote. “Even after fourteen years, I still have to occasionally pinch myself. I’m honored and grateful that I’ve been presented opportunities over those years to collaborate with talented colleagues and to make impact at a company I so love and admire.

“Today, I’m happy to share that I’m stepping into a new position at Blizzard as SVP, head of development, live games/mobile. While I’ll still be leading the overall strategy for the Overwatch franchise, I’m also excited to be taking on Hearthstone, Diablo Immortal, and Warcraft Rumble. I am greatly looking forward to working with these talented teams across a wide range of initiatives, existing and new.

“Additionally, I’m committed to fostering an environment of continuous learning, collaboration, and growth for all of our team members.”

Former Diablo boss Rod Fergusson recently exited Blizzard to take on the beleaguered development of Cloud Chamber’s upcoming Bioshock sequel.