The president of Blizzard Entertainment, Mike Ybarra, is departing the firm.

The industry vet announced the news on Twitter in a post where the exec expressed his gratitude to the staff he once presided over at the World of Warcraft maker. Ybarra said that he would be trying to help out workers affected by the massive layoffs at Microsoft's games division.

Ybarra joined Blizzard in 2019 as EVP and GM of platform and technology before being promoted to co-head in August 2021. He was working alongside Jen Oneal, who departed the company a few months later after it emerged that she was being paid less than Ybarra despite holding the same position.

"I want to thank everyone who is impacted today for their meaningful contributions to their teams, to Blizzard, and to players’ lives," he wrote.

"It’s an incredibly hard day and my energy and support will be focused on all those amazing individuals impacted – this is in no way a reflection on your amazing work.

"To the Blizzard community: I also want to let you all know today is my last day at Blizzard. Leading Blizzard through an incredible time and being part of the team, shaping it for the future ahead, was an absolute honour. Having already spent 20+ years at Microsoft and with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard behind us, it’s time for me to (once again) become Blizzard’s biggest fan from the outside.

"To the incredible teams at Blizzard - thank you. Words can’t express how I feel about all of you. You are amazing. Continue to do incredible things and always keep Blizzard blue and the player at the forefront of every decision.

"To all of those impacted today - I am always available to you and understand how challenging today’s news is. My heart is with each one of you."