I Aspire to Join the Next Diablo Game

Fifteen years ago, Conan O’Brien, the well-known late-night TV host, ventured into the gaming world. He shared that he often plays video games with his friend Bill Hader. Recently, O’Brien appeared at the SXSW festival alongside Johanna Faries, the president of Blizzard Entertainment.

During their discussion, Faries did not reveal any specific plans for Blizzard’s upcoming games. However, both she and O’Brien acknowledged the strong enthusiasm of gamers and emphasized the importance of listening to this devoted community. They noted how the entertainment industry is increasingly recognizing the significance of video gaming, treating it with the seriousness it deserves.

Reflecting on his journey in show business, O’Brien remarked on a shift in focus over the years. Earlier in his career, he aimed to reach as wide an audience as possible, often in a superficial manner. Now, he finds value in connecting with a smaller group of engaged fans. According to O’Brien, the current landscape is less about appealing to a mass audience and more about creating meaningful interactions with dedicated viewers.

When discussing his connection with gamers, O’Brien expressed that engaging with fans feels like being part of a unique community. He recounted a memorable experience in South Korea, where he noticed the excitement of young fans. He learned that much of their enthusiasm was sparked through online gaming videos. This experience reinforced his belief in the importance of connectivity among people, suggesting that video games create special avenues for shared experiences.

During the talk, O’Brien humorously mentioned that he often creates avatars in games, transforming into characters like wizards or demons. He playfully posed the question to fellow gamers, “What do you think of Conan O’Brien?” He expressed interest in appearing in the popular game franchise, Diablo, as a demon or necromancer, joking that his wife initially thought he resembled a necromancer.

Faries responded positively, indicating that they could explore this idea together. She acknowledged that the viewership numbers for online gaming rival those of major events like the Super Bowl, especially in terms of global interactivity. This level of engagement has attracted attention from various leaders within the entertainment industry, leading to a newfound respect for gaming that had previously been overlooked or misunderstood.

She also expressed her appreciation for Microsoft, Blizzard’s new parent company, emphasizing the collaborative relationship they share. Faries noted that having a partner like Microsoft allows them to focus on their creativity without undue restrictions, which she described as an essential aspect of their work. This partnership enables Blizzard to maintain its identity while thriving within a supportive environment, which she finds particularly gratifying.