Overview
For the Horde. Chris Metzen joined Blizzard as an artist and became the creative soul of their universes. He designed Warcraft’s orcs, wrote StarCraft’s space opera, and shaped Diablo’s gothic horror. His voice became Thrall’s voice. After retiring in 2016 citing burnout, he returned in 2022 as executive creative director—proof that some worlds need their original architect.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973.
- Company: Blizzard Entertainment.
- Roles: Writer, designer, voice actor.
- Voice: Thrall, Varian Wrynn, others.
Universe creation
| Franchise |
Contribution |
| Warcraft |
Core lore, factions |
| StarCraft |
Story, characters |
| Diablo |
World building |
| Overwatch |
Initial concepts |
Writing career
| Title |
Role |
| Warcraft: Orcs & Humans |
Manual lore |
| Warcraft III |
Lead writer |
| World of Warcraft |
Creative director |
| StarCraft II |
Story lead |
Voice acting
| Character |
Franchise |
| Thrall |
Warcraft |
| Varian Wrynn |
Warcraft |
| Bastion |
Overwatch |
| Ragnaros |
Hearthstone |
Visual influence
| Contribution |
Style |
| Early Warcraft art |
Faction design |
| Armour aesthetics |
Chunky, iconic |
| Character silhouettes |
Readable shapes |
| World cohesion |
Visual language |
Retirement and return
| Event |
Year |
| Burnout retirement |
2016 |
| Warchief Gaming |
2020 |
| Blizzard return |
2022 |
| Executive creative director |
Current |
See also