Jeff Kaplan Hasn't Played Overwatch Since Leaving Blizzard

Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan has revealed that he has not played the game or followed its development since leaving Blizzard Entertainment in April 2021.

In a recent interview with GameSpot, Kaplan explained that he deliberately distanced himself from Overwatch after nearly two decades at Blizzard.

The developer described his departure as an almost clinical separation, explaining that his earlier experience leaving the World of Warcraft team in 2008 helped him prepare for the emotional impact.

“I've literally not played the game since April 2021,” Kaplan said.

He explained that he no longer reads Overwatch discussions on Reddit, watches related YouTube videos, or searches for news about the game.

Kaplan even avoids recommendations connecting him to Overwatch, telling online algorithms that he is no longer interested in content about the franchise.

His last personal memory of the game's development dates back to when Echo was the newest playable hero.

Despite maintaining this distance, Kaplan remains proud of his work at Blizzard. He recalled Overwatch's announcement at BlizzCon 2014 as one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Kaplan also emphasized that Overwatch now belongs to the developers and players continuing its journey, rather than the people who originally created it.

The former Blizzard director is currently developing The Legend of California, an open-world online game set in an alternative version of California during the Gold Rush era.

His comments suggest that leaving Overwatch behind was a personal decision to focus on the future rather than a rejection of the game's legacy.