Welp, ‘Bout Time to Hit the Ol’ Dusty Trail

I could pretty easily write a few thousand words right now, but I did my best to keep this brief.

I began working at Blizzard way back in October of 2003, and every day of my experience here has been shared with you, the players, and content creators, artists, bloggers, AddOn authors, podcasters, streamers, forum trolls, and— man, anyone remember the old Off-Topic forum back in the day? That place was just absolutely cuckoo bananas.

Anyway, Blizzard—and the community that surrounds it—has defined almost my entire adult life, and I am just so absolutely grateful to all of my friends here for having such an incredible and positive impact on who I am, and who I am yet to become. I don’t think I’ve had to make any decisions as difficult as the one to leave Blizzard, but a new opportunity has come my way, and I’ve decided to take it.

While I think it’s all still sinking in, the other day I realized I actually get to be surprised by Blizzard announcements and releases again. Which, as a lifelong fan and rabid gamer it makes me giddy thinking about being able to sit in the audience at BlizzCon, watching a stream, or reading the newest blog posts, and seeing whatever’s in store next—for the first time.

I’m looking forward to what’s next, and wishing you a life of joy, insatiable curiosity, and happy gaming.

Definitely thankful,
Bashiok

9-years working together and it comes down to one last day. It's been a blast and I've enjoyed learning from you, your insights, humor, irreverence, and endless poise. We'll make sure to keep a light on here for you and wish you nothing but the absolute best.

You will be greatly missed by us all!

It's been a journey joining Blizzard and I want to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart for being one of the many inspirations that lead me here. You helped pave the way for the incredible community teams we have not only for World of Warcraft, but all our games.

Thank you for the smiles, the laughs, the pun-induced groans, and the friendly, positive environment you're leaving behind in both our community and the office. Most importantly, we won't accept you being a stranger, so you better drop by once in a while or there will be burning hells to pay!

Best wishes and safe travels, friend.

Thank you for being a huge inspirational force, you will be greatly missed.

Happy trails, man! We'll miss your lighthearted banter and witty remarks - not to mention your Award-Winning Smile (TM). Wishing you all the best in the future! :)

07/31/2015 09:11 AMPosted by Dumprings

With Bashiok leaving.. I gotta ask.. Where is Bornakk? Did he also leave?

He works behind the scenes still. Mostly by hovering over our desks making sure things get done along with doing a lot of internal coordination.

To say that my day is off to a somber start wouldn't be too far from the truth. In context, you've long been my tank, my healer, and my DPS. You've encouraged me in my work and my career, you've provided me with guidance and many laughs (which I'll likely miss the most) while being an advocate for my success, and you've helped keep things in perspective while tackling a lot of hectic projects.

On a personal level, you've been a friend, mentor, traveling companion, frequent giver of joy and goofy faces, facial hair model, purveyor of candy, and a damn good cube-neighbor... despite all the times I purposely invaded your space. My fondest memories of our time together have to be PAX East in 2012, and that one time we all went out for karaoke and there wasn't a dry eye in the house. Because you were ridiculously hilarious on stage.

You've paved the way for us to keep going, but I can't help but feel there will be a little empty spot in the office with you gone. It won't be the same, but thanks to your help and example, we'll be alright. We'll all miss you--I'll miss you, and I can't thank you enough for all you've done for me over the years.

Thanks for all the laughs and fun over the years. If you ever need change for the vending machine, let me know.

Your legacy will never be uprooted.

Thank you for the years of hard work. <3

Respect. Bash: I'm playing the 'You're the best' song from The Karate Kid on repeat in my mind, in your honor. May you always sweep the leg, wherever the journey takes you. <3

I certainly wish you the best in your adventures, and I have a hard time imagining this place without you. To say that you've been integral to this team is an understatement, and today marks the day we lose a voice that has helped pioneer our community. Be sure to stop by and say hello every once in a while. Until then, shine on you crazy diamond.

I wish you all the best, my friend! Thank you for all the fond memories, all the advice you gave when I was just a wee mana shard, and of course the candy. I aspire to be such an impact on the community as you have been.

Much <3

Micah,

Dunno if you knew, but you were actually the first Blizzard employee I ever met in-person. It was BlizzCon 2009, in the lobby at the Marriott. You had a goatee. It was weird.

It's going to be weird not having you here. It's already weird having this big empty space next to my desk where all your various geek memorabilia used to sit. At least there's some candy still? I dunno. It's going to take some time to adjust.

When I packed up my stuff and moved across the country to start working here, you were extremely supportive and helpful as I adjusted; driving me around, showing me the area, introducing me to the magical brothy beauty of Pho... I honestly don't know how I would have managed without you.

No one can deny that you've been a powerful force of good for the World of Warcraft community. The game, and Blizzard itself, are better off for all you've done here. Wherever you go next is very lucky to have you.

Good luck out there. Stay in touch.

Thank you for your passion for our games, the community, and the people here at Blizzard, as well as your perpetually questionable humor, your deep-rooted honesty, and your constant zest to push the limits.

I wish you only the best to you on your future endeavors, and don't be a stranger. :)

You stayed awhile. You listened. You were my teacher, my friend.

And for that, I will always be thankful. :)

I will just repeat my reaction....

NOoooooooooooooooooooo. Don’t leave... :'(

Thank you for all the help and inspiration, you will be missed... -Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Micah,

In all the years we've worked together, I can easily say this is the one forum post I hoped I'd never have to write. I even meant to pre-write it earlier this week so I could really take the time to say everything I want to say; but a part of me felt like, if I didn't write the post, maybe this whole situation with you leaving wouldn't actually be real. And yet, here we are.

We've been friends a pretty long time now, dating back some years before either of us were coworkers. I remember hanging out with you shortly after you started working in Tech Support at Blizzard and being so intrigued by what you were doing for a living. Not long after I got the job as a Game Master, you and Eyonix were the ones who made me realize I wanted to be a Community Manager. And your encouragement and support helped me greatly to finally land the gig, after being passed up more than once.

Since then you've become my best friend. And our relationship has become so inextricably linked to the fact that we're coworkers -- all the work we've done together, and all the company events and video game conventions we've attended -- that truly uncharted territory is ahead. But, you've also always been there for me during times of strife in my life and I can't express enough how much I appreciate you being a true friend...

Okay, I just need to stop. You're still alive and well, and we've already talked about making every effort to stay in touch and continue hanging out like we have been for years. Plus, now we don't have to worry about work stuff -- and, bonus, you don't have to be my boss anymore, short-lived though that arrangement has been. ;)

Change like this is just hard.

I love you like a brother and wish you all the best in taking over for Jon Stewart as host of The Daily Show. What an amazing opportunity!

Your Best-Good Friend,
Jonathan

Micah,

You're one of my very favorite people, and it's been a privilege to count you among my colleagues and friends.

This isn't really goodbye, so I'll buy you a beer sometime.

- Nik

The responses in this thread are a testament to your greatness as not only a community manager but as a person. We'll miss you dearly around the office, so be sure to stop by and say hello every opportunity you get!

Best of luck in your upcoming adventures, Micah.