A napkin sketch of a dragon secured Chris Metzen a position at Blizzard Entertainment, then known as Chaos Studios. Initially hired as an animator and artist for the game Justice League Task Force, he quickly pivoted to shaping the core narratives and fictional universes that would define the company’s output for over two decades.
Early Development and Warcraft
Metzen’s involvement in game development deepened significantly with the 1994 release of Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, where he handled illustration and documentation. By 1995, with Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, he began crafting the game's scenarios and fantasy lore. This trajectory culminated in his role as creative director for 2002's Warcraft III: Reign of Chaos, where he authored the game's script and concept. Beyond the screen, he expanded the franchise's reach by publishing the novel Of Blood and Honor in 2001.
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In 1996, Metzen collaborated with David Brevik and Bill Roper to build the Diablo universe, contributing both story work and voice acting. He transitioned to science fiction in 1998, serving as lead designer for StarCraft, where he co-authored the script and managed voice casting. Throughout these years, Metzen maintained an active role in voice work, most notably providing the voice for the orc character Thrall across multiple Warcraft titles, including Battle for Azeroth and Shadowlands.
Independent Projects and Later Career
Outside of Blizzard, Metzen wrote a script for the 2005 graphic novel series Soldier: 76. He also partnered with Flint Dille and Livio Ramondelli on a series of Transformers comics for IDW Publishing, including Transformers: Autocracy, Monstrosity, and Primacy. After retiring from Blizzard in September 2016, he pursued other creative outlets, including voicing the Dragon-King Avizandum in The Dragon Prince. He returned to Blizzard as a creative advisor in December 2022 and was named executive creative director of Warcraft in September 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, United States
- First Blizzard Project: Justice League Task Force
- Key Franchises: Warcraft, Diablo, StarCraft
- Notable Voice Role: Thrall
- Retirement: September 2016
- Executive Creative Director, Warcraft: September 2023
- Collaborators: Flint Dille, Livio Ramondelli
- Inspirations: Walt Simonson, Keith Parkinson
Questions readers ask
What was Chris Metzen's first role at Blizzard?
He was hired as an animator and artist, with his first contribution being work on the video game Justice League Task Force.
Is Chris Metzen currently working at Blizzard Entertainment?
Yes, he returned to the company as a creative advisor in December 2022 and became the executive creative director of Warcraft in September 2023.
Achievements
- Affiliated with Blizzard Entertainment
- Worked as comics artist, novelist and writer
