A shared computer password, Joe, linked Michael Morhaime with his future business partner Allen Adham while both were students at the University of California, Los Angeles. This connection led to the 1991 founding of Silicon & Synapse, which would eventually become the industry heavyweight known as Blizzard Entertainment.
Early Interest in Programming
Born in 1967, Morhaime developed an early interest in digital systems through a Bally Professional Arcade console purchased in the sixth grade. By studying internal code in gaming newsletters, he taught himself to write software. During his studies at UCLA, an internship at a San Jose microchip company provided practical experience in circuit design that complemented his electrical engineering degree, which he completed in 1990.
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Upon graduating, Morhaime turned down an offer from Western Digital to start his own firm in Irvine, California, with Adham and fellow alumnus Frank Pearce. The company achieved a breakthrough with the 1995 release of Warcraft II: Tides of Darkness, recognized for introducing reliable internet multiplayer functionality. Under his leadership, the firm launched World of Warcraft in 2004, which scaled to 11 million subscribers by 2010. Morhaime served as president and CEO until his departure in 2018.
Post-Blizzard Ventures
Following a brief advisory period, Morhaime established Dreamhaven in 2020. This new organization operates through two internal studios, Secret Door and Moonshot Games. In 2025, the company launched its inaugural internal projects: Sunderfolk, a cooperative tactical RPG, and Wildgate, a crew-based space shooter.
Public Scrutiny
In 2021, the California Civil Rights Department initiated a lawsuit against Activision Blizzard alleging gender-based discrimination and harassment. While not a defendant in the litigation, Morhaime faced public scrutiny when employees reported his presence at company events where misconduct occurred. He subsequently apologized via social media regarding the workplace environment.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967
- Education: University of California, Los Angeles
- Blizzard Entertainment founded: 1991
- 2008 Technology and Engineering Emmy Award recipient
- 2012 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year
- Dreamhaven founded: 2020
- Spouse: Amy Chen
- Member of Elite Tauren Chieftain
Questions readers ask
What is Michael Morhaime's current role?
He is the founder and CEO of Dreamhaven, which he established in 2020.
Did Morhaime receive professional awards for his gaming work?
Yes, he was inducted into the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences' Hall of Fame and received a Technology and Engineering Emmy Award in 2008.
Achievements
- Technology and Engineering Emmy Award — 2008
- Affiliated with Blizzard Entertainment
- Educated at University of California, Los Angeles and Granada Hills Charter High School
- Worked as entrepreneur, computer scientist and executive producer
