Blizzard Fires WoW Classic Co-Lead Over Dispute Regarding Employee Evaluation System

A recent controversy surrounding Blizzard's employee evaluation system has led to the termination of a high-ranking manager. Brian Birmingham, co-lead developer of World of Warcraft Classic, announced on Twitter that he is no longer with the company after a dispute over the company's stack ranking system. This system, introduced in 2021, requires managers to rank their team members' performance and assign the lowest rating, 'Developing,' to approximately 5% of their staff. A 'Developing' rating can negatively impact an employee's bonus and hinder their chances of receiving pay raises and promotions. Birmingham expressed his dissatisfaction with this system in an email to staff, stating that he was forced to lower an employee's ranking from 'Successful' to 'Developing' to meet the quota. He argued that this policy fosters competition among employees, sabotage, and a lack of trust and creativity. After refusing to work until the policy was changed, Birmingham was terminated. A Blizzard spokesperson defended the evaluation system, stating that it provides honest feedback and helps underperforming employees improve. However, Birmingham believes that the policy is a decision made by Activision Blizzard, the parent company, rather than Blizzard itself, and hopes to return to the company to fight against it.