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Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future Of Blizzard Entertainment Hardcover – October 8, 2024

by Jason Schreier (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,096 ratings
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A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER AND AN NPR BEST BOOK OF 2024

From a New York Times bestselling author and investigative journalist comes The Social Network for the video game industry, a riveting examination of Blizzard Entertainment's rise and shocking downfall.

For video game fans, the name Blizzard Entertainment was once synonymous with perfection. The renowned company behind classics like Diablo and World of Warcraft was known to celebrate the joy of gaming over all else. What was once two UCLA students' simple mission — to make games they wanted to play — launched an empire with thousands of employees, millions of fans, and billions of dollars.  

But when Blizzard cancelled a buzzy project in 2013, it gave Bobby Kotick, the infamous CEO of corporate parent Activision, the excuse he needed to start cracking down on Blizzard's proud autonomy. Activision began invading Blizzard from the inside. Glitchy products, PR disasters, mass layoffs, and a staggering lawsuit marred the company's reputation and led to its ultimate reckoning.

Based on firsthand interviews with more than 300 current and former employees, Play Nice chronicles the creativity, frustration, beauty, and betrayal across the epic 33-year saga of Blizzard Entertainment, showing us what it really means to "bleed Blizzard blue." Full of colorful personalities and dramatic twists, this is the story of what happens when the ruthless pursuit of profit meets artistic idealism. 
 
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  1. Print length
    384 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Grand Central Publishing
  4. Publication date
    October 8, 2024
  5. Dimensions
    6.4 x 1.25 x 9.3 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1538725428
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1538725429
  8. See all details
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  1. In other words, Warcraft II had to be easy to learn, yet difficult to master.
    Highlighted by 97 Kindle readers
  2. The downside to keeping the suits out of the company was that sometimes the suits knew what they were doing.
    Highlighted by 94 Kindle readers
  3. Adham decided that anyone who didn’t play games wasn’t welcome at Silicon & Synapse. Prospective employees would be asked their favorite video games, then quizzed extensively to gauge their depth of knowledge.
    Highlighted by 81 Kindle readers
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From the Publisher

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of Schreier’s great strengths is that he can control a crowd. He brilliantly maintains many different threads — corporate, personal, artistic — while giving so many coders, designers and money-minded executives their due, all without putting too much strain on his book’s momentum.” ―New York Times Book Review

"Flush with ‘Succession’-style drama."―Wall Street Journal Book Review

“A deft examination of a gaming titan, Play Nice isn’t just thoroughly reported – it’s also a great yarn. . . It’s the story of a company that went from beloved boutique to industry pariah – but it’s also deeply human. Schreier never loses sight of the people who built Blizzard and battled for its soul.”―NPR, Books We Love 2024

"As it turns out, the turbulent history of game developer Blizzard Entertainment is just as absorbing as any of the AAA titles it has produced. . . Jason Schreier takes the reader through three decades of incredible highs and appalling lows that let you in on what was going on behind the scenes while gamers were voraciously consuming blockbusters like StarCraft, Diablo, and World Of Warcraft."―AV Club

“Here’s a thrilling adventure story from the untamed, online wilderness of modern capitalism. Think Barbarians at the Gate, but with digital dragons and blood-thirsty trolls. Gaming is now a more powerful and influential business than Hollywood, and Jason Schreier has delivered a masterful narrative that shows how the industry really works.”―Christopher Leonard, New York Times bestselling author of Kochland and The Lords of Easy Money

“A fast paced thrill ride, perfect for anyone who has ever played a video game. Jason Schreier’s comprehensive history of Blizzard Entertainment offers a completely enthralling look at the company’s founding and the bitter battle for its future. A must read!”―Ben Mezrich, New York Times bestselling author of The Accidental Billionaires, Dumb Money, and The Midnight Ride.

"Jason Schreier's Play Nice is a riveting chronicle of one of gaming's most iconic companies. With gripping detail and unmatched access, Schreier pulls back the curtain on Blizzard Entertainment's meteoric rise, turbulent history, and struggle to balance uncompromising creativity with corporate America's unyielding pursuit of profit. Play Nice is a must-read exposé of the passion, ambition and dysfunction behind some of the most beloved games of all time."

―Bradley Hope, co-author of the New York Times bestseller Billion Dollar Whale

"Jason Schreier's PLAY NICE is a gripping narrative not just of a single influential company but the evolution of the entire video game industry, changing from a niche pursuit to one of the largest cultural products in the world. This is vital reading for anyone hoping to understand the state of entertainment in the 21st century. Video games are an unavoidable force; PLAY NICE breaks down the genre as well as the personalities behind it."―Kyle Chayka, author Filterworld

“Schreier cleverly incorporates commentary from original Silicon & Synapse programmers, tech experts, executives, game programmers, and Blizzard employees themselves to create a well-rounded image of the company as well as the grave mistakes costing the company its reputation… A thorough, well-researched report on the evolution of Blizzard Entertainment.”―Kirkus Reviews

“A vivid portrait of [Blizzard's] decline… Animated by thorough reporting, this deep dive into the gaming industry’s dark side unsettles.”―Publishers Weekly

"Play Nice is the ultimate insider account of the creation of some of the most beloved games ever, and a colorful portrait of the computer-game gold rush. Who knew that behind the scenes of Warcraft and Overwatch was a story of power plays, betrayals, and quests for glory as epic as the games themselves?"―Zeke Faux, author of Number Go Up

"To a lot of people, Blizzard is the most important video game company whose mascot isn't an Italian plumber. As one of those people, I found myself sucked into to Play Nice, Jason Schreier's compulsively readable deep dive into the studio behind WarCraft, Diablo, and Overwatch. At once a warts-and-all page turner about the making of some of the biggest video games of all time, a parable about how corporate greed corrupts even the most beloved cultural institutions, and a labor story about the inequities of a booming gaming industry, Play Nice is both satisfying and illuminating. I'd wondered over the years why there wasn't a big book about the history of Blizzard. Well: Job's done."―Brian Merchant, bestselling author of Blood in the Machine

 “Jason Schreier’s outstandingly researched book warps us to video gaming’s earliest years –– a world of multi-million-dollar lawsuits, business deals finalised with a handshake and a snarl, at a time when game designers could become as famous as rock stars –– and reveals how an industry titan was born. With a cast of vivid characters –– some of whom are unforgettable for all the wrong reasons –– Play Nice is a work of historical importance that also manages to be irresistibly entertaining.”―Simon Parkin, award-winning author of The Island of Extraordinary Captives

"Jason Schreier is the closest thing video games have to David Grann. Fearless, intrepid, and always fair-minded, Schreier gets at stories no one else can. He makes clear that the history of Blizzard is a microcosm of a larger, uglier story: the clash between shareholder capitalism and creativity, the unseemly corporate toleration of bad behavior, and the exploitation of workers who in many cases sacrifice their youth to make wealthy people even wealthier. This is riveting, essential reading for anyone who cares about how art is made in the twenty-first century." ―Tom Bissell, author of Extra Lives

PRAISE FOR JASON SCHREIER

"Schreier writes lucidly and entertainingly. For neophytes, PRESS RESET is a useful introduction to the business of videogames. For those who play… the book may prove compulsively readable."

 ―Wall Street Journal on PRESS RESET

"A must-read... Schreier's reporting is unparalleled."―Forbes on PRESS RESET

“Schreier covers the notoriously secretive gaming industry… and he knows it well… He also clearly respects [the] developers and their achievements, and treats their rueful tales of selfless struggle with an admiring deference…a useful survey of the landscape of game production at this cultural moment.”―GQ on BLOOD, SWEAT, AND PIXELS

About the Author

Jason Schreier is the New York Times bestselling author of Press Reset and Blood, Sweat, and Pixels and a reporter at Bloomberg News, where he covers the video game industry. He lives in Westchester, New York with his wife and two children.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (October 8, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1538725428
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1538725429
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.4 x 1.25 x 9.3 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,096 ratings

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Jason Schreier

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,096 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They appreciate the fascinating insights and realistic analysis into Blizzard's history. The pacing is described as smooth and the narratives interesting. Many find the study of talent, creativity, and the history of this influential video game company interesting. However, some readers feel the writing style can be difficult to follow at times and lacks organization.

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ReadabilityInsightPacingInterestLookWriting style
17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book an easy and quick read. They say the chapters read like internet news articles. The book is described as funny and sad, with humor and troubling moments.

"A good book, nicely written, well researched and most of all truly entertaining...." Read more

"Positive: "Play Nice" by Jason Schreier is a fun, eye-opening dive into the highs and lows of Blizzard Entertainment...." Read more

"This was a great read! I was hooked after the sample and it delivered all the way...." Read more

"...plenty of scoops and gossip that keep the pages turning, plus some hilarious (as well as troubling) anecdotes about the company’s culture...." Read more

11 customers mention "Insight"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book provides fascinating and realistic insights into Blizzard's early employees. They find it informative and enjoyable, with a balanced approach that avoids oversimplified blame. The book offers incredible detail and insight on the rise and fall of Blizzard.

"...enthusiast, it’s a fascinating look behind the curtain that also feels relatable for anyone who's had their passion collide with corporate..." Read more

"...Schreier provides fascinating insights into the antics of Blizzard’s early employees, showcasing their outlandish attitudes, relentless work ethic,..." Read more

"...to the company as well as for the industry overall, the reader gets a fine perspective for how Blizzard rose to prominence despite its rocky..." Read more

"...The book was well written and gave alot of insight on the behind the scenes of video game production. As well as the dark corners of the industry" Read more

9 customers mention "Pacing"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing and narratives. They find the insider stories interesting and the video game anecdotes enjoyable. The author keeps themes, timelines, and people relevant throughout the story.

"...It's filled with juicy insider stories that give you a sense of what it’s really like to work at a powerhouse game studio...." Read more

"...pain being sewn at the beginning, and the author kept the themes, timelines, and people relevant at all times...." Read more

"...There are some interesting tidbits in there, but probably not worth an entire book to find them...." Read more

"...The biggest takeaways are probably the interesting narratives around some of the bigger players in Blizzard...." Read more

8 customers mention "Interest"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book interesting and well-researched. They appreciate learning about the history of Blizzard from its founding as a two-man company to its current state. The book provides an insightful look into the company's work culture and history.

"...Also very enlightening about everything they went on behind the doors of one of the most beloved but at the same time hated companies in the world...." Read more

"...But honestly, these are minor gripes in what’s otherwise a great read about the complex, often messy reality of making games." Read more

"...Following history specific to the company as well as for the industry overall, the reader gets a fine perspective for how Blizzard rose to..." Read more

"The book has some interesting details about Blizzard and its work culture and history -- however, 80%-90% of it is probably general knowledge already..." Read more

3 customers mention "Look"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's appearance. They find it an enjoyable read and a fantastic look at the phenomenon.

"...For any gamer or industry enthusiast, it’s a fascinating look behind the curtain that also feels relatable for anyone who's had their passion..." Read more

"...It's an enjoyable read, and a fantastic look at the phenomenon I call Corporate Necrosis...." Read more

"Fascinating inside look..." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing style"6 positive4 negative

Customers have different views on the writing style. Some find it well-written and easy to read, while others mention issues with flow and organization. The book gets repetitive and hard to decompose technical aspects into game design.

"A good book, nicely written, well researched and most of all truly entertaining...." Read more

"...Negative: On the downside, the book sometimes gets a bit repetitive...." Read more

"...The book was well written and gave alot of insight on the behind the scenes of video game production. As well as the dark corners of the industry" Read more

"...It is hard to decompose every technical aspect that goes into game design, profitability/finance, and engagement...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Manzanillas
    5.0 out of 5 stars a good recount and walk down memory lane
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    A good book, nicely written, well researched and most of all truly entertaining. Also very enlightening about everything they went on behind the doors of one of the most beloved but at the same time hated companies in the world. Truly recommended reading if you are a gamer and specially if this happened during your time. Must buy and must read.
    Helpful
     Report
  • Exterminator
    4.0 out of 5 stars "Inside Blizzard: The Creativity, Crunch, and Corporate Clash in Play Nice”
    Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Positive:
    "Play Nice" by Jason Schreier is a fun, eye-opening dive into the highs and lows of Blizzard Entertainment. Schreier does a fantastic job unpacking the tension between Blizzard's creative magic and the corporate pressures that started to shift the company’s culture, especially after its merger with Activision. It's filled with juicy insider stories that give you a sense of what it’s really like to work at a powerhouse game studio. For any gamer or industry enthusiast, it’s a fascinating look behind the curtain that also feels relatable for anyone who's had their passion collide with corporate demands.

    Negative:
    On the downside, the book sometimes gets a bit repetitive. Schreier really drills in on the company's struggles with work-life balance and workplace culture, which are important but can feel like they’re hitting the same notes over and over. And while the insider jargon adds authenticity, it can be a little hard to keep up if you’re not already familiar with game dev lingo. But honestly, these are minor gripes in what’s otherwise a great read about the complex, often messy reality of making games.
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • SM
    5.0 out of 5 stars Meaningful Bio
    Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This was a great read! I was hooked after the sample and it delivered all the way. You could feel the different threads of controversy and pain being sewn at the beginning, and the author kept the themes, timelines, and people relevant at all times.

    The footnotes kept getting more and more insightful. I think adding a visual timeline of big corp changes like departures, releases, and acquisitions as a reference would have been helpful.

    It is hard to decompose every technical aspect that goes into game design, profitability/finance, and engagement. Readers shouldn’t expect to get into the nitty gritty of old Blizzard engines or the computational metrics of game design. It is more than surface level but not overwhelming.

    Actual 5/5
    3 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Kyle
    5.0 out of 5 stars From Pixels to Problems! Great read!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    “Play Nice” offers an enjoyable deep dive into the tumultuous history of Blizzard Entertainment, chronicling its journey from a ragtag group of brilliant college students to its evolution under corporate ownership and its current state. Schreier provides fascinating insights into the antics of Blizzard’s early employees, showcasing their outlandish attitudes, relentless work ethic, and tight-knit camaraderie.

    The book explores how Blizzard transitioned from a company renowned for producing high-quality, polished games that left competitors in the dust to one struggling to preserve its heart and soul amid mounting corporate pressures. While the corporate side and C-suite executives are often cast in a negative light, Schreier thoughtfully examines the motivations behind their decisions, offering perspectives from all levels of the company—from executives and middle management to QA testers. This balanced approach provides a refreshing take, avoiding oversimplified blame and instead considering multiple sides of the story.

    And while it’s easy to villainize the suits in the boardroom, Schreier does a great job showing why some decisions were made. From executives to QA testers, he pulls back the curtain to reveal a mess of perspectives, reminding us that every bad decision has some kind of reason behind it (even if it’s still a bad decision).

    The book also revisits the scandals that put some serious smudges on Blizzard’s reputation, offering new angles and fresh commentary. As someone who once lived for Blizzard games—cheering at Overwatch League matches and losing entire weekends to Diablo marathons—I can’t help but root for Blizzard to find its way back to glory. And hey, if it means waiting another decade for their next masterpiece, so be it. It’s done when it’s done.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Viewtopia
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating inside look
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    With loads of primary and secondary sources at his disposal, the author does a wonderful job exploring the history of this influential video game maker. Following history specific to the company as well as for the industry overall, the reader gets a fine perspective for how Blizzard rose to prominence despite its rocky beginning (and middle and future). There’s also plenty of scoops and gossip that keep the pages turning, plus some hilarious (as well as troubling) anecdotes about the company’s culture. Overall, the book is an interesting study about how talent, creativity, and hubris can sometimes combine to create a monster (and not just the pixel kind).
    Helpful
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  • Half-man
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Stunning and Realistic Insight into a Titan of the Game Industry
    Reviewed in the United States on October 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As a former game dev at Blizzard I was cautiously optimistic about hearing insights into a company I had worked at. Having interviewed for the book, it was interesting to see how the things I had witnessed made it in, or didn't. There were events at Blizzard that were a mystery to me, but thanks to Play Nice I can understand more about the rumors and back room tales that didn't make much sense to me when I heard them.

    It's an enjoyable read, and a fantastic look at the phenomenon I call Corporate Necrosis. The gradual degradation of the established culture that made Blizzard great, slowly falling apart as Kotick and his minions vomit acid onto award winning franchises and suck up the profit juice, leaving gaping holes in their reputation. A poignant cautionary tale to future game development studios considering selling out.
    14 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Jashazzard
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting and entertaining
    Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    This book is good for World of Warcraft players.
    Report
  • Marcelo
    1.0 out of 5 stars No pude ni leerlo
    Reviewed in Spain on February 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Compré el libro y me vino totalmente destrozado, tuve que devolverlo. Una pena
    Report
  • Romain Derrien
    5.0 out of 5 stars Conforme à la commande
    Reviewed in France on January 6, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Très bon bouquin.
    Report
  • Emre K.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr tolles Buch! Kann ich nur empfehlen
    Reviewed in Germany on January 3, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Ich habe „Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment“ von Jason Schreier vor Kurzem gelesen und wollte unbedingt meine Eindrücke teilen. Als jemand, der seit Jahren Blizzard-Spiele wie Warcraft und Diablo begeistert spielt, war ich total gespannt darauf, endlich mal hinter die Kulissen zu schauen.

    Was mich besonders angesprochen hat, ist die Menge an Insider-Wissen, die Schreier hier zusammengetragen hat. Er hat mit einer ganzen Reihe (ehemaliger und aktueller) Mitarbeiter gesprochen und bringt dadurch viele Perspektiven ins Buch, die man sonst so nicht mitbekommt. Man merkt, dass da wirklich lange recherchiert wurde und nicht nur an der Oberfläche gekratzt wird.

    Gleichzeitig gibt es auch Momente, in denen das Buch sehr ins Detail geht. Wenn man sich nicht so sehr für Management-Entscheidungen oder Firmenstrukturen interessiert, könnte das vielleicht etwas trocken sein. Mir persönlich hat es allerdings gefallen, weil ich dadurch besser verstehen konnte, wie Blizzard über die Jahre tickte und warum irgendwann vieles nicht mehr so lief wie früher.

    Alles in allem ist „Play Nice“ für mich ein echter Blick hinter die Kulissen – mit all den Erfolgen, aber auch den Krisen und Fehlern, die Blizzard im Laufe seiner Geschichte gemacht hat. Wer sich für die Hintergründe der Gaming-Branche interessiert oder einfach nur wissen will, was da eigentlich passiert ist, findet in diesem Buch eine spannende und vor allem gut recherchierte Lektüre.
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  • Polidori Fabio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Jason Schreier è sempre una certezza.
    Reviewed in Italy on October 31, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Accurato, ben documentato e ben esposto. Come sempre Schreier si dimostra ancora una volta un giornalista in un settore spesso fatto di recensori e opinionisti, e ci guida in un viaggio piacevole, chiaro e talvolta nostalgico nell'evoluzione di una delle software house più singolari e importanti dell'industria videoludica.
    Tutto è sempre referenziato con nomi e cognomi: non c'è speculazione; non c'è ipotesi, ma solo riportare i fatti come raccontati dai protagonisti, aggiungendo solo un flare narrativo che aiuta a digerire facilmente quello che è un contenuto sostanzialmente informativo.
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