What a Long, Amazing Trip It’s Been

When my best friend suggested I try to get a job at Blizzard in late 2007, I stopped what I was doing in game, alt-tabbed to my web browser, and checked out the job listings. Sure enough, Game Master positions were open and I thought, what the heck? It wasn’t long before the Community Team accepted me into their ranks, and it’s made all the difference. Fast-forward to today, and I still cannot believe how my life has changed, how I’ve grown as a professional and a person by being a member of the Blizzard family. From my first BlizzCon in 2008, to the orc statue being installed on campus, from the Crithto NPC being added to the game, to seeing the Warcraft film go from being a dream to a reality, my time here has certainly been extremely meaningful.

What is probably the most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was to choose to move on to a new opportunity that was recently offered to me. I’ll get to face new challenges and really push my skills as a relationship builder and communicator, but none of this would be possible if it weren’t for my time and experience here at Blizzard. Candidly speaking, the day before I let my managers know I had decided to leave, I cried . . . a lot more than I should probably admit, but I did.

Blizzard’s games, my teammates, co-workers, and everything about being here and a part of this incredible community for these many years have meant so much to me, I can barely give these genuine emotions enough justice through written words. In a recent email to a close friend, I explained that Blizzard has felt like a “home” to me in the truest sense of the word. And the timing sure made my decision all the more difficult, too, given that my last day will be tomorrow (October 8) and I won’t be able to see some of you at BlizzCon as a Blizzard employee (though I do hope to attend).

I can’t thank all of you enough for your love and support, the weird pug pictures you’ve sent me on Twitter, and for your genuine passion for this game and all things Blizzard. I may be stepping down as “Crithto”, but I will always remain a fellow gamer, and I’m sure we’ll cross paths at some point again in the near future. /Respect, /Hug, /Farewell!

I'm going to miss you very much. You've done right by this community, and you've been a fantastic teammate.

See you 'round the fields of battle where the master tamers play, my friend.

10/07/2015 09:49 AMPosted by Kaivax

I'm going to miss you very much. You've done right by this community, and you've been a fantastic teammate.

See you 'round the fields of battle where the master tamers play, my friend.

Hear, hear!

You're one of the kindest, most upbeat individuals I know, and I'll greatly miss our interactions. I'm excited for what I know will be a wonderful next chapter for you.

You'll always be welcome by the hearth. :)

It's been an honor working alongside you, and I don't know that I'd even be where I'm at today without mentors like you in my life. Thanks for being an inspiration, a coach, the cuddliest pug I've ever known, and most importantly, a friend. Don't be a stranger, or I'll have to yell at you on Twitter (since I won't be able to do it over the cubicle wall anymore).

Best wishes from the bottom of my heart. I know you'll rock the socks off your next adventure!

Good luck with the new adventures, you will be missed around these parts!

See you around, Crithto!

We'll miss you tremendously. Thanks for everything you've done for the Blizzard community. It's been a pleasure to work with you.

Good luck, but not good-bye. You've always got friends and family around these parts.

See you around, Crithto. Go do awesome things.

You will be missed! Best of luck to you, sir!

All the best. Opportunities for new adventures are treasures when they come along. I'm sure you'll take every advantage of it!

Empty Puppy Collar

:(

10/07/2015 11:23 AMPosted by Dethzulu

10/07/2015 11:03 AMPosted by Nethaera

All the best. Opportunities for new adventures are treasures when they come along. I'm sure you'll take every advantage of it!

Neth you've been my favorite for awhile please don't say you're gonna leave us to along with the amazing Bash and Crith?

I'm not leaving anytime soon. While we have a team member leaving, it also means we have a spot on our team to fill. Time keeps slipping into the future. People change, grow, and new opportunities present themselves. I'm always happy to see people learn and grow and if I've helped in some small way, all the better. :)

You are one of the most cheerful people in the office. I will totally miss your positive attitude. <3 <3

From the moment you joined the Community Team you've maintained an energetic and affable presence. It's hard to imagine sitting at my desk, turning my head slightly to the right, and no longer seeing you or all your pug totems there. Now who do I turn to when I need to loose some strange and mostly meaningless mouth-word-sounds? Anyway, you'll be missed, buddy.

I wish you the best of success with your life and career. Keep chasing your dreams. (No, that's your tail.) <3

From the moment we met you've been such a positive influence both as a friend and a mentor in our team. I know wherever this path leads you, you'll do great. Thank you for all the advice, the warm hugs, the laughs and just the joy you shared with us!

You'll be missed greatly.

Un abrazo <3

Twas an honor working with you Crithto. Good luck to the new adventure you're scooting off to!

QA tests a lot of things, but I don't have a test plan for these feels. =(

Good luck out there! You will be dearly missed by everybody across the street! <3

We will miss you on our side as well! Good luck!

I still remember meeting that new and shiny Game Master, full of questions and excitement who could talk for HOURS! >.>

I was so happy to see you move over to the Community team. You made a home for yourself there and brought your exuberance and passion for Blizzard and for our players, which as most people who have met you know, is infectious.

Though I am sad to see that you are leaving, I will miss the happy peppy pug around campus, I am excited to see you excel in your new endeavor. I wish you all the best in the next chapter of your life and don't be a stranger. <3

/ferret fist-bump

All the best to you in your adventures, Crithto! You rock :)

Best of luck to you, brother! I know you'll be fantastic, and I'm excited to see you continue to learn and grow.

Crithto was one of the first people I met/hung out with when I moved to California and long before I was a Blizzard employee. I have never met someone so easy to talk to, pleasant to be around, and he makes you feel right at home.

Thanks for helping me get my foot in the door and started with a company I love, doing exactly what I love doing. You'll be sorely missed!

I'm going to miss you -we're ALL going to miss you- A LOT, Crithto! Chatting with you never fails to brighten up my day, and you've been an awesome asset to the Blizzard community. While I'm sad to see you go, I'm excited for you, and hope the winds of change bring great happiness to your life.

See you around, friend! <3

To adventure, my dear old friend.

To adventure, and all the new memories (and smells!) it may bring. <3

Honestly, yesterday was one of the most emotionally overwhelming days I've ever experienced. I had no idea I'd get the reaction I did from so many people including all of you. I spent some time last night reading your comments here and let me just say, I was moved.

Your touching responses, well wishes, and encouragement mean the world to me. Not only that, but friends of mine outside our world here caught wind of it all, and you moved them to tears as well. And this isn't to inspire more sadness or posts. I just wanted each of you to know how much I appreciate what you've shared, player and co-worker alike. Thank you. Truly, truly, thank you.

Lok'tar ogar!