In a notable development within the gaming industry, Blizzard Entertainment has announced the appointment of Walter Kong as Senior Vice President of Live Games and Mobile Development. This leadership change comes amid ongoing efforts to expand Blizzard’s presence in the rapidly evolving live service and mobile gaming markets. The move highlights the company’s strategic focus as it gears up for future titles and strengthens its existing franchises. This appointment is a key highlight in the broader jobs roundup for September 2025, reflecting significant shifts and new opportunities across the gaming sector.
Jobs Market Updates for September 2025 Focus on Gaming Sector Leadership Changes
The gaming industry witnessed significant leadership movement in September 2025 as Blizzard Entertainment announced the appointment of Walter Kong as Senior Vice President of Live Games and Mobile Development. Kong, known for his hands-on approach and innovative vision, is expected to steer Blizzard’s live service portfolio and mobile strategy into new growth territory. His appointment reflects Blizzard’s commitment to enhancing player engagement amidst a fiercely competitive market, especially as live games increasingly drive revenue streams and player retention.
Alongside Blizzard’s leadership change, several other major gaming firms have also restructured critical roles to adapt to evolving market demands. Key trends this month include:
- Focus on mobile gaming expansion: Companies are boosting mobile development teams to capture a broader audience.
- Emphasis on live game operations: Constant updates and community interaction remain a priority.
- Integration of emerging technologies: AI and cloud gaming expertise are highly sought after in leadership hires.
| Company | New Executive | Role | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blizzard Entertainment | Walter Kong | SVP Live Games/Mobile | Live service growth & mobile |
| Epic Games | Jenna Ford | Head of Cloud Gaming | Cloud integration |
| Ubisoft | Marcus Lee | Director of Live Ops | Player retention strategies |
Blizzard Entertainment Welcomes Walter Kong as SVP Steering Live Games and Mobile Development
Blizzard Entertainment has announced the appointment of Walter Kong as Senior Vice President, overseeing the company’s live games and mobile development divisions. Kong brings a wealth of experience in driving player engagement and expanding digital ecosystems, positioning him to lead Blizzard’s strategic initiatives in an increasingly competitive market. His leadership is expected to accelerate innovation across Blizzard’s flagship titles while expanding the company’s footprint in the mobile gaming arena.
Key focus areas under Walter Kong’s leadership include:
- Enhancing live service experiences for existing Blizzard franchises
- Scaling mobile game development with an emphasis on quality and player retention
- Fostering cross-platform integration to unify gameplay across devices
- Driving data-driven decision-making to optimize in-game content updates
| Initiative | Objective | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Live Games Expansion | Launch of new content across major IPs | 2025 Q4 |
| Mobile Growth | Introduce new mobile titles and updates | 2026 H1 |
| Cross-Platform Play | Seamless play across PC and mobile | 2026 Q3 |
Strategic Hiring Moves at Blizzard Suggest Growing Emphasis on Expanding Mobile and Live Gaming Experiences
Blizzard Entertainment’s recent executive appointment signals a clear strategic pivot toward reinforcing its presence in the mobile and live gaming markets. Walter Kong, formerly with Tencent’s major live service projects, steps in as Senior Vice President of Live Games and Mobile Development. His leadership role encompasses overseeing Blizzard’s efforts to evolve existing franchises alongside crafting new, engaging live experiences tailored specifically for mobile platforms. This move aligns with broader industry trends where live services and mobile platforms continue to dominate player engagement and revenue streams.
Insiders suggest this appointment will accelerate Blizzard’s plans to integrate persistent online features and real-time content updates across multiple game ecosystems. Key focus areas include:
- Expanding live event programming within flagship titles
- Developing innovative mobile-first game experiences
- Strengthening cross-platform connectivity and social features
| Area | Strategic Focus | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Live Games | Dynamic content updates | Boost player retention & monetization |
| Mobile Development | New game IPs & franchise adaptations | Expand market reach & accessibility |
| Cross-Platform | Unified social & gameplay features | Enhanced multiplayer engagement |
In Conclusion
As September 2025 draws to a close, the gaming industry continues to see significant leadership shifts that underscore its rapid evolution. Blizzard Entertainment’s appointment of Walter Kong as Senior Vice President of Live Games and Mobile Development highlights the company’s strategic focus on expanding its presence in live services and mobile platforms. Industry observers will be watching closely to see how Kong’s leadership shapes Blizzard’s next chapter. Stay tuned for more updates as the gaming landscape continues to evolve throughout the remainder of the year.