Blizzard is losing a key creative force as lead audio designer and composer Adam Burgess departs the company after more than 11 years. Burgess announced his departure on social media, closing a lengthy chapter that left a distinct sonic imprint on franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo 4, and Overwatch 2.
Quick Facts
- Departure: Adam Burgess leaves Blizzard after 11+ years.
- Franchises Impacted: World of Warcraft, Diablo 4, and Overwatch 2.
- Next Steps: Burgess begins a new role starting in September.
A Sprawling Sonic Legacy Across Blizzard Franchises
During his tenure at Blizzard, Burgess contributed compositions and audio design to some of the publisher's biggest titles and expansions. In the realm of Overwatch 2, his work included the dramatic "Zero Hour" announcement cinematic, select hero theme songs, and culturally rich map soundtracks for locations such as Paraiso, Busan, and Oasis.
For Diablo 4, Burgess shifted into darker, more gothic arrangements to support the game's demonic themes, specifically leading the development of tracks for the jungle region of the Vessel of Hatred expansion.
His recent contributions to World of Warcraft include shaping the audio identity for the Midnight expansion—composing its title theme alongside area themes like "Aln'hara" and "A New Dawn"—as well as writing the 16-minute orchestral epic "The War Within" for the preceding expansion of the same name.
Next Steps and Future Pursuits
Reflecting on his time at the company, Burgess described his career at Blizzard as creatively fulfilling and called it an honor to contribute to its recognizable intellectual properties. Having decided that he is ready to try something new, Burgess confirmed that a new opportunity has found him and he will begin his next role starting in September.