Gaming is not just a hobby anymore, but rather a medium that is redefining entertainment! That was the message from a SXSW 2025 conversation between Blizzard Entertainment President Johanna Faries and comedian Conan O’Brien.
The two shared the stage to talk about how video games are changing the way we connect, create, and consume entertainment, and how this medium is blending storytelling, artistry, and global communities like never before.
Faries, who joined Blizzard after a 12-year career with the NFL, described gaming as more than an industry, saying that it is a cultural force.
“Gaming is no longer just gaming. It is entertainment. It is a space where people connect, express themselves, and share life-changing moments.”
Conan, known for his Clueless Gamer segments, brought his usual humor but also praised the creativity and community behind modern games. What started as a side project turned into a meaningful bridge to fans worldwide.
Highlights from the Conversation
- BlizzCon is returning to Anaheim, bringing the global community back together.
- Faries emphasized the importance of “speed to fun”, making it faster and easier for players to enjoy games.
- The Microsoft acquisition supposedly empowers Blizzard while keeping its creative freedom.
- Blizzard is expanding beyond gaming into broader entertainment collaborations, from music to TV.
- Gaming communities continue to create real-life bonds, from friendships to marriages.
“It is less about do you play and more about what you play,” Faries said.
O’Brien also reflected on how gaming has changed storytelling itself. Instead of one-way entertainment, games now invite active participation and community-driven experiences.
Gaming’s Expanding Role
Both Faries and O’Brien agreed: gaming is now at the center of global entertainment. It is changing & shaping how we tell stories, how we build communities, and how people engage with the world around them.
Faries also said that Blizzard is embracing this shift, not just as a game developer, but as a full-scale entertainment brand. From global events to narrative-driven IPs, the focus now is on creating experiences that resonate deeply with players.
The session ended on a rather light note, with Conan pitching himself as a Necromancer in the next Diablo game, and jokingly promising to bring Dairy Queen Blizzards to the next BlizzCon.
“If I were starting my career today,” he said, “this is the space I would want to be in.”
As always, keep an eye on this space for more gaming news and updates to come.
