Blizzard Art Director Bill Petras Passes Away at 54
Bill Petras, a longtime art director at Blizzard Entertainment, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 54. Known for his influential work on World of Warcraft and Overwatch, Petras was a key figure in shaping some of Blizzard’s most iconic games.
Petras first joined Blizzard in 1997, contributing to the original *Starcraft*. He went on to become the art director for *World of Warcraft* in the early 2000s, where his work helped define the game’s legendary visual style. He later served as art director for *Overwatch* and *Overwatch 2*, leaving a lasting impact on the franchise.
Petras’ contributions to Blizzard were celebrated by colleagues and fans alike, with many remembering him as a “game development legend” and “amazingly gifted artist.” His legacy is immortalized in Blizzard games, including an in-game reference in *Overwatch* known as the “Petras Act.”
Although Blizzard has not issued an official statement, Petras’ influence continues to be felt in the ongoing success of *World of Warcraft* and *Overwatch 2*, which still receive regular updates. Fans will remember him for his creative vision and his significant role in Blizzard’s history.
