Epic Games’ Latest Power Play: Former Blizzard Exec Joins the Fold, Bringing Battle-Tested Expertise to the Table
In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the gaming industry, Epic Games has announced the hiring of Martin Keely, former senior vice president of Battle.net and technology services at Blizzard. As the new vice president and general manager of Epic Games Store and Epic Online Services, Keely brings a wealth of experience to the table, with a track record of delivering innovative solutions that elevate player, creator, and developer experiences.
Keely’s seven-year tenure at Blizzard has been marked by significant achievements, including the growth and success of Battle.net as a leading gaming platform. His expertise in managing global teams, collaborating with developers, and driving business growth will undoubtedly be invaluable assets to Epic Games’ rapidly expanding ecosystem. With his background in shaping sustainable gaming ecosystems, Keely’s appointment is seen as a strategic move by Epic to strengthen its position in the market.
This latest addition follows hot on the heels of another high-profile hire at Epic: Steve Allison, former vice president and general manager of the Epic Games Store, who joined Saber Interactive just two weeks ago as chief business officer. As one of the driving forces behind the Epic Games Store’s development, Allison’s departure has raised eyebrows in some quarters, but his move to Saber Interactive suggests that he’ll be continuing to shape the gaming landscape from a new perspective.
Keely’s LinkedIn announcement hints at exciting times ahead for Epic Games, with plans to “deliver new capabilities” and “elevate player, creator, and developer experiences.” Given his track record of innovation and collaboration, it’s likely that Keely will play a key role in driving forward Epic’s ambitious vision for the gaming industry.
The leadership changes come as Epic continues to navigate its post-1,000-job-cut landscape. While some might view these moves as mere executive reshuffling, they actually signal a deepening commitment by Epic to invest in and develop its core businesses – namely, the Epic Games Store and Online Services. With Keely at the helm, expect new innovations and partnerships that will further establish Epic as a major player in the gaming industry.
As we look to the future of VR and XR, it’s clear that Epic Games is investing heavily in building out its ecosystem to meet the growing demands of gamers worldwide. With Keely on board, we can expect even more innovative solutions, services, and technologies that will shape the way we experience games and interact with each other online. One thing’s for sure: with this latest move, Epic Games has cemented its position as a major force in the gaming industry – and we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Source: Game Developer XR — 2026-07-29