Samwise Didier, senior art director, is retiring from Blizzard after more than 32 years of work on nearly every game the company has ever released. Didier declared on Twitter that he is leaving his “loved Blizzard Entertainment” and that today is his last day.
Samwise Didier was the senior art director at Blizzard Entertainment, having worked there since 1991. He produced a number of games, worked as an art director on important titles in the Diablo, StarCraft, and Warcraft franchises, and made creative contributions to almost all of Blizzard Entertainment’s releases.
Didier was instrumental in creating the distinctive Blizzard house aesthetic.
Blizzard was more than a job to Samwise Didier
When Didier first joined Blizzard in 1991, he said that working there was more than just a job to him—it was like having a second home. The encounter was illuminating; he learned about a family he was unaware of. He experienced significant personal development during his tenure at Blizzard, essentially maturing in the company’s atmosphere.
His creative abilities flourished as he learned everything from the fundamentals of computer use (which he initially limited to the Atari 2600 and Nintendo) to the use of sophisticated programs like Photoshop. He developed new abilities, such as designing user interfaces and making a large number of buttons.
He discovered how to create 3D models for his artwork by delving into the complexities of texturing, animating, and adding unique features like lasers or fireballs. It was an incredible feeling of fulfillment to see his art realized.
Unexpectedly, he even joined his first band while working at Blizzard. In addition, he had the privilege of working on some of the most renowned games in the entire world.
Samwise Didier’s time in Blizzard
Didier’s MobyGames page states that his first credit at Blizzard was for artwork on The Lost Vikings. He then played through an impressive library of games, which included World of Warcraft, Blackthorne, Diablo, Warcraft: Orcs and Humans, StarCraft, and all of its sequels.
His primary skill was art, but it wasn’t his only one; he also produced games like Justice League: Task Force, Warcraft 2: Tides of Darkness, and The Death and Return of Superman in addition to lending his voice to roles in Warcraft 3 and WoW.
He was renowned for his relationships with the local population as well. Didier shared “beginners guide” videos in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing viewers how to draw an orc, a dwarf, and a Pandaren.
Since then, he has continued the practice on his ABC With Samwise YouTube channel, where he draws characters from Blizzard’s universes and discusses art and other subjects.
Samwise Didier received a heartfelt tribute
Mike Ybarra, president of Blizzard, expressed appreciation for Samwise Didier’s contribution to the distinctive aesthetic of Blizzard’s games. Ybarra recognized Didier’s contribution to the development of Blizzard’s unique visual identity, emphasizing the invaluable knowledge that numerous artists at the company acquired from his experience throughout the years.
Ybarra congratulated Didier on his well-earned retirement and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the gaming industry as well as the artistic community.
In a heartfelt eulogy, Michael Gamble, executive producer at BioWare, described Samwise Didier as a beloved member of the industry who was respected by peers as well as fans. Didier gave Blizzard some creative advice in his parting note: “Always draw big shoulder pads.” He ended by quoting his well-known catchphrase, “ABC, my friends.” Be creative at all times.
Samwise Didier has made mesic covers for HammerFall
Between 2002 and 2009, Swedish heavy metal band HammerFall regularly used Didier to design their album covers. During this time, Didier designed the covers for five additional releases (the 2002 EP Hearts on Fire, the 2005 EP Blood Bound, the 2006 EP Natural High, the 2011 single Send Me A Sign, and the 2014 single Bushido) in addition to all of their studio albums (Crimson Thunder, One Crimson Night, Chapter V: Unbent, Unbowed, Unbroken, Threshold, and No Sacrifice, No Victory).
Additionally, Didier designed the cover art for Joacim Cans, the lead vocalist for HammerFall’s 2004 solo album Beyond the Gates.
Didier is the lead vocalist for the Blizzard staff band Elite Tauren Chieftain (ETC). ETC has played music inspired by Blizzard games during multiple BlizzCon performances. Along with their roles in Blizzard games, they released “I Am Murloc” as Guitar Hero III.
The band, in turn, served as the inspiration for the Heroes of the Storm character E.T.C. as well as the Hearthstone cards E.T.C., God of Metal, and Elite Tauren Chieftain.
