'I Just Sort of Disconnect' — Jeff Kaplan is Avoiding Overwatch at all Costs

Former Overwatch director Jeff Kaplan explained how he protects his psyche by completely avoiding online discussions and subreddits about Blizzard's hero shooter.

If you’re a die-hard Overwatch player, you’re likely familiar with the name Jeff Kaplan. He was essentially the face of the game for years, endearing fans with his regular developer updates and memorable interactions with its fanbase.

After leaving Blizzard in 2021, Kaplan founded his own game development studio and is currently working on an open world, action-survival shooter called The Legend of California. He has firmly put Overwatch behind him — to the point where he avoids interacting with it at all costs online.

“With Overwatch, I had a very almost clinical separation, knowing how the WoW thing had gone,” Kaplan said in a recent interview with GameSpot. “I’ve literally not played the game since April 2021.

“I don’t, for my own psyche, I don’t read the subreddits. …