By Star Hughes-Gorup

Blizzard Entertainment’s Irvine office is a gamer’s paradise. The developer of the massively popular World of Warcraft, Diablo and StarCraft franchises has created a sanctuary of comfort, creativity, and fantasy to celebrate its games and the people who make them. With its on-campus gym, cafeteria, basketball court, volleyball court, library, and Blizzard museum, it’s as much paradise as self-contained city.

Guests are greeted by a slightly non-traditional office lobby. Statues, memorabilia, blue neon lights, and a sign that screams gaming adorn the room. The dual staircases make for a very grand entrance, as does the custom lighting.

Off to the left of the reception is Blizzard’s museum and theater – a great amenity both for visitors to the space but also to the fans who work there. The gallery walls and spot lighting make for a dramatic effect, and draw attention to the iconic work the company’s designers have created over the years.

The hallways also incorporate neon lighting to set the mood. The lighting plays off of the standard VCT flooring that mixes a neutral black with pops of purple tiles throughout.

One of my favorite design choices in Blizzard’s space is the incorporation of themed conference rooms, like the one pictured below. Adding character to your conference room, which is generally the “showpiece” of an office, by including custom artwork keeps it on-brand and unique.

The rest of their space (at least the parts visible to the public – as they do have some “secret” areas where they are developing new products) is fairly simple. Traditional drop ceilings, cubicles, and creatively painted support beams. For tech companies on a budget, hiring a local artist to dress up your walls and structural support beams is an easy and affordable way to add some vibrancy, color, and creativity to a space.

All in all, kudos to Blizzard for staying true to their culture – and for creating a space that aligns with the company’s vision as a whole.