Book description
New York Times bestselling author and the gaming industry's preeminent investigative journalist Jason Schreier examines three decades of ups and downs at Blizzard Entertainment leading up to a hostile corporate takeover and a sexual misconduct scandal that put the legendary developer in a world of (Warcraft) trouble. For video game fans, the name Blizzard Entertainment was once synonymous with perfection. The renowned company behind classics like Diablo and World of Warcraft was known to celebrate the joy of gaming over all else. What was once two UCLA students' simple mission -- to make games they wanted to play -- launched an empire with thousands of employees, millions of fans, and billions of dollars. But when Blizzard cancelled a buzzy project in 2013, it gave Bobby Kotick, the infamous CEO of corporate parent Activision, the excuse he needed to start cracking down on Blizzard's proud autonomy. Led by executives from McKinsey and Procter & Gamble, Activision began invading Blizzard from the inside. Glitchy products, PR disasters, and mass layoffs followed, marring the company's once pristine image. Then, in 2021, a staggering sexual misconduct and discrimination lawsuit against the company triggered a widespread reckoning and a shocking $69 billion acquisition. Based on firsthand interviews with more than 300 current and former employees, PLAY NICE chronicles the creativity, frustration, beauty, and betrayal across the epic 33-year saga of Blizzard Entertainment. From previously unrevealed stories of Blizzard's early culture, including fist fights and a hotel ban, to the full story of Titan, Blizzard's most high-profile canceled project, and the behind-the-scenes saga of how Blizzard executives battled their Activision overlords tooth and nail, this book explores the delight and despair of what it really means to "bleed Blizzard blue." Full of colorful personalities and dramatic twists, PLAY NICE is The Social Network for the video game industry.
About the Author
Jason Schreier is the New York Times bestselling author of Press Reset and Blood, Sweat, and Pixels and a reporter at Bloomberg News, where he covers the video game industry. He lives in Westchester, New York with his wife and two children.
Married Man
CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day. Great app! ListenBook supports so many formats, and the playback is always smooth. ListenBook has completely changed how I enjoy audiobooks. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate. Five stars!
Essex
Listening to audiobooks has become my daily ritual for relaxation and escape. I can't imagine my life without this app โ it's my daily dose of literary magic. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
Sugar Hiccup
This app has become my loyal companion during travels and relaxation times. I've never experienced such silky-smooth playback even with high-quality FLAC files. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer. It enhances the clarity of recordings and makes my listening sessions more enjoyable. Perfect for listening to lectures and speeches. Highly useful app. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
Neophyte Believer
๐งโโ๏ธ Finding zen in the art of listening โ this app takes mindfulness to a new level! ๐งโโ๏ธ๐ง The app's attention to detail is commendable. It's evident in every feature. ListenBook has become an integral part of my daily routine. Its compatibility with Apple Watch and CarPlay makes it the ultimate companion for various activities. I love the ability to change the background color. Itโs a nice touch.
RiddleRanger
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. Shuffle playback is a fun feature. It keeps me engaged with my audiobooks. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection.
Doz
With ListenBook, I can keep track of my audiobook consumption and explore new content with ease. ๐ This app has ignited my passion for reading โ I can't get enough of its convenience! ๐๐ฅ
Old Regret
ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments. Audiobooks have become a cherished part of my daily life, all thanks to this app. I'm grateful for this app โ it's made reading a part of my everyday life.
Midnight Rider
Audiobooks on this app have turned my travels into explorations of new narratives. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a seamless addition to my daily routine. Download options are plenty โ I can get my audiobooks from various sources hassle-free. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a game-changer. It's like customizing my listening experience. An acceptable audiobook that met basic expectations. No complaints about quality but nothing remarkable either. Would listen to this narrator again but wouldn't seek them out.
Turnip King
This app has turned my gym sessions into immersive storytelling experiences โ time flies by! This app's efficient downloading process ensures that I can enjoy my audiobooks whenever and wherever. ๐ช Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier โ this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. ๐ผ๐ Noise reduction feature is magic. Now I can listen to recordings even in noisy settings. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my recordings sound clearer than ever.
Cuff Queen
ListenBook's powerful audio downloading features are a game-changer โ I can have my audiobooks ready in no time. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ๐ Making every moment count โ this app turns everyday activities into a reading adventure! ๐๐ซ A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator. I've found my new favorite narrator! Their voice was perfectly suited to this material, with just the right blend of authority and approachability. The production quality was broadcast-level - no distracting breaths, clicks, or inconsistent volume. Already looking for more of their work.
Boost Princess
ListenBook's versatile features have made my audiobook experience more enjoyable than ever. ๐ผ Making work hours fly by with captivating stories โ a true work-life balance! ๐ป๐ This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iโve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Sweet Manhattan
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration ensures that I can enjoy my content wherever I go. Sharing audiobooks with friends is so easy with AirDrop. It's a great way to spread happiness.
Pixie Taze
I love that I can switch between devices seamlessly and continue where I left off. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a fantastic addition that enhances my audio experience. This app's intuitive controls and user-friendly layout have made audiobook listening a true pleasure. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for clear and distraction-free listening. Listening to audiobooks has never been this enjoyable. Thank you, ListenBook!
Pepper Mouse
Navigating audiobooks effortlessly โ this app's functionality is commendable. The app's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch is a huge plus. The quick access to chapters and controls makes the app a joy to use. I'm always in control. Download options are versatile, making it easy to get audiobooks from various sources. Perfect narration for this genre! The voice actorโs tone matched the atmosphere of the book, enhancing the overall experience. No complaintsโjust a smooth, enjoyable listen from beginning to end.
Snapple Whistler
Efficiency meets audiobooks โ this app's functionality is a true standout. Savoring captivating stories has become a breeze with this app's sleek design and convenient features. It's like having a personal reading assistant! ๐ฑ๐ The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
Sun Lemon
ListenBook is a must-have for audiobook lovers. The auto-rewind feature ensures I never miss a word. Book groups help me keep series together and navigate my collection more efficiently. A great feature! An unobjectionable but unexceptional audiobook experience. The narrator's performance was serviceable and the audio quality was fine, but nothing about the production particularly stood out or elevated the material. It was decent background listening.
Noisy Girl
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience โ it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. Effortlessly enjoying audiobook journeys โ this app's ease of use is a delight. ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature streamlines the process of adding new content to my library. Iโve tried many audiobook players, and this one is by far the best.
Swampmasher
The controls on ListenBook are intuitive and user-friendly, making it a joy to navigate through my audiobooks. ๐ฅ Adding a spark of excitement to my daily routine โ this app is my secret weapon! โจ๐
Wildcat Talent
ListenBook's dedication to delivering a top-notch experience is evident in every detail. This app's sleek design and effortless navigation have made my audiobook journey a true delight. ๐ก The future of audiobook listening is here โ this app's sleek functionality redefines how we enjoy our favorite stories. ๐ง๐ฎ Audiobooks at my fingertips โ this app's functionality is a true marvel. This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Subzero Taffy
ListenBook's compatibility with various audio formats ensures that I can enjoy a wide range of content hassle-free. Every moment is a chance to dive into a new adventure with this app. Its smart controls and comprehensive format support ensure that my audiobook journey is a seamless one. ๐๐ง Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to. Playback speed and volume controls are fantastic.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience