The 15-year Blizzard veteran, and game director of Heathstone, has taken to the official Blizzard forums to announce that he is leaving the company. Noting, "After 15 years at Blizzard and almost 10 years working on Hearthstone, I have made the incredibly difficult decision to embark on a new journey."

The news, comes with a certain amount of sadness for Hearthstone fans as Ben Brode has become synonymous with the game. Where in addition to becoming a familiar face (and boisterous laugh) at each Blizzcon, he is also known for that one time he put out a Hearthstone rap.

"I am very proud of Hearthstone. I think we made an impact on the industry. People tell me that Hearthstone brought their family closer together, or that they became close friends with people they met at a Fireside Gathering. Others tell me they were inspired by Hearthstone to become game developers themselves. It’s incredible to be a part of something that touches so many people," Ben Brode writes.

The departure will see Ben Brode help start a new company where he is looking forward to "designing, programming, and actually creating things again". Like with all Blizzard products Hearthstone is the result of a team-wide effort, and the split shouldn't affect the quality we've come to expect with each new expansion. With Ben Brode taking a moment to reflect on the team, "I get too much credit by virtue of being a public face, but the 80+ people on the development team are still there, and they are the ones actually making the cards, brawls, events, missions, and features. I am confident the game is in the best possible hands, and I’m excited to see where a new generation of leaders takes Hearthstone from here."

For more check out our interview with Ben Brode conducted last year.