In a statement released Thursday on Blizzard's WoW forums, Rob Pardo, lead designer with the video game creator Blizzard, announced that he is leaving Blizzard after 17 years with the company.

Pardo gave little reason for the move, stating that he is leaving Blizzard to "pursue the next chapter of my life and career."

"I'm looking forward to new challenges in my career, but I will always cherish the time I spent with you all and the amazing and collaborative teams at Blizzard," said Pardo.

"It was both satisfying and humbling, and it made me a better developer and a better person."

Pardo earned video game street cred for his work on World of Warcraft, as well as the real-time strategy game StarCraft and action title Diablo.