GameSpy: I realize that this entire episode happened kind of fast, but was there always an understanding that the four of you would form a new company together when you left Blizzard?

Bill Roper: We never really talked about leaving to form a company, but we have become a tight-knit group over the years, especially during the last two when I moved from the Irvine office to Blizzard North. I think that this decision has come from a gut instinct that this is the right thing -- not a predetermined plan. Obviously, I'm excited at the prospect of stepping out with Dave, Erich, and Max to create a new company, especially in light of what they built with the Diablo franchise.