Diablo III Bows to Pressure?

Gamespot reports that Brian Morrisroe resigned as chief art director for Diablo III and that Blizzard posted the job opening on its website. The company claims that Brian left on his own to pursue another career option. But the fact that the resignation comes in the midst of the 50,000 fan petition demanding Blizzard darken the game's art design is highly suspicious. Morrisroe's departure reminds me of an embattled public official who holds a resignation press conference stating he's stepping down to spend more time with his family.

My guess is Blizzard canned Brian under withering forum fan-boy criticism, a subtle concession to the vocal masses. I also guess that if they could redo the art design, they would. But they can't. At least, not without starting completely over. That's the clincher, the niggling detail that prompts the game's lead designer to sidestep all the angst and furor when he says on record, "There's no going back now." Not without delaying the game another year and spending millions more.

Besides I can almost guarantee all those petitioners buy the game anyway, even if they have to stab their eyes out to play it.