Blizzard Entertainment co-founder Frank Pearce has announced his departure from the company.

Pearce confirmed his resignation in a joint statement with the new company president, J. Allen Brack.

“The time has come for me to step away from Blizzard and pass the torch to the next generation of leaders,” Pearce said. “Looking back, I know how incredibly fortunate I was to have been a part of what Blizzard has become.”

Pearce founded the company with Mike Morhaime and Allen Adham back in 1991, under the name Silicon & Synapse. He was a programmer on early titles like Diablo, The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne, and StarCraft. He later took the mantle of chief development officer.

“I have worked very hard and very passionately for a very long time,” Pearce said. “Now it is time for me to reflect and be thoughtful about what comes next. I plan to spend more time active in the outdoors. I’d like to learn to play an instrument. I hope to devote more time to aspects of my life that may not have gotten as much attention in the past. One thing is for certain – I will continue to be a part of the Blizzard family.

“My request and hope for all of you is that you continue living the Blizzard values and that you be kind and respectful to one another as you experience what Blizzard creates in the future. Blizzard is a special place and a special community, and everyone with whom you interact is important to the Blizzard journey as it continues forward. Thanks to everyone for the wonderful past I have enjoyed, and thank you in advance for the great future I expect we will share.”

Frank’s departure comes within a year of Morhaime stepping down from his position as president. The other co-founder, Allen Adham, originally left the company back in 2004 but later returned in 2016.

Brack noted Pearce as an integral part of the company, even if he wasn’t always publicly visible.

“[M]any of you haven’t seen a lot of him publicly, nor seen the deep impact he’s had on Blizzard, and on the culture specifically,” Brack said. “But Frank has been here from the beginning, building and expanding the foundation and championing the values behind everything Blizzard does. Blizzard is better because of Frank Pearce.”