Dave Kosak, father of Patches the Pirate, has left Blizzard.

Dave Kosak Card Image Patches the Pirate Card Image

In an announcement last night on his Twitter account, Dave tweeted that recently left and has moved onto a new studio named Deviation Games as their Creative Director.

Quote From Dave Kosak

Big announcement time! After 12 remarkable years and countless adventures, I am moving on from Blizzard Entertainment. The other week I bid a fond farewell to the orc, who is dutifully wearing his mask. I will very much miss all of my Blizzard colleagues.

If you follow me because of #Hearthstone, no need to worry! Last week we announced a great expansion, a new mode, and new progression/rewards. Believe me when I say that’s only the beginning. Great things are in the works!

And, of course, #Shadowlands is around the corner for #WorldofWarcraft. I will be adventuring right alongside you. I am honored to have contributed to the Warcraft universe, and excited for what’s to come.

What’s next for me? I’m pleased to announce that I’ve taken on an important role at @DeviationGames! We are building… something secret. But amazing. I can’t say any more, but I promise: It’ll make you go “Whoa.”

During his time at Blizzard, Dave worked on World of Warcraft during his entire 12-year span at the company while contributing to Hearthstone as a Narrative and Lead Mission designer for the past 4 years. On the World of Warcraft side, he took on the titles which include Quest Designer, Lead Quest Designer, and Lead Narrative Designer.

Dave will always be remembered by the Hearthstone community as the lovable goof during announcement videos for new Hearthstone sets. Dave brought a special excitement to the videos, much like Ben Brode did.

His last Hearthstone announcement appearance was in the Madness at the Darkmoon Faire trailer.

Farewell Dave, your energy will be missed by the Hearthstone community and we wish you the best!

Origin of Patches the Pirate

Shortly before joining the Hearthstone team, Dave was in on a brainstorming session where Patches was conceived.

Quote From Matt Place

We were brainstorming some ideas for pirates, and Dave Kosak—he’s worked on WoW since the beginning—came up with this pirate who’s a beholder, which was hilarious to all of us in the room. The idea he has more eyepatches than most pirates even have eyes. It all came together so perfectly. I love the voice lines. Patches says ‘Aye aye!’ when he attacks. He probably should have said ‘Aye aye aye aye aye!

Quote From Dave Kosak

did you come up w/ Patches the Pirate before you were technically on the Hearthstone team, or was that one of your first acts? :P

I was in some brainstorming sessions before being a formal part of the team. Blizzard is a close family!