In 1996, Blizzard Entertainment launched its second major franchise with the role-playing game "Diablo". "Diablo"s fictional universe was created by both Metzen and fellow designer Bill Roper, and Metzen also provided voice acting for some of the game's characters. On occasion, Metzen would provide voice talent for later video games. In 1998 he took the role of lead designer on the science fiction strategy game "StarCraft". Along with James Phinney, Metzen again provided the game's extensive story and script, as well as organizing the voice casting for the game. In 1999, Metzen wrote a short story set in the "StarCraft" universe with fellow Blizzard Entertainment employee Sam Moore. The story, entitled "Revelations", was published in the spring issue of "Amazing Stories" with cover artwork by Samwise Didier. Returning to the "Diablo" series in 2000 with "Diablo II", Metzen worked on the game's story, script and artwork. In 2001, he published a novel set in the "Warcraft" universe, entitled "".