Blizzard’s Building Blocks of Success

Next Generation's DICE coverage is offering a very brief but informative overview of Blizzard Entertainment's successful history.
That new goal embodies one of Blizzard's keys to success: layering accomplishments to get to that (next big thing.)

(I get asked all the time: '˜What made WoW successful?') said Frank Pearce, executive VP of product development. (It's not one thing you can point at. It's building on everything we've done over the last 17 years, taking calculated risks all the way.)

(Calculated) is the key word. Blizzard won't take unnecessary risks, and this can be seen in the studio's ability to cancel a game when it needs to be cancelled.
Additionally, Gamasutra is offering similar coverage.