As promised on the finish of 2022, BlizzCon is coming again. After being derailed since 2019, first by the Covid-19 pandemic after which by the discrimination and sexual harassment scandal that enveloped Activision Blizzard in 2021, Blizzard introduced that its massive annual conference will return to the Anaheim Conference Middle on November 3.
“Our gamers are on the coronary heart of what makes BlizzCon nice—a spot the place video games are the widespread floor for connection and friendship,” Blizzard stated (opens in new tab). “Whether or not you’re coming to hang around with mates you solely ever get to see on-line, celebrating epic moments within the video games we love, exploring what’s on supply within the conference heart halls, or desperate to be taught what’s subsequent for our universes, BlizzCon is being created for you. It’s the neighborhood that has all the time made this occasion so particular, and we will’t wait to see you all once more.”
Particulars on the massive return are scant but it surely appears like will probably be the present we’re aware of, as Blizzard stated extra info together with particulars on “ticketing info, cosplay and different competitors particulars” will probably be revealed in June. BlizzCon occasions usually embody massive bulletins and developer panels, main esports occasions just like the Hearthstone World Championship and Overwatch World Cup, every kind of merchandise on the market, and a really massive cosplay competitors.
BlizzCon, like nearly each different main in-person gaming occasion, was placed on maintain in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As a substitute, Blizzard held a digital-only occasion in early 2021, and introduced plans for the same on-line showcase in early 2022. However within the wake of a July 2021 lawsuit alleging widespread discrimination and sexual harassment (opens in new tab) on the firm, which led to the resignation or removing of high-profile staff together with former Blizzard president J Allen Brack (opens in new tab), Diablo 4 sport director Luis Barriga (opens in new tab) and lead degree designer Jesse McCree, and World of Warcraft designer Jonathan LeCraft, Blizzard “paused (opens in new tab)” the occasion, saying the trouble required to make the present occur “is greatest directed in the direction of supporting our groups and progressing improvement of our video games and experiences.”
The temper of previous BlizzCons has wobbled back and forth relying on how followers are feeling in regards to the firm’s newest strikes. Low factors embody the 2018 Diablo Immortal announcement (opens in new tab) and the pro-Hong Kong protests (opens in new tab) exterior of BlizzCon 2019. This yr’s Overwatch festivities might not be particularly upbeat—followers are presently reeling from Blizzard’s announcement (opens in new tab) that it is not going to complete Overwatch 2’s PvE mode because it was introduced—however a optimistic reception to Diablo 4 (opens in new tab) subsequent month might swing issues right into a happier place. Blizzard might announce the following World of Warcraft enlargement, too.
Like earlier reveals, the 2023 BlizzCon can even be livetreamed: The 2021 “Blizzconline” occasion was free for all however I might assume that, with a return to an in-person occasion, entry to the 2023 streams (other than the opening ceremonies, that are historically free for all) would require a digital ticket. These tickets will not be on sale for some time but, however if you wish to attend in particular person, you’ll be able to e book lodge blocks now (opens in new tab).
