An Update on BlizzCon - No BlizzCon This Year, Potentially Early 2021 Online Event

[chaud]

An Update on BlizzCon - No BlizzCon This Year, Potentially Early 2021 Online Event

Hello Blizzard community,

Several weeks ago, I shared an update about our uncertainty around holding BlizzCon this year. Since then, a lot has changed . . . and a lot also hasn’t changed. During this time, we’ve had many discussions about what holding a convention could look like in light of all the health and safety considerations we’d want to make. We’ve also talked about different paths we could take, and how each one could be complicated by fluctuations in national and local health guidelines in the months ahead. Ultimately, after considering our options, we’ve come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year.

We’re feeling deeply disappointed about this decision, and imagine many of you will feel the same. I truly love BlizzCon, and I know that’s a sentiment shared by everyone at Blizzard. We will sorely miss connecting with so many of you at the convention and “recharging our geek batteries” this fall.

But we will meet again!

We’re talking about how we might be able to channel the BlizzCon spirit and connect with you in some way online, far less impacted by the state of health and safety protocols for mass in-person gatherings. We’d want to do this as soon as we could, but given that this is new-ish territory and the different factors involved, it will most likely be sometime early next year. BlizzCon is also a stage for big esports events in Blizzard games each year, so we’re also looking into alternatives for supporting some of the high-level competition that would normally take place at the show.

We’ll tell you more about our plans as they develop—but in the meantime, we hope to see you exploring the Shadowlands, hanging out in the Tavern, pushing the payload (do it!), and wherever else in the Blizzard universes you may roam.

Stay safe and stay well,
Saralyn Smith
Whirlwind Barbarian, Executive Producer of BlizzCon

[Fahrenheit]

Makes sense, and it's the right move as we're likely to see a second wave come Sep/Oct.

[Reyuna]

Sad about this as I have been the past 3 years (from the UK) and had an amazing time each year. But I was 95% expecting this and of course Blizzard are doing the right thing not having the convention this year. If it makes anyone else feel slightly better.. this was pretty much an "off" year anyway in terms of announcements and things to expect.. also my bank balance can actually build somewhat as trust me, spending two weeks in Cali, isn't cheap.

[matrix123mko]

They have more time then. I hope they will not waste this opportunity.

[Dakhath]

It was the right choice, and seeing as I doubt Blizzard wants to miss out on the virtual ticket money, the event is all but guaranteed.

[Unholyground]

Honestly they should do an online Blizzcon that gives you access to all the stuff they would have on the show floor for the weekend and some digital events.

- - - Updated - - -

Makes sense, and it's the right move as we're likely to see a second wave come Sep/Oct.

Probably before then to be honest.

[MrKnubbles]

Damn, I really didn't think they'd cancel.

[THEORACLE64]

Damn, I really didn't think they'd cancel.

Really? That's a little naive.

[Dracullus]

Damn, I really didn't think they'd cancel.

Well, after Diablo Immortal, Blitzchung, Warcraft Refunded I think last thing Blizzard PR needs is causing second wave of COVID in US. Although, I must say, it would be next logical step.

[Sluvs]

Man, this is really sad. But also the right call.

[Ghostile]

They have more time then. I hope they will not waste this opportunity.

Yeah, I hope they use all this time to work as much as possible instead of staying alive and well.

[Kagthul]

I do work in the Convention industry.

The fact that so many people haven't clued into the fact that conventions are basically over until there is a vaccine and/or a 100% effective treatment makes me want to cry a little.

You cant pack 30,000 people into a convention center.

Cant.

[davidcryix]

Really? That's a little naïve.

I didn't think that it would be a live event but was sort of figuring they would just do all the virtual stuff. Only 30,000 people watch it in person. Hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, watch it virtually anyway so what's the difference if they are on a blizzcon stage or in a small studio aside from crowd reactions?

This is almost definitely for the best though. If ever there was a year to skip as they did in 2006 and 2011, this is the year. What could they possibly have to show us this year that is remotely worth the risk of people getting sick? Shadowlands will have either just released or be releasing soon, D4 will just be development updates, SC2 is dead, Hearthstone is just more cards, Heroes is dead, O2 is just development updates most likely... All that could be done with some socially distant produced trailers and dev posts.

[McNeil]

This was to be expected. I wonder if they will instead try to release Shadowlands around the time that Blizzcon was supposed to happen.

[Mirabai]

No surprises here but man i need more Diablo 4 news.

[The Butt Witch]

So just hold it without the thousands of nerds in the audience. Fully online.

[Zandalarian Paladin]

As so many said, this was to be expected... it's sad, but logical.

I appreciate Blizzard for not risking people's lives on this. I'll miss it, but that's a small sacrifice...

[Stacie]

Good choice

[Dracullus]

Imo early 2021 event would be pointless. Just prepare stuff for November, so Blizzcon '21 could be content heavy like '19, but without drama.

For news just do youtube annoucements similar to 8.1 or 8.3 reveal videos. Without crowd there won't be any magic anyway.

[kranur]

Sell virtual ticket for 150$. Show 5 slides. Win.

Cancellation was to be expected tho.