BlizzConis set to return in just a few month’s time as Blizzard recently confirmed it will run from November 3rd to the 4th at the Anaheim Convention Center. This convention will not only be the first in-person event since 2019 but also the first since the online2022 BlizzCon was canceled. The studio is best known for titles likeDiablo,World of Warcraft,Overwatch, andHearthstonefollowing the foundation of the company in 1991.
As such,BlizzConhas become a familiar staple for Blizzard with the first event taking place in October 2005 withWorld of Warcraftand the originalStarcraftacting as its headliners. The franchise has only expanded over the past eighteen years and BlizzCon 2023 will likely only see more attention now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Several fans are already expressing their excitement over its physical return after a long three years.
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A Celebration of Blizzard’s Games
It’s expected thatthe return of BlizzConwill also see the return of its opening and closing ceremonies. The Opening Ceremony commences after playing footage of Blizzard’s various video game properties, cosplayers and fans, the franchise’s esports players, and Blizzard’s All Access panel. In past years, the President of Blizzard has taken to the stage to address attendees and express gratification to those attending.
The Opening Ceremony usually goes over most of the studio’s active games, and it’s likely thatBlizzard’s unannounced survival gamewill make a debut of some sort. A playable beta may even be available if the game is far enough along. Nothing has been officially stated about this being an option, but it may be safe to assume since other titles have been testable in past years at BlizzCon.
Other than the Opening Ceremony, there are also panels dedicated to each game that are spread across both days. For example,World of Warcraftcould see a new expansionaround the same time as patch 10.2 while others are hoping for a newStarcraftproject. TheDiablocommunity could also hear from Game Director Joe Shely following therelease ofDiablo 4. Of course, the game will have already been out for a few months at this point, so it may not have any serious updates to share.
Unfortunately, this yearOverwatchfans have experienced some disappointing news, but they should expect Team 4 to make a statement. With many concerned about thecanceled co-op PvE campaign forOverwatch 2, it’s hopeful that Blizzard will have something new to share that can restore excitement for the game. After all, BlizzCon 2019 saw the announcement ofOverwatch 2along with an eight-minute cinematic dubbed “Zero Hour.” Perhaps this new information will have to do with the seasonal PvE stories the developer claims to be working on.
Aside from panels, participants should be prepared for meet and greets with Blizzard voice actors and content creators from their favorite games. A list of special guests has not yet been released, but will likely be made available as November draws nearer. It has not been confirmed, but at past BlizzCons there have also been performances from different bands including Metallica, Foo Fighters, and even Blink-182.
Fans should be looking forward to playing different versions of various Blizzard titles, participating in cosplay contests, community spotlights, merchandise booths, and a variety of food vendors. There is also usually a Blizzard store with exclusive BlizzCon loot that may interest some attendees, should they choose to wait in line for it. Hopefully, as the date forBlizzCon2023 gets closer, the studio will release more detailed information along with ticketing options.
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