Blizzard Entertainment has announced that it won’t host BlizzCon this year. The annual event was hosted for the first time in person last year since 2020 and was seemingly on the verge of comeback. Though not meant to be, the company told IGN it’s not a decision “made lightly.”
BlizzCon will return in future years, but in the meantime, it promises more details “over the next few months” for World of Warcraft: The War Within and Diablo 4’s Vessel of Hatred expansions. It will also unite communities in “new and special ways,” including plans for shows like Gamescom.
Esports fans have the Overwatch Champions Series in Dreamhack Dallas and Stockholm. Meanwhile, to celebrate Warcraft’s 30th anniversary, there will be “multiple” in-person celebratory events worldwide, along with in-game celebrations across the franchise.
“While these events are distinct from BlizzCon, we’re harnessing all of our creativity and imagination to ensure they carry the same spirit of celebration and togetherness.”
Though Blizzard has several things to look forward to this year, the company has gone through a rough transitional period since its acquisition by Microsoft. Layoffs, the cancellation of its survival game (codenamed Odyssey), the departures of president Mike Ybarra and chief design officer/co-founder Allen Adham – a lot has happened. There is always next year, so stay tuned for further updates.