In a statement provided to Windows Central, a Blizzard Entertainment representative confirmed that cancelling BlizzCon 2024 was Blizzard’s own decision’s, not Microsoft’s, with the company feeling that though it has plenty to share throughout this year, the timing “just doesn’t line up for one single event.”

“This is a Blizzard decision,” said the Blizzard rep. “We have explored different event formats in the past and this isn’t the first time we’re skipping BlizzCon or trying something new. While we have great things to share in 2024, the timing just doesn’t line up for one single event at the end of the year.”

Looking ahead, Blizzard Entertainment will be releasing Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred and World of Warcraft: The War Within later this year, and the company plans to highlight them individually.

“Instead, we want to focus on highlighting individual games and their moments – Warcraft’s multiple anniversaries, the upcoming releases of World of Warcraft: The War Within and Diablo 4’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred in particular,” the Blizzard rep said.

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.