blizzard Reimagining BlizzCon, Not Coming in February

[Staff 1,376]

 

Blizzard have just announced that the formerly announced BlizzConline will not be coming in February, and that they are "reimagining" what a BlizzCon experience should be in the future. We'll still be getting game announcements and news, but not via BlizzConline, at least for now.

BlizzCon (Source)

To the Blizzard community,

We’ve decided to take a step back and pause on planning the previously announced BlizzConline event scheduled for early next year. This was a tough decision for all of us to make, but it’s the right one.

Any BlizzCon event takes every single one of us to make happen, an entire-company effort, fueled by our desire to share what we create with the community we care about so much. At this time, we feel the energy it would take to put on a show like this is best directed towards supporting our teams and progressing development of our games and experiences. 

Additionally, we would also like to take the time to reimagine what a BlizzCon event of the future could look like. The first BlizzCon was held 16 years ago, and so much has changed in the time since—most notably, the multiple ways in which players and communities can come together and feel like they are a part of something bigger. Whatever the event looks like in the future, we also need to ensure that it feels as safe, welcoming, and inclusive as possible. We’re committed to continual communication with our players, and we see BlizzCon playing a big role in that going forward. We’re excited about what we’ll do with the event when we revisit it in the future. 

One more thing we wanted to make clear: even though we aren’t holding BlizzConline in February, we’ll still be making announcements and updates for our games. We’re proud of our teams and the progress they’ve made across our games. We have a lot of exciting upcoming news and releases to share with you.You’ll continue hearing about those through our franchise channels, with the talented people on the BlizzCon team playing a part in supporting these efforts. 

We’ll miss seeing you, but don’t worry. We’ll be back together soon. 

[darkgreenwax 410]

2 hours ago, Staff said:

The first BlizzCon was held 16 years ago, and so much has changed in the time since—most notably, us.

Fixed that for you, Blizz. 😏

[Arcling 877]

Maybe they don't have enough news to show or are afraid of the backlash? Although it would be online anyway, so not before live audience.

Edited October 27, 2021 by Arcling

[Druidsmoon 1]

They probably dont have enough staff left to plan the event, expect major attendant blow back from those unhappy with blizzard, cant find any celebrities that want to hitch their name to a company involved in so much negative publicity, and are trying to let things simmer down. 

I agree it's probably best they get their house in order before trying to throw a huge party celebrating themselves. 

 

[SpilledStars 60]

I was at a much smaller Developer Event in their dev's local plaza, and it was a ton of fun.  It was also crowded in a way that covid protocols would have a rough time facing, and the chill of the night air didn't get through my chain mail & gambeson.   Those costumes on stage looked brilliant (and were winners from previous BlizzCons).  

I believe that was the Cata expansion?  I forget. We got signed boxes and shirts and the experience was all about being in the moment with the fandom, the devs were just as excited as we are.

Until that's back, I'm not going to push for a show just to overload them.   Let them get good storylines together for a Patch X.2 that's worth that sort of glory - and enjoying their work while we're enjoying it too - then I'll be happy.

The handful of years I tried to get tix to the genuine in person BlizzCon they sold out in hot seconds.  That sort of joie de vive doesn't come without the effort.
 

[Helvorn 57]

Another hint that Blizzard has serious problems. No matter in how much very polite, thoughtful and assuring words they announce this. Although you can read quite openly between the lines. There isnt just enough stuff to present at a possible BlizzCon, without creating another backlash about the lack of ideas of how to save the horrible state of their flagship product.

If in the end the "energy" is used to produce something worth paying and playing, I am all good with this decision. Until then, its another point that shows Blizzard has some real trouble, as any other company that starts to cut the "marketing side" of spendings. Its never a good sign.

[Devylknyght 83]

They had Nothing when they cancelled the live blizzcon. And they still have nothing now cancelling this. But don't worry, the new and approved super-woke mission table will be ready for the next expansion in 2023.

[Prophet001 545]

16 hours ago, TyZone said:

Fixed that for you, Blizz. 😏

Well this is more accurate than it should be.

lol 😄

[Migol 426]

I expect this to turn into the same thing that E3 turned into...IE not for the public but for the press and stockholders to physically go to, with pre recorded videos and whatnot for announcements to avoid the "do you not have phones" type debacles.   

[Arcling 877]

6 hours ago, Migol said:

I expect this to turn into the same thing that E3 turned into...IE not for the public but for the press and stockholders to physically go to, with pre recorded videos and whatnot for announcements to avoid the "do you not have phones" type debacles.   

Previous online-only event was pretty much this, except the section for journalists. Perhaps they really don't have enough to show or they decided that it would look bad for them to celebrate their company after what happened quite recently.

[Steveson 193]

On 10/26/2021 at 9:08 PM, Staff said:

"reimagining" what a BlizzCon experience should be in the future

Interesting way to say "We're removing Blizzcon as a whole because all the employees left and we don't want you people to lynch the hell out of us"