blizzard BlizzCon 2023 Stream and Announcements Summary

[Staff 1,502]

We're liveblogging all the important announcements and highlights from the opening ceremony. Check back often for updates!

BlizzCon 2023 Opening Ceremony Highlights

World of Warcraft

• Chris Metzen is now on stage talking about the next WoW expansion.
• The next expansion is titan-themed, light vs the void.
• The new storyline feels like the culmination of 20 years of storytelling.
• They are adding something called World of Warcraft: Worldsoul Saga which will cover multiple expansions at a faster pace.

• The first chapter is called World of Warcraft: The War Within, you will meet the Nerubians and descend to the Heart of Azeroth.
• The second part of the saga is called World of Warcraft: Midnight - In this chapter, you will be returning to the old world, to the fabled lands of Quel'thalas. There, the forces of the void have invaded Azeroth, they are plunging the world into the darkness. You will banish the shadow forever.
• The final part of the saga is called World of Warcraft: The Last Titan. In this chapter you will return to Northrend. There, at Ulduar you will bear witness to the return of titans to Azeroth. There, you will uncover a vast conspiracy. One that stretches throughout the history of the world. One that challenges everything you know about the world and it's called Silithus.
• They are now playing a trailer for the War Within.
• In the War Within, we will be meeting Xal'atath who is leading a Nerubian civilization.
• New zones include Azj-Kahet, Isle of Dorn, The Ringing Deeps.
• New features include Delves, and Warbands!
• You can treat alts as family and there will be account-wide reputation!
• Earthen Dwarves are coming as an Allied Race in War Within.
• War Within releases in Fall 2024.

World of Warcraft Classic

• Holy Longdale is now talking about WoW.
• They are adding a new way of playing Hardcore in Classic.
• Cataclysm Classic was just announced. It's coming in the first half of 2024.

• Season of Discovery was announced for Classic. It will include game-altering abilities. The season will allow Warlocks to be tanks and Mages can become healers.
• The initial cap will be 25.
• Season of Discovery launches on November 30.

Warcraft Rumble

• Warcraft Rumble launched yesterday. The game has 70 bosses and plenty of dungeons.
• They will be adding new minions every season. In Season 1 it's Sylvanas.

Hearthstone

• Showdown in the Badlands is the latest Hearthstone expansion launching on November 14.
• Catch-up card packs will be introduced to Hearthstone You will find more details here.
• They have announced Battlegrounds Duos with a shared health pool, team combat, you can fight with your friends instead of against them.

World of Warcraft

• John Hight revealed the future of WoW will be revealed today, so expect a new WoW expansion!

Diablo

• Rod Fergusson is now talking about Diablo 4.
• Diablo 4 is the biggest launch in Blizzard's history with more than 1.5 billion hours played.
• The devs are talking about quality-of-life improvements to the game implemented based on community feedback.
• Next week, they're adding 5 Malignant Rings to Season 2 that let you relive the fun you've had during the Season of the Malignant.
• Enchanting Preview Window will be added to the Occultists.
• Abbatoir of Zir a new Seasonal Event.
• Midwinter Blight in Diablo 4 starts on December 2.
• Blizzard revealed Vessel of Hatred, a new Diablo 4 expansion coming in late 2024. It follows the story of Mephisto in a lush jungle.

• You can find Blizzard's official recap here.

Overwatch

• Aaron Keller is now talking about Overwatch. 
• Overwatch Art Director has revealed a new hero for Overwatch named Mauga.

• A new Clash PvP mode is planned for Overwatch 2 in 2024.
• The Hanamura map is returning as Hanaoka.
• Competitive is being reworked with new rewards.
• They have two new Heroes planned in 2024. More details to be unveiled tomorrow.

Intro

• Blizzard President Mike Ybarra welcomes everyone at BlizzCon. This is the first in-person BlizzCon taking place after 4 long years.
• Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is now on stage. It's his first BlizzCon. He talks about how much he enjoys playing Diablo 4 Season 2 with friends. He didn't announce Game Pass for Blizzard games.
• Ybarra says the Microsoft merge is "start of a new era" for Blizzard.

Livestream Video

Here's the official stream, with all the content free to watch, and you can check out the official schedule here as well.

[Borgoff33 101]

what can i say except you're welcome

[Arcling 898]

Well, this was underwhelming. Mauga looks fun to play though.