Blizzard is looking to host BlizzCon digitally this year.
Blizzard Entertainment first started its yearly convention, BlizzCon back in October 2005. Each year, the convention showcases all the latest developments from their major franchises, which are still very popular today. The biggest of these titles would have to be the World of Warcraft series, the company’s prized MMORPG, which boasts over seven million players from all over the world. The show also consists of eSports, cosplay, and talent competitions, which fans look forward to every year.
Organizers of the annual gaming convention have issued a statement confirming the cancellation of this year’s event. As you could have guessed, the reason for the cancellation is due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact it has had on everything, not just the gaming industry. The show was due to take place towards the end of the year, normally, the first week of November but even with safety measures in place, attending a gaming convention may not be the best thing for everyone in these uncertain times.
Several weeks ago, the executive producer of BlizzCon, Saralyn Smith, shed some light on the growing concerns around the safety of the many fans that would potentially attend the popular event. Smith had informed fans that “we had been actively working to finalize our plans…”
Now, the decision to shut down the event has been confirmed by Smith. In a statement issued yesterday, Smith said:
“Ultimately, after considering our options, we’ve come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year.”
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But all is not lost as Blizzard, like a lot of other companies, is working towards holding an online-style event for their fans early next year. They are also “looking into alternatives” to support the competitive Blizzard eSports events, normally held there every year.
What do you think? Were you planning on going to BlizzCon until now?
