Blizzard Entertainment has released an official follow-up statement confirming that Blizzcon 2020 has been cancelled.
As sad as the news is, this recent confirmation was to be expected. The COVID-19 pandemic has many on edge, and countless events have been cancelled for public health concerns. At the beginning of April, Saralyn Smith, Executive Producer of Blizzcon, released a statement touching on the tentative status of Blizzcon 2020. Today, Smith’s follow-up statement remarked:
“Ultimately, after considering our options, we’ve come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year. We’re feeling deeply disappointed about this decision, and imagine many of you will feel the same.”
It’s official. Blizzcon (as we know it) is cancelled for 2020.
My experience at Blizzcon 2019 was phenomenal and the atmosphere was intoxicating. Watching the Overwatch World Cup live was an unprecedented experience, surrounded by thousands of fellow Overwatch fans. The event is not only home to the Overwatch World Cup, but Hearthstone Global Finals, Arena World Championship, and Mythic Dungeon competitions. Blizzcon is essential to the rest of the Blizzard competitive scene offering one place for gamers to unite.
From the sound of the statement, Blizzcon will be returning in some capacity, most likely online. Fans will miss out on the experience of meeting people from around the globe and the incredible cosplay. Blizzcon as a convention goes beyond the standard showcase of new and upcoming games. It is a social event built for Blizzard fans, therefore moving this personal event online is less than ideal.
There is no doubt that Blizzard will be doing something for Blizzcon, but its scale is still in question. From someone who has experienced Blizzcon and all it has to offer, the yearly showcase will be greatly missed.
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