BlizzCon will be making its return in 2023. Here are the details.
BlizzCon will return in 2023, according to the event's executive producer. It's an convention by Blizzard that showcases its various franchises. These include World of Warcraft, Hearthstone, Diablo, and more. Read on for details.
Will there be a BlizzCon 2023?
Yes, BlizzCon 2023 will be happening, according to BlizzCon executive producer April McKee in a 2022 year-end announcement. McKee noted that more information about it will be available early next year.
"Yes, we’re bringing BlizzCon back—more on that early next year!" McKee stated.
President of Blizzard, Mike Ybarra, also talked about the return of BlizzCon in an interview with the LA Times back in July 2022.
“We previously announced we’re taking a pause on BlizzCon while we reimagine it for the future but do want to return to a live event that enables us to celebrate the community,” Ybarra said. He then referenced McKee as the new leader of the event. "We are committed to bringing back BlizzCon in 2023," Ybarra added.
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Why was BlizzCon canceled?
Due to the pandemic, BlizzCon got canceled back in 2020. According to Blizzard, discussions were had about health and safety considerations. Conversations about the fluctuations of national and local health guidelines were also had by the company.
"Ultimately, after considering our options, we’ve come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year," the announcement stated.
As for BlizzCon 2021, it was a virtual one called BlizzConline. Attendees tuned in via official YouTube and Twitch channels.
"While circumstances are keeping us from gathering in person this year, we’re putting together a little something early next year to channel the spirit of BlizzCon into the form of an online show, which will be free to watch and engage in," Blizzard wrote in 2020 about the 2021 BlizzConline event.
Then, BlizzCon 2022 got canceled. "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," the official announcement stated.
The 2022 announcement arrived a few months after the California’s Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) filed a lawsuit that alleged sexism and discrimination.
An Overwatch character got renamed to Cole Cassidy a few months after the lawsuit as well. “Going forward, in-game characters will no longer be named after real employees and we will be more thoughtful and discerning about adding real world references in future Overwatch content,” the statement read.
That's all for now. Stay tuned on Esports.gg for more news and updates.
