Blizzard Cancels Physical BlizzCon 2020; Considers Holding Virtual Event
by Ian CheeAs many gaming events have already gotten cancelled this year, some may be wondering what will happen to BlizzCon 2020. Blizzard has officially announced that it will be cancelling the physical event, to no one’s surprise. But as with many other companies, it is looking to hold a virtual version of the event instead.
The company made its announcement on the dedicated BlizzCon website. In it, event executive producer Saralyn Smith said that even in the event (no pun intended) of a virtual BlizzCon, it will likely not happen in 2020. She said that with online events being “new-ish territory”, this will likely only happen early next year.
At the same time, the company is also looking into alternatives for tourneys that usually happen during BlizzCon. No specifics were mentioned on that front. But on a more general note, Smith says the company will let us know more about its plans as they develop.
On one hand, it’s not surprising that Blizzard is moving BlizzCon 2020 online. On the other, it is a little strange that it will be held early next year instead. This could mean that there will be two BlizzCons next year, or that both will be merged into one. It’s strange either way, as BlizzCon is traditionally a year-end event.