Lack of major Blizzard convention likely indicates no new game announcements from gaming behemoth this year.
Lack of major Blizzard convention likely indicates no new game announcements from gaming behemoth this year.
Blizzard held their first BlizzCon in 2005, a convention that has been a yearly pilgrimage for fans of their IP since 2007. Sadly, especially for the tourism industry of Anaheim, Blizzard have announced on their official blog that 2012 will mark the first year since 2006 without a BlizzCon. Citing a busy 2012 release schedule including at least one new title – Diablo 3 – and two expansions, the company simply doesn’t have the time to set aside to the massive undertaking that is their own dedicated convention.
The lack of a BlizzCon 2012 probably indicates that, following this years release of Diablo 3, World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria and Starcraft 2: Heart of the Swarm, no significant announcements of new titles or IP are ready this year. By implication no meaty announcements for the upcoming MMO being developed by Blizzard – codenamed Titan – will occur until deep into 2013; the previously stated desire to accelerate expansion releases for WoW means that there probably will be an announcement of WoW XPac #5 at some point in 2013 for release early 2014.
In an effort to further boost the profile of eSports and Blizzard in Asia, Blizzard will be holding the 2012 Battle.net World Championship. No location has been announced thus far, but the statement makes clear that Starcraft 2 and World of Warcraft’s Arena will be the primary focus of the tournament. It’s also possible that Blizzard may take the opportunity to tease the final expansion of Starcraft 2, known to be titled ‘Legacy of the Void’, at the same time.
The full statement can be read below:
Blizzard Entertainment is proud to announce the 2012 Battle.net World Championship, a major global eSports event featuring some of the best pro-gaming competition in the world. Slated to take place in Asia toward the end of 2012, the Battle.net World Championship will host this year’s StarCraft II and World of Warcraft Arena World Championship tournaments. Blizzard gamers and eSports fans from around the world will be invited to attend and witness some of the most skilled pro players on the planet battle it out for cash and glory.
We’re excited to be showcasing Blizzard eSports on a truly global stage this year. We’re also heavily focused on getting Diablo III, Mists of Pandaria, and Heart of the Swarm into players’ hands as soon as possible. In light of our jam-packed schedule, we’ve decided to hold the next BlizzCon in 2013.
More details about the 2012 Battle.net World Championship and BlizzCon 2013, including specific dates and locations, will be coming in the months ahead.
We’re excited to be showcasing Blizzard eSports on a truly global stage this year. We’re also heavily focused on getting Diablo III, Mists of Pandaria, and Heart of the Swarm into players’ hands as soon as possible. In light of our jam-packed schedule, we’ve decided to hold the next BlizzCon in 2013.
More details about the 2012 Battle.net World Championship and BlizzCon 2013, including specific dates and locations, will be coming in the months ahead.
Source: Battle.net, Image via Wikipedia
