Who could have guess that between E3 and BlizzCon, the celebration of Blizzard games would end up going out as the only survivor of the post-Pandemic massacre? The uncertainty specific to the COVID-19 years has caused a real turning point for the video game industry. One by one, the major events that hitherto brought together specialized players and journalists from around the world all ended up dematerializing their festivities, or worse, by putting the key under the door. After two attempts to take over consecutively canceled in 2022 and 2023, the E3 is officially part of the past.
This same fate seemed to hover on the BlizzCon, which made a shy physical return in 2023, before being overshadowed in 2024. Today, we learn that the Blizzard convention will also be put aside in 2025, but this time: it is for a good cause. The BlizzCon will be officially relaunched for a larger edition than ever, organized in the heart of The Anaheim Convention Center on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026. The fans of Warcraft, Diablo et Overwatch will have to take their pain in patience, but the sudden announcement of this unexpected return smears good renaissance for Blizzard.
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The Microsoft effect?
The takeover of the Activision Blizzard buyout by Microsoft is still far from being positive. Players can enjoy a new slew of flagship licenses in the Game Pass catalog, but this advantage does not allow you to forget the mass layoffs that hit the studio. But the most recent developments suggest that these final injuries have made it possible to forge the basics of a solid future for the company. Cleaning was obviously essential to erase the latest traces of the reign of Bobby Kotick, the controversial CEO to whom the dazzling decline of the studio is generally attributed. It is already possible to see substantial changes on the side of major Blizzard productions, starting with Overwatch 2 who fully assumes his journey mistakes and no longer hesitates to reinstate the most requested mechanics (such as lootboxes).
On paper, it is still too early to attribute this positive dynamic to Microsoft’s sole desire to restore the studio which cost him $ 75 billion. But such a revival still seemed impossible a few years ago. Will Blizzard Activision finally regain its letters of nobility? For once, we want to put the plow before the Taurens and to say that the BlizzCon 2026 will mark a turning point for the company, and can be more widely the whole video game industry.
To not miss anything of the next announcements
The BlizzCon site has already been updated and offers fans to register for a new essential newsletter. This will share the major development announcements in the next 28 months that separate us from the 2026 edition. For the time being, Blizzard avoids false hopes and is content to promise the bare minimum: “The opening ceremony, the conferences, the Darklunune fair, friendly competitions, live game sessions”With the mention of a few “significant developments”Which will strengthen the community aspect of the event. And according to you, is this return from BlizzCon a positive sign?
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