For the first time in years, Blizzard Entertainment’s showcase event BlizzCon is making a comeback.
The World of Warcraft and Overwatch developer revealed the convention will skip 2025, but make a two-day return on September 12 and 13, 2026 at the Anaheim Convention Center. It’ll be the first BlizzCon since 2023, and since Microsoft acquired Activision Blizzard for $68.7 million.
Previous BlizzCons have been defined by reveals for future projects, or updates to current titles. For example, the 2018 event featured reveals for Diablo Immortal, and Warcraft III: Reforged; the following year had reveals for Overwatch 2 and Diablo IV.
In 2022 and 2024, Blizzard canceled the event: the former was because of the COVID-19 pandemic and then-recent lawsuits against a number of high-level staff at Blizzard and its parent company accused of misconduct. 2024’s was canceled after “careful consideration,” and the developer instead opted to show its new works at other industry events like Gamescom.
“Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments,” wrote Blizzard. “We aim to meaningfully elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it. We are building this event just like we build our games: with a deep commitment to our players, with respect for your connections to our universes, and as a celebration of the strength of the bonds formed through shared adventure.”
What’s in a con(vention)
BlizzCon has been around since 2005, and helped establish what a developer-specific showcase could be. Without it, the Nintendo Direct or Sony State of Plays may not exist as they currently do.
Xbox has recently followed suit with its developer-specific showcases and Developer Directs. The first Direct was in 2023, which saw the reveal (and same-day launch) of Hi-Fi Rush, and an extended look at Starfield. It most recently featured new looks at South of Midnight and Doom: The Dark Ages, plus reveals for Ninja Gaiden 4 and Ninja Gaiden 2 Black.
More information on the next BlizzCon will be revealed ahead of the event on September 12 and 13, 2026.