BlizzCon 2020 Cancellation Draws Mixed Reactions From Fans

Another gaming event has been canceled this 2020, but it sure looks like fans are getting used to it.

On Tuesday, Blizzard Entertainment announced its decision to not hold BlizzCon this year due to the worsening situation caused by the coronavirus pandemic. Considering that mass gathering is not allowed due to the health risks it poses, the game developer and publisher deemed it irresponsible and dangerous to push through the event.

“We’ve had many discussions about what holding a convention could look like in light of all the health and safety considerations we’d want to make,” Blizzcon executive producer Saralyn Smith said in a statement.

“We’ve also talked about different paths we could take, and how each one could be complicated by fluctuations in national and local health guidelines in the months ahead. Ultimately, after considering our options, we’ve come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year.”

However, given that it is not the first event to be canceled due to COVID-19, the news didn’t come as a surprise to most people. In fact, a lot of fans expressed an understanding of the decision.

“Thank you for making the responsible decision. I'm sure the next Blizzcon will be bigger and even better,” one fan wrote.

While another fan commented: “Blizzcon is officially cancelled. Am I sad? Absolutely. Am I relieved? Yes. Because standing in lines and hearing people talking about attending with the flu makes it super obvious that people would come with COVID. Thank you, Blizzard for being smart about it.”

Of course, there are also others who have expressed disappointment, especially since it has been one of the most highly anticipated gaming events annually and has established a loyal following.

There are also some fans that took the decision lightly and decided to make fun of the situation, particularly at Blizzard who won’t need to answer criticisms from some diehard supporters.

On a more positive note for gamers, Blizzard Entertainment also shared it is thinking of holding an online event to replace the canceled BlizzCon 2020. While no concrete plan has been made, Smith said that the said activity will likely be made in early 2021.

For the uninitiated, BlizzCon is a yearly gaming convention held by Blizzard to promote its major titles such as “Overwatch,” “Diablo” and “World of Warcraft.” It started in 2005 and has been a major staple in the industry ever since.

Aside from the 2020 event, the only times BlizzCon was not held were in 2006 and 2012.