BlizzCon Falls: Blizzard's Annual Gaming Convention Canceled Due To COVID-19

Blizzard has officially canceled this year's BlizzCon due to the ongoing pandemic caused by COVID-19.

While it came to no surprise, Blizzard's decision to put on hold its annual gaming convention came as a way to protect the health and safety of its staff, visitors and practically “everyone who helps with the show.”

BlizzCon Executive Producer Saralyn Smith issued a note last month where they tackled the future of BlizzCon amid a worldwide catastrophe that led to “cancellations, postponements or shifts to online format” of some of the most important events and tournaments in the gaming industry.

“As so many of us have been isolated for multiple weeks now, surrounded and in some cases directly impacted by the ongoing pandemic-related challenges around the world, we're looking forward to the time when we can see one another in person and have something to celebrate together,” Blizzard said.

At the time, Blizzard was still hopeful that somewhere down the line, BlizzCon would still be “feasible.” Unfortunately, COVID-19 proved to be a worthy opponent and eventually pushed them to cancel the gathering over safety reasons.

In an update on her note, Smith said “a lot has changed... and a lot hasn't changed” since they gathered and talked about whether or not to push through with BlizzCon. Among others, they discussed how the convention would be like provided the health and safety considerations of health experts. At the same time, Blizzard also looked for “different paths” and how national and local health guidelines would affect each one.

“Ultimately, after considering our options, we've come to the very difficult decision to not have BlizzCon this year,” she said.

Despite feeling disappointed and sharing the sentiments of fans around the world, Smith remained positive. She said that Blizzard is thinking of ways on how to “channel the BlizzCon spirit” online. This will prove to be a safer alternative and one that is “far less affected” by health and safety protocols mandated for mass in-person gatherings.

“We'd want to do this as soon as we could, but given that this is new-ish territory and the different factors involved, it will most likely be sometime early next year,” Said Smith.

Aside from showcasing updates about their games, BlizzCon also hosts a bevy of esports events such as the “Overwatch World Cup” and major “Starcraft II” and “Hearthstone” championships. Smith said that they are also looking for alternatives to “support some of the high-level competition that would normally take place at the show.”