Key Takeaways:
- Blizzard Entertainment is celebrating its 35th anniversary and has a big year ahead with major updates and releases for its franchises, including "World of Warcraft," "Diablo," and "Overwatch."
- The company is bringing back its beloved fan convention, BlizzCon, in September after a two-year hiatus.
- Blizzard’s president, Johanna Faries, emphasizes the company’s commitment to investing in its iconic IP, modernizing it, and surprising and delighting its fans.
- The return of BlizzCon is a key part of Blizzard’s vision for the future, with the goal of making it the biggest and best event yet.
- The company is taking a fresh approach to BlizzCon, while still honoring its legacy and core fans.
Introduction to Blizzard’s 35th Anniversary
Blizzard Entertainment is turning 35 and is excited to share its plans for the upcoming year. In an interview with Variety, Blizzard’s president, Johanna Faries, discussed the company’s vision for the future and the major updates and releases that fans can expect. With a stacked year ahead, including the return of BlizzCon, Faries emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in its iconic IP and surprising and delighting its fans.
Big Blizzard Moments Ahead
The big Blizzard moments that Faries is pointing to include the much-anticipated "Midnight" expansion for "World of Warcraft" in March, the "Diablo" franchise’s 30th anniversary and "Diablo IV’s" "Lord of Hatred" update, and the 10th anniversary of "Overwatch." These releases are just a few examples of the exciting things that Blizzard has in store for its fans. With a focus on modernizing its IP and bringing fresh takes to its franchises, Blizzard is poised to have a huge year.
The Return of BlizzCon
Perhaps the most important moment for Blizzard fans is the return of BlizzCon, the beloved fan convention that was skipped in 2024 and 2025 following Microsoft’s acquisition of the company in 2023. Faries emphasized that the delay was not due to the change in ownership, but rather to give employees the time to put on the best show possible for the community. With the return of BlizzCon, Blizzard is looking to bring its fans together and create an unforgettable experience.
Blizzard’s Vision for the Future
Faries, who joined Blizzard as president in 2024, has a clear vision for the company’s future. She emphasizes the importance of investing in Blizzard’s iconic IP and modernizing it to surprise and delight fans. With a focus on being beholden to legacy where it matters, while also bringing fresh takes to its franchises, Blizzard is looking to cement its position as a leader in the gaming industry. Faries’ background in business and marketing, including her time at the NFL and Activision, has given her a unique perspective on how to achieve this vision.
Planning for BlizzCon
When it comes to planning for BlizzCon, Faries and her team are taking a thoughtful approach. They are looking to strike the same tone as previous leadership, while bringing in new ideas to make the event the best it can be. By taking notes from previous editions of the event and considering what fans want to see, Blizzard is aiming to create an event that is both nostalgic and innovative. With a focus on expanding the scope of what BlizzCon can be, the company is looking to make the event a reflection of its ambition to be the best gaming and entertainment company in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Blizzard Entertainment is turning 35 and is excited to share its plans for the upcoming year. With a stacked year ahead, including the return of BlizzCon, the company is poised to have a huge year. Faries’ vision for the future is clear, and with a focus on investing in iconic IP, modernizing it, and surprising and delighting fans, Blizzard is looking to cement its position as a leader in the gaming industry. As the company looks to the future, one thing is clear: Blizzard is committed to creating unforgettable experiences for its fans, and the return of BlizzCon is just the beginning.