Coming soon, BlizzConline 2021 will take place. We will look at what the event could bring and what you can look forward to.
In 2020, BlizzCon was canceled. The reason for this was, as with so much, the Corona pandemic. However, the developer still wants to host a celebration and has come up with BlizzConline 2021. This is almost at the door, as it will take place in less than two weeks. But what can one hope for from BlizzConline and what will likely have no news? We list for you what BlizzConline could hold – and when.
What will be presented at BlizzConline?
In principle, the exact contents of BlizzConline are still a secret; so far, it is not known what exactly will be presented. However, some grounded speculations can already be made that make quite a bit of sense.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands: For Shadowlands, it is already relatively clear what the BlizzCon will be about. The focus is likely to be the reveal of at least one major patch, perhaps even two at once. After all, Blizzard is already preparing Patch 9.0.5 on the PTR. However, it is clear that there will be new information about the progression of the story, and we will find out how Blizzard plans to address the current issues facing Shadowlands.
WoW Classic: The story of WoW Classic has come to an end; Naxxramas has been defeated. But players are already eagerly eyeing the first expansion “The Burning Crusade Classic.” Many surveys have already indicated this in advance. An announcement of the release is considered almost assured, along with plans on how it will work with the current servers.
Hearthstone: So far, nothing is known about the expansions of Hearthstone for 2021 – so an expansion will almost certainly be presented. At the same time, the developers have already let slip that they are working on a completely new game mode, which will be introduced in addition to duels and battlegrounds. A first glimpse of it could increase the enjoyment of the card game again.
Diablo Immortal: The mobile offshoot of Diablo is expected to be released later this year. Thus, more can be expected about gameplay and story, perhaps also concrete hints about the release and possible changes made in response to the beta test.
Overwatch (2): Possibly a new hero or a new map. One shouldn’t expect much more here, as Overwatch 2 is likely still a work in progress. Maybe there will be some insights into the development or already some information about a rough release window.
Warcraft Mobile? Just recently, Blizzard has emphasized once again that they are working on several mobile offshoots from the Warcraft franchise. Some of these are allegedly already in “advanced development.” It is conceivable that we might catch a first glimpse of a prototype.
What won’t come? Bad news for fans who were looking forward to Diablo IV. It has already been mentioned in advance during an earnings call that Diablo IV should not be expected this year. However, there might be some new information after all.
Also, information about StarCraft is likely to be absent; after all, the development of StarCraft 2 has been discontinued. It is still too early to announce a new title here.
How to participate in BlizzConline?
BlizzConline is free: Unlike the usual BlizzCon, where you have to purchase a virtual ticket for access, this is not the case with BlizzConline. All streams and announcements are open to everyone, there is no paywall.
Additionally, the corresponding streams will still be available for viewing after the release, should you want to take another look at the details.
For those who want to avoid spending money but still want to get through such a presentation, they can purchase one of Blizzard’s anniversary packages and get many digital goodies. Alternatively, you can crown yourself for 300 US dollars as the new Lich King. However, this is not necessary.
Where can you watch? Watching BlizzConline can be done in several ways, but the easiest is through the official BlizzConline website. There, all channels are listed and you can easily switch between them as soon as they are available.
The most important dates – When is what coming?
Traditionally, BlizzCon spans several days. On the first day, the big announcements and presentations usually take place, while on day 2, detailed information is spread and community events are held. So you should expect the “big hits” most likely on the night from Friday to Saturday.
Friday, February 19 starting at 11:00 PM
Opening Ceremony: Here all the highlights will be rapidly presented. The big announcements and plans will be introduced briefly and succinctly. If you want to have “the most important things” in short, don’t miss the start.
Deep Dives: Individual, focused contributions on individual games. Those who want to learn more about the updates and plans from the opening ceremony in detail will be happy in the Deep Dives, as they find everything about their respective favorite game.
Opening ceremony and deep dives afterwards are expected to last about 3 hours – until 2:00 AM at night. In total, there are 6 different channels you can choose from.
Saturday, February 20 starting at 9:00 PM
Q&As: In these “questions and answers” sessions, the developers respond to comments and questions that have arisen from the previous day. Thus, there are even more details and insights into Blizzard’s plans, and you can get a more precise picture of what the updates are all about.
Community Events: These are more like events that only tangentially relate to updates. Mostly, it is about cosplayers, musicians, or other artists who present their creations related to the various Blizzard games and are honored.
A detailed schedule with the exact times has not yet been made available. As soon as it is revealed, we will certainly report on it.
Will you stay up all night for BlizzConline? Or do you have no big expectations and’ll read calmly the next day about what was presented?
