What can we expect at BlizzConline? We have compiled the 5 hottest rumors about what Blizzard might announce.
In just two days it will be here. On February 19, 2021, BlizzCon will take place. For the first time, however, the event is purely a digital experience in the form of “BlizzConline.” Those who want can follow BlizzCon at night, as access to the streams is free.
What exactly Blizzard is planning and wants to announce has not yet been released – it is supposed to be a surprise. However, there are already many rumors and theories about what awaits us at the digital BlizzCon. We have compiled the 5 hottest rumors and their likelihood here.
Overwatch will be Free2Play
In recent years, Overwatch has lost a lot of significance. This is primarily due to the fact that players feel the shooter has been somewhat neglected, as the developers have clearly focused on the successor, Overwatch 2.
In the main game, very few new heroes, maps, or major changes are being introduced anymore. Most of the time, it is just small cosmetic additions to the annually recurring celebrations. This has been criticized by many players who would like to see more patches and updates.
The rumor now says that Overwatch is supposed to become Free2Play during BlizzConline. This would make sense to attract a lot of players back to the world of Overwatch.
Arguments in favor: Overwatch would certainly gain numerous new players by switching to Free2Play. After all, Overwatch is a pretty good team shooter with great characters. Many players might not have picked it up due to the price. If that were eliminated, there would surely be more active players on both PC and consoles, which would boost Activision Blizzard’s numbers for the upcoming quarter.
Arguments against: The shift to Free2Play would give Overwatch a boost, but it might not benefit the franchise much, as Overwatch 2 is still a long way off. A shift would probably make tactical sense ahead of the release of its successor, in order to excite more people about the franchise. However, a release of Part 2 is unlikely in the near future – unless Blizzard surprises us.
Diablo 2: Resurrected – A Remaster is coming
Blizzard also has a long history of beloved games, especially the second Diablo part is firmly rooted in the memories of gamers. For many fans, it is the first real hack and slay and was the first opportunity to lose oneself in an endless tide of demons and loot. Diablo III has been repeatedly criticized for not being “like Diablo II.”
For several weeks now, rumors of a remaster or even a remake have been circulating. It is supposed to be titled “Diablo II: Resurrected” and allegedly brings the hack and slay classic back to modern PCs.
Arguments in favor: In recent years, Blizzard has already released several remakes of its biggest classics. The remaster of StarCraft was well received. There has also been a long development process for Warcraft III: Reforged, but the release was quite disastrous. Nevertheless, both games show that Blizzard likes to release remasters of old classics to make them appealing to younger players – or old fans – again.
Arguments against: According to several reports, there were recently some internal restructuring at Blizzard. The team previously responsible for remasters has reportedly been dissolved, and the work has now been taken over by employees of Vicarious Visions. They have only been on board for a few weeks and are therefore unlikely to be very far along if they have started on a Diablo project.
Fenway – A new IP or Warcraft Mobile?
For several weeks, the term “Fenway” has been circulating among fans on the Internet. The term is not new; it first appeared in March of last year. Recently, it was seen again on the LinkedIn page of a Blizzard employee, which has sparked quite a bit of speculation.
Reliable information about it is virtually nonexistent. Fenway could be a completely new IP – like Overwatch – or just the code name for a project. It could also be a Warcraft mobile title currently operating under this name.
Arguments in favor: A lot. Bobby Kotick recently stated in the earnings call that there are several mobile titles for Warcraft in an ‘advanced’ stage. This would mean that at least a presentation of these titles is not too far off. The BlizzConline would be perfect for that.
Arguments against: Basically not much. Blizzard needs to announce new titles or IPs soon, and the BlizzConline is ideally suited for that. Only the absence of major, significant leaks has so far raised some doubts. But maybe Blizzard has succeeded this time in keeping all leaks quiet for a long time.
WoW Classic: The Burning Crusade
The story of the original WoW: Classic has been told. Naxxramas has been cleared in most cases, and slowly but surely, players have achieved everything they ever wanted to achieve in Classic.
The next logical step is the re-release of the expansion “The Burning Crusade,” which raises the player level to 70 and brought the shattered world and flying mounts.
The Burning Crusade expanded WoW with many valuable systems back then. Heroic dungeons offered a new level of difficulty, arenas became the new go-to place for PvP players, and the battles in the raids are among the most famous foes of all time – like Kael’thas, Vashj, Kil’jaeden or, of course, the nearly 20-minute fight against Illidan. After all, there was a leak here …
Arguments in favor: A lot. The Classic community’s hunger for new content is great. Burning Crusade was the entry point for many players in their WoW careers, and they long to relive those old experiences. Additionally, there have already been several surveys from Blizzard asking players how they would envision a “TBC Classic.”
Since Classic was a huge success, the next step seems only logical.
The Netherwelpling pet from the anniversary sale also suggests TBC…
Arguments against: Basically nothing. The indications have intensified, and it is considered an “open secret” that The Burning Crusade Classic is set to launch in the coming months. Of course, a confirmation is still pending.
Diablo IV: New Class will be revealed
Even though Diablo IV is largely still in the future, the rumors are piling up that Blizzard wants to reveal another class here. After all, the availability of information so far has been quite sparse, and many players want to know what role they will be able to take on in the upcoming hack’n slash. Additionally, it would provide many opportunities to reveal some cool gameplay videos and thus reignite the hype in the community.
Arguments in favor: The community is hungry for new information about Diablo IV, as shown in the last BlizzCons. Furthermore, the Diablo community is still divided regarding Diablo: Immortal. To satisfy fans who have no interest in the mobile title, information in the form of a new class presentation for Diablo 4 would be ideal.
Arguments against: A release of Diablo IV this year has been practically ruled out, which may mean it is too early for more information.
Which rumors will turn out to be true?
Whether any of these rumors will ultimately prove to be true will be revealed to us on Friday from 11:00 PM when the opening ceremony of BlizzConline begins. Which rumor are you most hoping is true?
Are you looking forward to BlizzCon? Or do you think there’s not much to expect?
