According to engadget, Blizzard is launching a series of developer-led showcase streams over the next few weeks to celebrate its 35th anniversary, promising “major game announcements.” The events will cover World of Warcraft, Overwatch 2, Diablo IV, and Hearthstone, filling the gap left by the absence of BlizzCon in both 2024 and 2025. The WoW showcase happens just over a month before its The War Within expansion launches on August 26, 2024, and will detail roadmaps for both modern and Classic versions. The Diablo IV stream will focus on its second expansion, Vessel of Hatred, which is scheduled for release on October 8, 2024. Overwatch 2’s showcase is expected to detail the upcoming season and a rumored Talon faction takeover, while Hearthstone will outline its plans for the year. Blizzard president Johanna Faries stated this is “only the start” of what the company will share in 2024.
Blizzard’s New Rhythm
Here’s the thing: skipping BlizzCon for two years straight is a massive deal. That event was basically the company’s heartbeat for decades. So these targeted, franchise-specific streams feel like a deliberate shift in strategy. It’s more agile, right? Instead of one monolithic, stressful press conference, they can control the narrative for each game on its own terms. And honestly, it might be better for fans. If you only care about Diablo, you tune in for that hour and get a concentrated dose. You don’t have to sit through a Hearthstone card reveal. This feels like Blizzard adapting to a modern media landscape where attention is fragmented.
What To Expect In The Streams
So what’s actually going to be in these things? For WoW, the timing is key. With The War Within so close, this won’t be about huge new reveals for that expansion. It’ll be about the roadmap. Blizzard has been talking about this three-expansion “Worldsoul Saga” for a while now. I think we’ll get our first real glimpse of what’s coming after The War Within, maybe even the name of the next one. For Overwatch 2, the “Talon takeover” has been teased for ages—this is where it has to materialize into actual gameplay changes or a story mode. And that long-rumored mobile game? If it’s real, this is the perfect, lower-pressure venue to announce it.
The Diablo And Hearthstone Factor
Vessel of Hatred for Diablo IV is arguably the most important piece here. The game’s first year had its ups and downs, and this expansion needs to be a slam dunk. A new class is confirmed, but which one? And will the campaign finally give us that Mephisto showdown we’ve been waiting for? This showcase needs to rebuild hype in a big way. As for Hearthstone, it’s the steady workhorse. Its announcements are always about the next year of content—new card sets, modes, maybe a twist on the core game. It won’t be as flashy, but for its dedicated players, it’s crucial. Basically, Blizzard is trying to show all parts of its community that they’re being heard, even without the big tent of BlizzCon.
