Blizzard Revamps BlizzCon to Conduct an Online Event

Overwatch developers Blizzard have announced that they are going to shift their annual gaming event ‘BlizzCon’ to an online platform. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced the company to cancel BlizzCon 2020, they had to look for alternatives.

In an update posted online on their website, Blizzard has confirmed the details of the online event which will comprise various exhibitions and competitions as well.

BlizzCon Revamped to BlizzConline

“Attune your chronometers, flip your hourglasses, set a notification on your phone—however you mark the passage of time, save the date for BlizzConline™, set to take place February 19–20, 2021!”

Blizzard announced the date of the event through a blog post on their website. They justified their move by stating it wasn’t possible to conduct an event with fans due to dire public health situation. They also stated that many details are yet to be announced, and that the post was just a heads up for the fans to get a basic idea.

From what the post tells us, however, we know that Blizzard will provide the fans with an opportunity to show and put their talent on display. Furthermore, it will be an opportunity for cosplay crafters, artists, and other community creators to join exhibitions and competitions.

Blizzard will host all these events online, wherein participants can send their submissions in the form of images or videos.

Read: PS5 to Get a Remastered Version of Marvel’s Spiderman

Community showcase

The company has clubbed all the exhibitions and competitions under the heading ‘Community Showcase’. The showcase includes three exhibitions and competitions each. Out of the exhibitions, fans can participate in a Cosplay Exhibition, Talent Spotlight, and the famous March of the Murlocs. The cosplay exhibition also includes the option of dressing up and displaying pets.

All the rules regarding the exhibition and competitions can be found on Blizzard’s website. Blizzard has advised all the participants to keep health guidelines in mind and take proper precautions if they are taking part in group events.

With regards to competitions, fans can participate in a Cosplay Contest, an Art Contest, and a Digital Storytelling Contest. Regarding the Art and Storytelling competitions, Blizzard has asked participants to highlight the 30th anniversary of the company, which they complete this year. They will reward the top three submissions from both these contests.

The highlight of every gaming event is a Cosplay Contest. It is the battle between fans about who can recreate the best costume from the fandoms. The contest will have 4 categories.

1. Blizzard Character – Recognizing outstanding interpretations of iconic heroes and villains from the worlds of Diablo, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft.
2. Blizzard Weapons & Armor – Recognizing the exemplary craftsmanship that goes into building epic, battlefield-worthy gear.
3. Modern Creation – Recognizing expertise in working with materials such as foams and plastics, and incorporating 3D printing, electronics, and technology.
4. Traditional Creation – Recognizing masterful skill in working with materials such as fabric, leather, metal, and wood.

The judges will choose the top contender from each of these categories. Among those four, they will choose the Best Cosplay winner.

The deadline to submit entries for all the events is January 4, 2021.