Blizzcon
The annual gathering of nerds who dedicate themselves to the worlds of Warcraft, Starcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and Heroes of the Storm. Some of us have been fans since the very beginning, others only recently- but we all share the same love for Blizzard games.
And Blizzard has given us something in return, a community to be a part of- friends to hold dear for the rest of our lives. Blizzcon lets us gather together with people we’ve known for years but have never met, or to forge new friendships over common interests.
No matter what sort of gamer you are- casual or hardcore, rpg or strategy, Blizzard has a game for you- there’s a little something for everyone. At Blizzcon, you can try your hand at everything, being good doesn’t matter.
You even get front row access to brand new content that no one has had the privilege to try yet, and your feedback from these experiences help shape the game.
So this year had a few changes, and unfortunately they will probably become the norm for the future due to the unsettling nature of the current climate. But if anything it helps to allay some fears considering the attendance for this event is 40,000 +!
So be aware if you’re in a hurry or don’t like waiting: avoid having too many things in your bags, have all metals like keys and phones ready to put in their basket, and be aware if you have food or drinks that aren’t a bottle of water they’ll make you toss it.
And above else if a line looks long to get through security, walk around to another entrance- there are multiple ways to get in and some areas had no one waiting!
But, if you’re the least bit agoraphobic or claustrophobic it’ll be very difficult to get around.
Now this year didn’t have the announcements we were hoping for (*cough* Diablo IV) but it brought much needed content to World of Warcraft and new heroes and champions to Overwatch and Heroes of the Storm, as well as a new expansion for Hearthstone! Not to mention the introduction of a rather controversial contender to the roster: Diablo Immortal.
But in my opinion, the best announcement so far:
That’s right. They’ve remastered the time old classic of Warcraft III. They gave us a small taste of it, and a big one at that: the Culling of Stratholme. IMO, a massive turning point in the character arc of one of our most beloved characters: Arthas Menethil. It definitely brought back memories going through that again.
And the next best thing: Vanilla World Of Warcraft.
Now at Blizzcon there aren’t just these testing areas to play games:
There’s also a lot of vendor stalls:
Main stages that let you watch tournaments and announcements (Obviously this photo was from Blizzcon 2017):
Themed social interaction zones:
And other areas that give you challenges to complete:
A lot of these areas give prizes or rewards, some are as simple as just showing up:
Whereas others make you work for it.
There’s also some amazing artwork to check out in the Gallery:
As well as the Charity Auction where the proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital of Orange County:
Amazing statues:
The wall where you can write your name or a message to be immortalized in Blizzard HQ forever:
Or you can be THAT guy (and admittedly as cool as it is, it’s kind of a dick move):
But it’s not just all about what happens inside the convention centre, there’s a lot to be seen and done outside, too.
See, Blizzcon is held annually around the first Friday and Saturday of November at the Anaheim Convention Centre in Anaheim, California (tickets go on sale through the Blizzard website anywhere from February to April).
If you’re a fan of cosplay and Youtube or Twitch personalities, the best place to meet your idols or just appreciate the hard work people put into showing their love for Blizzard is right outside the convention doors.
Don’t worry though, there’s plenty of people to find inside too! But the lighting isn’t as nice for photographs. But just look at the detailing on that bow!
Unless you’re in the lobby, where the lighting is amazing for cosplay like this:
Year after year I’ve never failed to be able to find my favourite cosplayers like Lindsay Elyse, Svetlana Quindt (Kamuicosplay), or Jessica Nigri!
When it comes to food there is a no shortage of options- in walking distance or within a short drive. That’s the beauty of being in a city built around tourism, there’s a plethora of things to see and do no matter what you’re into.
Not to mention, Disneyland!
But, back to the food! Now of course there will be food available inside the convention centre at little kiosks scattered against the walls (not to mention a beer garden), there are also food trucks on the outside. But these aren’t exactly the best idea if you’re trying to save money.
Some are themed and this year they were selling Starcraft brews!
But if you’re like me and don’t want to spend 10$ on a hotdog (although it looks like a really good hotdog!), you’d want to avoid the food trucks. But there are favourites, and you’ll know them as soon as you see them (the line is almost as long as the one to get into the convention centre!)
To save money though it’s just as simple as going outside the front doors and into the Hilton Hotel lobby. There’s a food court here with an assortment of vendors such as Baja fresh and Submarina, further inside the lobby is a Starbucks, and then of course the Hilton’s own bar and restaurant.
And the next best thing (other than the convention), is the closing ceremony- and the bands! Most years were pretty great, Blizzard grabbed some high name closers such as Muse, Linken Park, and Metallica. This year though, they changed things up a bit- for the better and worse.
They had three closing bands:
Now see this is great if you like variety and don’t particularly agree with Blizzard’s decision on just one band. But it also means that instead of shelling out for one awesome band, they potentially will instead split it amongst 3 lesser known entertainers. This can end up being good or bad down the line because instead of Red Hot Chili Peppers we get Train?
I mean I love Lindsey Stirling, I see her every year- when I was in Perth and now that I’m in Los Angeles. She has been amazing every single time and I do not regret seeing her at Blizzcon!
Kristian Nairn is also pretty good, I saw him a few years ago when he played in the courtyard by the Hilton. But I didn’t get to see him this year, as the scheduling for these three bands were fifteen minutes apart so it would be impossible to actually experience all three unless you were happy standing way in the back where you can barely see the stage. As it was more than an hour before Lindsey Stirling was set to play the seats were full!
But regardless of what you want to see and do, Blizzcon is an amazing experience that I recommend every fan to attend at least once! You won’t regret it!
(But your wallet might~)
PS: Blizzard HQ give me a tour ❤
Honey Skippy 