BlizzCon Skips 2025 But Will Return In 2026 After Two Years Off
BlizzCon will be back for 2026, Blizzard has announced, in the process confirming the convention will not happen this year. The developer’s (usually) annual fan expo will return to the Anaheim Convention Center in September 2026 after having taken two years off.
Whereas the vast majority of BlizzCons have happened in November, BlizzCon 2026 will instead happen two months earlier on September 12-13. In a press release announcing the date, Blizzard did not give more details or an explanation as to why the event is happening several months earlier than usual, nor why a 2025 event isn’t happening.
“We’ve come a long way since our first event in 2005,” Blizzard said in a press release. “Over the past nearly 20 years since its inception, BlizzCon has inspired us to innovate, push the boundaries of creativity, and deliver once-in-a-lifetime moments. It’s important that we put on an event worthy of our community.”
Many BlizzCon staples, like the announcement-heavy opening ceremony, in-depth panels about what’s next for Blizzard’s games, competitive tournaments, and more will be a part of the 2026 expo, Blizzard confirmed, additionally stating it aims to “elevate this iconic celebration and create an unforgettable experience for all who take part in it.”
Blizzard has not announced when tickets will go on sale but said to sign up on the official BlizzCon website to receive updates.
Last year, Blizzard said it decided to not hold a BlizzCon 2024 “after careful consideration.” It went on to say it was a decision it didn’t make lightly as “BlizzCon remains a very special event for all of us, and we know many of you look forward to it.” Blizzard at the time said it was “excited as ever” to bring back BlizzCon in the future.
While there was a BlizzCon 2023, there wasn’t one in 2022, with Blizzard instead opting for a digital-only presentation. Assuming BlizzCon 2026 does happen as planned, that will mean there will have only been two in-person BlizzCon events in the preceding five years.
In lieu of making major announcements at BlizzCon, Blizzard in 2024 instead revealed what’s next for the Warcraft franchise during a 30th anniversary livestream (including player housing in World of Warcraft) and announced new details about Diablo 4’s first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, as part of Summer Game Fest and Gamescom 2024. Blizzard more recently outlined the year ahead for Overwatch 2, revealing its ambitious new Stadium game mode.
