My first-ever BlizzCon—and my first trip to California is officially wrapped up, and I’m still riding the hype.
First and foremost, the trip from New York to California was super pleasant. Thank you, American Airlines, for making it a smooth trip both ways! But the moment that really made it all feel real was pulling into the Hilton and seeing that giant BlizzCon banner. Chills. Actual chills.
After getting settled into my room, I ventured out to grab whatever pictures I could from behind the barricades, since the area was still closed off on Thursday. I also met up with some of the VALOR Gaming crew who had arrived early.
Even though we’d never met in person, we’ve spent so many hours together online that it felt like catching up with old friends from college. That alone made the trip special.
Each night, the Hilton lobby basically became the hangout spot for attendees. Between catching up with the crew and coming across familiar faces from the industry, there was always something going on and someone to talk to.
Let’s Talk Announcements
I could ramble about the whole BlizzCon experience for pages, so let’s get into the announcements. But first: OMG, the atmosphere. The setting, the lighting, the energy everything was top notch.
Forgive me if these aren’t in the exact order they appeared during the opening ceremony. My brain was running on pure hype.
Heroes of the Storm
A new character! I’ve never played Heroes of the Storm myself, but seeing it get attention again was really cool. It’s definitely something I’d like to check out once time allows.
StarCraft
Probably the second-worst-kept secret of the event, but that teaser marketing? Amazing.
We’re getting new StarCraft!!!
I grew up on RTS games like StarCraft and Command & Conquer, so this one had me excited. Even if it ends up being an FPS, I’m just happy to see something happening with this universe again. I’m hopeful it finds a solid foundation and gives us something to get excited about for years to come.
Overwatch 2
The new character looks really neat. Overwatch 2 is another game I’ve been meaning to get back into, and between the panels and the excitement at the event, I’m trying to work it back into my streaming schedule.
Diablo V and the Series
I called the series! Diablo always felt like a good fit for an adaptation, with room to explore its world and tell stories without every detail being under quite the same microscope as some of Blizzard’s other franchises.
Diablo V, though? I did not see that coming. I was expecting another expansion. And the fact that we lost? That was a lot to take in.
Hearthstone
Hearthstone has never been one of my main games, but apparently BlizzCon changed that because I’ve been playing daily since getting home.
GG, Blizzard. You got me back in.
World of Warcraft Forever
Last but definitely not least: WoW and the worst-kept secret ever World of Warcraft Forever, aka Classic+.
The joy and chills I felt during that trailer were surreal. I honestly struggle to remember the last time a game announcement made me feel quite like that. Being in the room for it was something special.
It Felt Like Home
This is a quick recap because otherwise I’ll be here talking about BlizzCon forever. But this experience was amazing, and I’m so glad I finally pushed past the nerves and went.
I told plenty of people there the same thing: if you have the opportunity to attend an event like this, DO IT.
Don’t let that little voice in your head talk you out of it with, “What if I don’t know anyone?” I had those nerves too. Then I got there, met people I’d spent years gaming with, talked to fellow fans, and felt like I belonged.
The community was so chill, the vibe was amazing, and it truly felt like being home.
