Blizzard could return to gamescom as a full-fledged exhibitor in 2024. This is hinted at in a blog post announcing that BlizzCon will be canceled this year
It’s been six years since Blizzard last exhibited at gamescom. Although the World of Warcraft developer has been present in recent years through merchandise stores or as a subtenant, it has not been a full-fledged exhibitor. However, this could soon change.
In a blog post, the developer announced that it “will not be hosting BlizzCon in 2024”. This decision was made after “long deliberation”. They want to “do something different this year” – but this is not a permanent end for BlizzCon. The event will take place again “in the coming years”.
For 2024, the US company is planning to be represented at the Overwatch Champions Series as part of DreamHacks in Dallas and Stockholm. There will also be “several global and local events” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Warcraft and the 20th birthday of World of Warcraft.
“Some plans” for trade fairs “like gamescom “
A return to Cologne also seems more than likely – Blizzard wants to “share some plans for other trade shows and conventions like gamescom soon.” It is quite possible that the development studio will once again exhibit at the trade fair in Cologne – especially on the occasion of the anniversaries and upcoming releases.
This would certainly be positive news for gamescom, after some rather bad news for the organizers. Because just one year after returning, Switch manufacturer Nintendo is staying away again this year. The company announced that it had decided “after careful consideration not to participate in Cologne”.
Nintendo did not provide a reason for this step, but did let it be known that it would be focusing on other events: “Players can try out the games for Nintendo Switch at other Germany-wide events instead.” gamescom 2024 is scheduled to take place from August 21 to 25.