For the first time since 2019, BlizzCon returned to its traditional form. While the Blizzard convention held an online ceremony in 2021, it hasn’t been held in-person since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. That changes today with the 2023 edition, which sees fans return to the Anaheim Convention Center for all the news about studio games.
It all starts with the Opening Ceremony which will provide players with the latest information on titles such as Supervision 2, World of Warcraft, and much more. This is a particularly important moment for Blizzard, as it comes not long after Microsoft completed its acquisition of the company this fall. Because of that move, all eyes were on the BlizzCon stage this year. Can we get any news on Blizzard titles coming to Game Pass? Will Xbox’s Phil Spencer make a cameo? If you can’t watch live, don’t worry; We continue to monitor all news here as they come in.
Overwatch 2 unveils new heroes, plans for 2024
Supervision 2 Game Director Aaron Keller and the rest of the team appeared early to provide some updates on the sequel. It begins with the reveal of the next shooter hero, Mauga, a Samoan Tank class character with a chain gun in each hand. He has abilities like Overrun, an unstoppable attack, and Cage Fight, which gives his team unlimited ammo for a short time. The character was first introduced in a short story four years ago, so he’s a long-awaited addition for eagle-eyed fans. He will join the roster in Season 8, and players can try him out for free today.
Keller also revealed two new heroes. A hero named Venture will appear in Season 10 and another codename Space Ranger will join the roster in Season 12. More details about both will be revealed during BlizzCon.
Keller went on to discuss the team’s new “clarity of vision” guiding their roadmap for 2024. The team created a new PvP game mode called Clash, which is another point-grabbing variation. It also features a new map, Hanaoka, which is a new version of Hanamura. The game will also get reworks on how rewards, seasons, and lore work.
Phil Spencer lays out the mission statement for Blizzard
Even though it wasn’t an announcement, BlizzCon opened with a big moment when Xbox head Phil Spencer took the stage. Spencer didn’t break any news (like Blizzard games coming to Game Pass), but he did provide a bit of a mission statement for Xbox’s relationship with the company. He praised the long-defunct Starcraft series, hinted that Blizzard games would be coming to Xbox, and noted that the company would work closely with Blizzard to build its future. It was a huge PR moment for both companies that set the stage for the future without confirming anything new.
Editor’s Recommendations