Last week’s Developer Direct event gave fans a glimpse into several Xbox Game Studios projects, but notable absences were Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. However, fans of Blizzard’s iconic franchises can look forward to a series of showcases as the publisher celebrates its 35th anniversary, promising exciting “major game announcements.”
These developer-led streams will provide updates across various beloved titles and will be streamed live on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch. Here’s the schedule for the upcoming showcases:
– January 29 at 12 PM ET: *World of Warcraft State of Azeroth*
– February 4 at 1 PM ET: *Overwatch Spotlight*
– February 9 at 12:30 PM ET: *Hearthstone Spotlight*
– February 11 at 5 PM ET: *Diablo 30th Anniversary Spotlight*
In the absence of a BlizzCon event in 2024 and 2025, these showcases will help bridge the gap for fans until the event returns in September. Blizzard president Johanna Faries noted, “This is only the start of what we’ll share around our games this year.”
The *World of Warcraft* showcase is particularly significant as it occurs just before the release of the highly anticipated Midnight expansion on March 2. Fans can expect roadmaps that will detail future content for both the modern and classic versions of the game.
In the *Overwatch* realm, the upcoming showcase is likely to shed light on the game’s shift involving the Talon faction as the new season approaches. There is also speculation about a potential announcement concerning the long-rumored mobile spinoff and maybe even an animated series.
Additionally, players can anticipate insights into the second expansion for *Diablo IV*, titled *Lord of Hatred*, which launches on April 28. This will bring fresh classes and a new campaign, and details will likely be revealed during the franchise’s dedicated showcase. Furthermore, *Hearthstone* enthusiasts will also gain a clearer picture of what’s on the horizon for the card game this year.
With exciting announcements on the way, Blizzard’s upcoming showcases are set to keep fans engaged and eagerly awaiting the next developments in their favorite franchises.