BlizzCon might not be the biggest fan event in the gaming industry, but it's been around for quite a while. However, in recent years, this event has had a tough time. It has been forced to rethink and cancel in-person events due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and now it looks like Activision Blizzard are going to be "reimagining" the event further in the wake of a damning lawsuit from the State of California - the one about the horrendous workplace environment, discrimination and harassment.
Blizzard has announced that BlizzCon 2022 - which was expected to be another BlizzConline experience in February 2022 - has been cancelled. Why was BlizzCon 2022 cancelled though?
BlizzCon 2022 cancelled for "reimagining"
It's hard to avoid thinking that this has all come at a convenient time for Activision Blizzard - given the lawsuit - but their statement on the cancellation of BlizzCon 2022 does little to mention that, understandably.
The Open Letter to the fans said the following:
BlizzCon 2022 has been cancelled for two main reasons, according to Blizzard. The studio wants to spend more time focusing on their development teams and supporting those working on new games. In addition to this, they want to spend some time thinking about how they can change BlizzCon's format to better suit the changing landscape of the industry.
It seems fair - however, BlizzCon is already one of the most fan-friendly experiences out there. A major part of BlizzCon in recent years has been the cosplay competitions and "Murlock March". We understand this isn't for everyone, but you don't get quite as much focus on that at other events.
It all seems like an experience that's been tainted by the recent news regarding Blizzard's workplace culture. Things are changing and perhaps it is best to keep BlizzCon on ice until they do.