Blizzard postpones planned BlizzConline event for early 2022

Blizzard has decided to postpone the upcoming BlizzConline event for the time being. Following on from the first edition, which took place in February this year, this fully digital event should have taken place sometime early next year, but that schedule has not been realized.

In a post, Blizzard says it is “pausing” this schedule and that it was a tough decision. The company writes that every BlizzCon event demands a lot from each employee and that the energy required for such a show would be better spent at this time on supporting the teams and making progress with the development of games and experiences. .

The game company won’t give very specific, detailed reasons for the delay, but for example says: “Whatever the event looks like in the future, we also need to make sure it feels as safe, welcoming and inclusive as possible.” Blizzard says that BlizzCon will continue to play a major role, but how is not made clear.

Although it isn’t directly referenced, the fact that Blizzard has been under quite a lot of fire lately will have played a part in the decision to postpone BlizzConline for the time being. This revolves around the negative culture within the company, in which sexually transgressive behavior and sexual intimidation are said to occur.

Earlier this month, after an internal investigation, more than 20 employees left the company and action was taken against more than 20 other employees. A lawsuit is also pending against Activison Blizzard in California, over alleged “frat-boy culture” and sexually transgressive behavior. The game company recently tried unsuccessfully to suspend that case.

Blizzard will not provide a new date or timeframe for when another BlizzConline event may take place. The company will therefore not hold such an event in February, but says it will just make announcements and updates for games during that period. The first BlizzConline was in February this year; that digital event was held, because the physical edition of BlizzCon could not take place due to the corona pandemic.