Just like all other conventions that would have taken place in 2020 if it wasn’t for this damn virus that is keeping us locked in our own countries, states, or homes, Blizzcon is heading into the online streaming arena to showcase everything to do with the Blizzard franchises like World of Warcraft, Heroes of the Storm, Diablo, Hearthstone, Starcraft and maybe more. So prepare yourself for more panels streamed through Zoom with developers sitting in front of their own computers talking to a camera with no crowd interaction (or feedback) and very monotone voices.
Will there be a live music performance this year? Who knows! But some of the events that have been announced for Blizzcon Online are as follows:
- Cosplay Exhibition
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
Are you someone who enjoys regularly attending conventions in cosplay? Or maybe you’re looking for the right opportunity to get started on your own cosplay-crafting journey? Either way, the Cosplay Exhibition is for you! This just-for-fun showcase of original cosplay from Blizzard’s universes is open to people of all levels of skill, whether you’re a seasoned veteran, a casual cosplayer, or somewhere in between.
The all-online format also gives us a chance to do something we haven’t been able to before: invite the animal kingdom onto the virtual stage! So if you fancy dressing up your fuzzy friends and want to show off your dog, cat, or other critters, we’d love to see your pet cosplay as well.
We’ll be showing off original exhibition submissions during the online show—so simply send us photos and videos you’d like to be considered, and you may spot yourself (or your animal pal) onscreen next February.
- Cosplay Contest
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
The cosplay contest is always one of the highlights of BlizzCon—and even if we won’t be sharing a physical stage together, we still want to give top-notch cosplay creators a chance to showcase their skills in the virtual spotlight.
The BlizzConline Cosplay Contest will feature four categories:
- Best Blizzard Character – Recognizing outstanding interpretations of iconic heroes and villains from the worlds of Diablo, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, Overwatch, StarCraft, and Warcraft.
- Best Blizzard Weapons & Armor – Recognizing the exemplary craftsmanship that goes into building epic, battlefield-worthy gear.
- Best Modern Creation – Recognizing expertise in working with materials such as foams and plastics, and incorporating 3D printing, electronics, and technology.
- Best Traditional Creation – Recognizing masterful skill in working with materials such as fabric, leather, metal, and wood.
Our judges will determine one winner in each of the four categories—and from among those, they’ll also determine one overall best cosplay winner, all of whom will be revealed to the world during the BlizzConline broadcast. (Note that you do not need to choose which categories you want to be considered for—the judges will determinate that as part of the judging process.)
Because the contest is taking place entirely online, the videos and photos you send may be displayed as part of the show, so keep that in mind when you’re prepping your entries.
- Art Contest
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
We’re putting out a call for your original artwork for the BlizzConline Art Contest! Whether you’re painting a valiant hero, sculpting an iconic villain, illustrating a memorable moment from inside your game (or out), this is your chance to shine a spotlight on your artistic talent. If you’re looking for something to spark your creativity, Blizzard’s 30th anniversary is this February, so consider drawing on your skills to mark the occasion.
Prizes will be awarded to first-, second-, and third-place works of art, and winners will be featured in a segment during the BlizzConline broadcast.
- Digital Storytelling Contest
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
The Digital Storytelling Contest invites aspiring digital filmmakers and moviemaking auteurs to create an original, story-driven short based on Blizzard’s game universes. As with the Art Contest, we’re inviting you to draw inspiration from across 30 years of Blizzard history. That could mean retelling an epic story with your own spin; imagining a collision of iconic characters from different times or universes, or exploring wherever your creativity takes you. Your short can feature live-action, animation, in-game footage, or a mix of all three.
Prizes will go to first-, second-, and third-place winners, and the world will get the opportunity to watch your story unfold during the BlizzConline broadcast.
- Talent Spotlight
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
The Talent Spotlight is a chance to celebrate the wide range of unique talents and extraordinary abilities of the Blizzard community worldwide. We’re inviting original acts (solo or group) to showcase their special talent—musical, physical, magical, whimsical, or otherwise.
To be considered for this online exhibition, simply submit a video of you or your group performing, singing, dancing, or doing whatever it is you do, and you may be selected to be featured on the BlizzConline broadcast. Please be mindful of the appropriate health guidelines for any group-based performance.
- March of the Murlocs
- Entry Deadline: January 4, 2021
If you’ve attended BlizzCon in the past couple of years, you may have encountered a particularly peculiar procession, as hundreds of people masquerading as murlocs paraded through the convention halls. In honor of that grand tradition-in-the-making, we’re inviting you to participate in a virtual March of the Murlocs for BlizzConline!
To be considered, simply send us a photo or video (30–60 seconds in length, and ideally filmed horizontally) of you walking, marching, or dancing dressed up as a murloc (or your own imaginative interpretation).
Blizzcon Online, or Blizzconline as they are calling it, will happen on February 19–20, 2021. Visit the official Blizzconline website for more information, including tickets, as things progress.
