Blizzard Announces BlizzCon Date for February of Next Year in Online Format

BlizzCon, in an online format called BlizzConline, will take place Feb. 19 and 20, 2021.

After the cancellation of Blizzcon 2020, Blizzard has scheduled BlizzCon 2021 to take place in February. Of course, due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Blizzard is making some alterations to the typical BlizzCon format. The new event will be fully online and will be called BlizzConline.

Blizzard fans are eagerly anticipating news regarding Overwatch 2 and Diablo 4. Hopefully BlizzConline will provide some new details on those titles, but Blizzard hasn't confirmed anything yet.

While they haven't announced what games will appear at the show, Blizzard's official announcement contains details, official rules, and registration information for a number of Community Showcase competitions and exhibitions that will be part of the festivities:

Cosplay Exhibition

This "just for fun" showcase invites cosplayers of all skill levels to display their creations. Since everyone is submitting from home, Blizzard also invites cosplayers to send their pets dressed up for their "pet cosplay" segment as well. Cosplayers just need to send Blizzard photos or videos of their cosplay and they may show up during the event.

Cosplay Contest

More serious cosplayers can enter the Cosplay Contest, which features 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.

Again, cosplayers just need to submit their photos and videos — accessible on the announcement page.

Art Contest

Painters, sculptors, and more can submit their original artwork as to compete in the Art Contest. First-, second-, and third-place awards will be given out.

Digital Storytelling Contest

"The Digital Storytelling Contest invites aspiring digital filmmakers and moviemaking auteurs to create an original, story-driven short based on Blizzard’s game universes." Again, Blizzard is awarding prizes to the top 3 Digital Storytellers.

Talent Spotlight

The Talent Spotlight invites a person or group to show off their musical, physical, magical, or other talent in a sort of talent show.

March of the Murlocs

March of the Murlocs has been a Blizzcon staple, and Blizzard is looking to recreate it digitally. "To be considered," Blizzard writes, "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)."