Here we go again, one and all: It’s time for Massively Overpowered’s BlizzCon 2016 liveblogs! It’s a time-honored tradition, by which I mean to say liveblogs about BlizzCon are a time-honored tradition. It would have been kind of silly if we had blogged about BlizzCon 2016 in previous years.
This year, we… well, we just don’t know what to expect, do we? There’s no huge announcement that’s obviously waiting in the wings, but we know that there’s always the possibility of new stuff. There are rumors of a Diablo III expansion, the possibility of seeing what’s on deck for patch 7.2 in World of Warcraft, new stuff for Hearthstone and Overwatch… but we just don’t know. So why not jump down below and find out with us? That’s what we do here.
All times in EDT! For insta-coverage, check out the comments — we’ll be summarizing up here.
2:00 – And we’re off!
2:05 – Morhaime on stage talking milestones and the anniversaries.
2:10 – Morhaime’s teasing the 8p party and welcoming back a former employee.
2:12 – Now we’re being reminded that the Warcraft movie existed. Dammit. He’s teasing more content for WoW; the next update is already underway. He’s promising 2017 will be a good year for both factions. Very funny.
2:14 – Overwatch in review video. “Interrupted” by Sombra ARG stuff. Cute.
2:21 – Sombra is official. “I’m sure no one saw that coming,” Morhaime says. She’s playable at BlizzCon. Launching next week along with new content. Oasis in December.
2:23 – StarCraft II stuff.
2:27 – Blizzard will open StarCraft to AI researchers.
2:30 – Heroes of the Dorm and e-sports.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-p5V4nQU5k
2:34 – Blizzard is forming a professional Overwatch e-sports league.
Reveal press release about the new leagueIRVINE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Overwatch®, Blizzard Entertainment’s blockbuster team-based shooter, is now over 20 million players strong, and among that number are a new generation of sports heroes. With more and more players continuing to distinguish themselves in the game, Blizzard Entertainment today announced the creation of the Overwatch League—a world-class sports ecosystem for professional Overwatch competition. Combining Blizzard’s esports pedigree with the best practices of major professional sports, the Overwatch League will focus on long-term stability for teams as well as opportunities for players to establish the types of professional careers associated with traditional sports.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161104005964/en/
“The Overwatch League represents not only the pinnacle of Overwatch competition, but also a genuine career opportunity for the most skilled Overwatch players,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “We’re building a league that’s accessible to players and fans, sustainable, and exciting for everyone involved.”
The inaugural season of the Overwatch League will begin in 2017. At the start of the season, Blizzard will host a combine, where eligible players who have previously distinguished themselves in competition will be invited to try out for teams. Players at the combine will be evaluated across a range of tests, giving teams the opportunity to sign those who best round out their rosters. Anyone picked up by a team during the signing period will be guaranteed a contract that includes a baseline minimum salary and benefits package.
To support the growth and sustainability of local fan bases, Overwatch League teams will represent major cities from different regions. Once these city-based teams have been admitted to the league, their spots will be secured, giving them the best opportunity to grow and thrive for years to come.
Team announcements and additional Overwatch League information will be shared in the coming months. In the meantime, players who aspire to compete in the Overwatch League should continue making a name for themselves in Overwatch.
2:40 – Heroes of the Storm up next. Blackheart’s Revenge is a new map, playable at BlizzCon. New heroes:Â Varian Wrynn and Ragnaros! Also playable at the con. Varian hits the PTS next week, releasing the week after. Ragnaros in December.
2:53 – The Nexus Challenge will encourage Overwatch and HOTS players to play together for lewts.
2:55 – Hearthstone now. Clearly a Gadgetzan expansion as predicted: It’s called Mean Streets of Gadgetzan.
3:07 – Hearthstone’s expansion is coming in early December, playable at BlizzCon now.
3:08 – DIABLO III. Blizz is recreating Diablo I in Diablo III in a huge patch! “A proper old-school experience.” NECROMANCER CONFIRMED. The patch hits the PTR next week. Election joke! Reaper of Souls owners have freebie maps coming too.
The end! See you in a few hours. :)
